Guitar Repair Business Starter
Guitar Setup Tool Links
Welcome to your ultimate guitar setup toolkit guide! I’ve organized everything into clear categories — Measurement Tools, General Maintenance Supplies, Screwdriving, Adjustment Tools, and String Winding — so you can find exactly what you need. I also highlight which tools are essential and which are nice-to-have extras, helping you invest wisely as you build your setup arsenal.
Each tool you add is an investment in yourself and your craft. Mastering guitar setup is about precision and care, and having the right tools at your fingertips makes the process smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. The payoff? A perfectly set-up guitar that plays beautifully, sounds great, and feels amazing under your fingers — every time.
Building your toolkit is a journey — start with essentials and grow from there. Investing in quality tools not only saves you time and frustration but also sets you on a path to mastering guitar setup like a pro. Every tool you add is a step toward greater confidence and better results. I wish you the best of luck on your setup mastery journey!
Measurement Tools
Official GRBS Guitar Tech Mat: This is the mat I use. It was designed by Phil Mesiti, a student.
Feeler Gauges : Used for measuring neck relief. This is an essential tool. Keep within reach.
String Action Gauge: Used for measuring string height. This is essential. Keep within reach. (Can also be used as a makeshift fret rocker.)
Capo: Almost any good capo will do. Used for measuring neck relief. If you have one, don’t buy another. Essential.
Understring Guitar Radius Gauge: Buying this tool to start with is optional.
It’s used to check the radius of the strings and fretboard. I call it a pro tool because it’s not always necessary. The way we measure string height and adjust the guitar to “dial it in” usually makes this tool redundant. Once you start making some money, you may want to pick one up — but it’s not essential at the beginning.
General Maintenance Supplies
Microfiber Polishing Papers: We use these for clean and efficient fret polishing which is essential in a professional setup. There are quite a few options for polishing frets but these are economical, easy to use and do an excellent job.
Fretboard Protectors: We use these to protect the fretboard while polishing frets. I consider them essential. Some people report that the protector leaves a line on the fretboard due to sharp metal edges. You can easily apply “Scotch” tape to the protector and it fixes the problem.
Deoxit Electronic Spray: We use this for cleaning potentiometers, switches and other electronic parts which is included in a professional setup.
Guitar Cleaner: All purpose light guitar cleaner and polish used for final cleaning. You can use any appropriate guitar cleaner brand. Do not use “under the sink” household cleaning products.
Fretboard Oil: Used to condition rosewood and ebony fretboards. Essential for General Maintenance.
Autosol Metal Polish– (Fret Polishing Alternative): Must tape off the frets to use this. Polishes frets very quickly and effectively. Inexpensive.
Frine Fret Polish– $$$ (Fret Polishing Alternative): Must tape off the frets to use this. Polishes frets very quickly and effectively. A little expensive.
Low Tac Tape For Masking Frets: You’ll need this tape for fret dressings, fret polishing and any other masking you want to do. It’s optional for a setup but essential once you start moving into other repairs.
Screwdriving:
1/4″ Nut Driver/Screwdriver Handle: Chances are, you already own one—so no need to buy a new one if that’s the case! What makes this tool especially useful is that it doubles as a truss rod adjuster for Taylor guitars, saving space and simplifying your kit. Pair it with a few small flat-head and Phillips bits for other essential tasks, like adjusting tremolo claw screws. A solid, heavy-duty tool that earns its place in your guitar maintenance arsenal.
StewMac Screwdriver Set: This set is excellent for precision screwdriving. You can use it on pickguard screws, bridge intonation, tuner screws, height adjustments and way more. I use it every single day and would highly recommend it if you have the budget. If you have the appropriate sized screwdrivers at home already, feel free to use them.
Tools For Adjustments
Allen Wrench Set (Fender, Ibanez, Etc..): This allen wrench set covers every hex key you’ll ever need for guitar setup—except for the specific tool required for Martin truss rods. It’s perfect for adjusting truss rods, bridge saddles, and other critical hardware. If your guitar has adjustable saddles (common on many electrics), you’ll definitely need the smaller sizes in this set. Ideal for working on Fenders, Epiphones, and guitars made in China, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, and beyond. A reliable, all-in-one solution to keep your guitars playing their best.
Nut Driver Set (PRS, Rickenbacker, Gibson): This nut driver set has you covered for every nut driver–style truss rod out there. It includes the sizes you’ll need for PRS, PRS, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Taylor, and more. If your guitar doesn’t use a nut driver truss rod, you won’t need these—but for those that do, this set ensures you’re ready for anything. You could buy individual tools for each brand, but this set is a convenient, all-in-one solution to cover all your bases.
** I don’t use this tool very much but it is nice to have. I use the Gibson Truss Rod Tool and my 1/4 ” Screwdriver handle. Every once in a while, I need an oddball size and that’s when I need it.
Gibson Truss Rod Tool: Gibson 5/16″ Truss Rod Nut Driver
If you’re planning to work on Gibson guitars, this 5/16″ truss rod nut driver is a must-have. It’s the correct size for Gibson truss rod nuts, allowing you to make safe, precise neck relief adjustments without damaging the nut or rod. A simple, essential tool for anyone doing Gibson setups.
Martin Truss Rod Tool: Martin 5mm Truss Rod Wrench (4.5″ Stem)
This is the essential tool for adjusting Martin guitar truss rods. The 5mm socket with a 4.5″ stem gives you the reach and fit needed to safely and accurately adjust neck relief on Martin guitars. If you’re working on Martins, don’t skip this—nothing else fits quite right.
Fender USA Truss Rod Tool–USA Fender Truss Rod Wrench (1/8″ Allen Key)
The allen wrench set we recommend will cover this and every other Fender truss rod, but if you want to work faster without hunting for the right size, this dedicated USA Fender truss rod tool is worth it. The 1/8″ size fits USA Fender truss rods perfectly. It’s easy to spot, quick to grab, and makes truss rod adjustments simpler and more efficient. A great tool to have ready when you need it.
- Fender MIM Truss Rod Tool–MIM Fender Truss Rod Wrench (3/16″ Allen Key)
While the allen wrench set we recommend will cover this and all other Fender truss rods, having this specific 3/16″ tool on hand makes life easier. It fits MIM (Made in Mexico) Fender truss rods perfectly and lets you work faster without digging through your set. Easy to see, easy to grab—this tool keeps your setup work efficient and hassle-free.
String Winding
Wire Cutters: You may already have these. You can use any plier type wire cutter.
Peg Winder: You may already have this. You can use your fingers but it’s kinda slow. I use this on Vintage tuners and for that purpose, I consider this an essential tool.
Drill Bit Peg Winder: This tool makes life so much easier when changing strings—just pop it into your drill or electric screwdriver and speed through winding. It’s great for new tuners, but I don’t recommend using it on vintage or older tuners to avoid unnecessary wear. A simple time-saver for string changes on modern guitars.
Cordless Screwdriver: The perfect match for your drill bit peg winder, this cordless screwdriver is designed with purposefully low torque—just what you need for winding strings without risking damage to your tuners. You don’t need high power or excessive speed for string changes, and this tool keeps things safe, smooth, and hassle-free. A smart upgrade for efficient, controlled string winding.
Canadian Parts Websites 🇨🇦
https://nextgenguitars.ca/?srsltid=AfmBOopdbxkR7zfY3srFJ-2qBrxCsHWRPXbk7pRdGSuIn_zOdPWEu_tG
European Parts Websites
https://www.madinter.com/en/ (European Stewmac Source)
https://www.crimsonguitars.com
https://northwestguitars.co.uk
Australian Parts Websites
https://luthiersupplies.com.au