Looking for someone to set up my guitar

I was wondering if anyone can recommend a reliably proficient person to lower the action on my guitar. At the moment it feels like I need to hire a taxi to cover the distance between the strings and the fretboard.

 

I've used Kay's music in Stoke for such things & found them reasonably proficient.

Depending what kind of guitar it is I often attempt such things myself so feel free to ask for further instructions here.

 

Thanks Goldilox,
The guitar is an Ibanez semi-acoustic. I understand it is just a question of opening the cover plate and adjusting the hex screw to move the neck up or down. I supppose I am expecting it to be more of a job than that?

 

Have you ventured into the Market recently?

There is a guitar stall right near the entrance from the Mall, to the right - this is in no way my area of expertise (as are most things) - could be worth exploring?

 

The guy in the market. His name is Kevin and he is good with guitars also plays as well

Hes played in a few bands over the years

 

Just for the sake of clarity do you mean an electro-acoustic like this:

Or a semi-acoustic like this:?


Not that it matters too much, the principle is much the same for either.

What you describe is a truss rod adjustment, which changes the neck relief. It is relatively straightforward to do yourself but worth approaching with caution as you can snap the truss rod if you over tighten it. It is one of several things that a guitar tech will do, along with bridge & nut adjustments to get your guitar playing right if you take it in for a full set up.

I have had a look around at the little stall in the market, but I have no idea if the chap does repair work, which is why I suggested Kays who have done a good job setting up guitars for me in the past.

 

I'll take your advice thank you Goldilox, and leave it to the professionals then.
The guitar is an Ibanez Talmax which is most similar to the upper picture on your post.

 

Don't mess with the neck relief! This is not how you lower the action.
Before trying anything, try lighter strings.
Low action and light strings= easier playing but less tone.
Usually the bridge can be shaved down a bit.
Still high? Look at the nut.
Leave the truss rod.

 

It is if the neck relief is what is causing the high action. It does go out slowly over time on some guitars, particularly in their first few years of life as the wood settles in.

I acquired a guitar few years back where the saddle- had been shaved to the point where the strings were actually resting on the bridge & all it needed (after a new saddle) was a small truss rod tweak.

 

Apart from not looking like Bob Dylan not being able to play the guitar is my biggest regret

If you discount a world peace quiet revolution and the Hayley Mills incident of course.