OpenTube

Ibanez Acoustic Set Up

The Angry Mushroom Emporium

46,528 views

Someone asked, "Can you share some info on how to lower the action on an Ibanez PF5NT?"

In this video we do a set up on and Ibanez acoustic steel string guitar. This is a dreadnought acoustic model PF5NT.

Time-codes to jump to scenes to save time:
0:00 Intro
0:54 neck check
2:00 Measure relief and Truss rod adjustment
5:41 String height 12th fret
7:25 Removing strings and bridge pins
8:46 Save the strings for Stella
9:02 remove bridge saddle, surprise underneath
9:54 Lower action on saddle with sandpaper
10:57 Install saddle and re-string
13:24 tune and re-check string height
14:01 Nut measurement and adjustment
15:23 Nut slots explained
16:45 Nut file choices
18:18 Filing nut slots
21:48 final nut shaping
28:15 Guitar Demo / end

Links to tools, books and accessories that really help me in the guitar shop:
Guitar Player Repair Guide. Set up specs and repair tips
https://amzn.to/3vmG2mY

Guitar Tech Kit
https://amzn.to/2PUc4X8

Ernie Ball Earthwood strings light
https://amzn.to/3ctUC3n

Drill Bit Peg Winder
https://amzn.to/3eGU7po

Dunlop 65 polish
https://amzn.to/3ct5w9L

Stewmac nut files
https://amzn.to/3cvPbRB

4 in 1 hand rasp
https://amzn.to/2OSrJ8W

Be sure to subscribe for more guitar shop tips and demos.
Thanks for watching!

20 Comments

@danielclose7911 2 years ago

Love the amount of detail.
Thanks

@nyacoustics8373 5 years ago

tons of great details in this video! i also like the on screen tips that are highlighted and typed. very well done !

@petestaint8312 5 years ago

Fantastic video! Thanks for posting. 👍

@roberthowson4063 2 years ago

Excellent video.. i like your casually style. Lots of great tips. Thanks

@johnrussels5731 5 years ago

Great demo! Thanks a lot …

@danielclose7911 2 years ago

Thank you, awesome!

@louismateo7544 5 years ago

I’ve been watching videos from fender to really good luthiers but yours is more enjoyable and informative. Thank you!

@Bobanero-e5p 3 months ago

I have the same guitar. It sounded horrible. I followed the video and your instructions to a tee. Amazing results! Sounds nearly as good as my more expensive instruments. Very playable and enjoyable now. Thanks!

@BodieHammer 2 years ago

Great video! I am in the midst of setting up my Ibanez AE that has been in the closet for some years. Retired now, so I have time and interest in learning how to make it my own. Keep up the great instructional dialogue!

@davidlynch5998 2 years ago

Absolutely great sir, thanks a million

@Joker_Mindz69 5 months ago

I Just Did This on My 94 Alvarez Acoustic 💯🤘🏼

@davidburr9316 1 year ago

Thank you for a great instructional video - just what I was looking for. Did I see a 400’ film can on your bench there.

@GameBreed-c9l 9 months ago

For string 3(G) , 2(B) & 1(E) it doesnt look half way down, and mostly setup on all this string are fully down inside in the nut. Does using the radius scale measure can be applied on the nut area levelling?

@user-qm7nw7vd5s 1 year ago (edited)

Great, no-nonsense video. Question: Is string height measured from fretboard (wood) to string, or from the fret (metal) to string? What about intonation?

My intonation, on a classical guitar, is a little off, on the first string. But it is not so noticeable that I need to do fix it. On an acoustic guitar, it is a big deal trying to tweak intonation, especially in the saddle is already adjusted for the lowest action.

@wyattsdad8561 2 years ago

I bought a set of HOSCO nut files made in Japan and there is like 10 or 12 of them that came in the kit. And they’ll do every size slot you will ever need. I paid like 130 for all of them. They came in a set. Some of the best money I’ve spent. No more fxckin around with welding tip cleaners or needle files that aren’t really able to make clean, proper size and shaped slots. BTW, nut files are rounded at the business end and make a rounded slot which is important for a ROUND string to lay into. Get the HOSCO’s. They are way better priced than StuMac. And you get more files.
(Japanese steel) is as good as American steel. And way way better than China steel.