Guitar Setup in London: What It Is, Cost and Where to Go in 2026

Looking for a guitar setup in London? If your guitar doesn't feel as comfortable to play as it used to, the strings are too high, you're experiencing fret buzz, or the instrument doesn't seem to stay in tune across the fretboard, it may be time for a professional setup.

What Is a Guitar Setup?

A guitar setup is a series of adjustments that make an instrument more comfortable to play and help it perform at its best.

Depending on the guitar, a setup can include adjusting:

• Neck relief – the curvature of the neck

• Action – the height of the strings above the fretboard

• Intonation – helping the guitar play accurately in tune across the neck

• Truss rod, bridge, saddles and nut

• Tremolo system, on applicable electric guitars

A setup is not the same as a repair. If your guitar has a broken component, damaged frets or a structural problem, it may need additional repair work.

Your Guitar Can Be in Tune but Still Have Poor Intonation

Tuning your guitar correctly means that the open strings are at the correct pitch. Intonation determines how accurately the guitar plays as you move up the fretboard.

If your open strings sound perfectly in tune but chords or notes higher up the neck sound noticeably sharp or flat, your guitar may need an intonation adjustment.

When Does a Guitar Need a Setup?

You might want to have your guitar set up if:

• You've just bought a new guitar

• The action feels too high

• You're experiencing fret buzz

• The guitar sounds out of tune higher up the neck

• You've changed string gauge

• You've started using a different tuning

• The guitar feels different after travelling or major climate changes

A new guitar doesn't necessarily need a setup, but a professional adjustment can make it more comfortable and tailor it to the player's preferences.

How Much Does a Guitar Setup Cost in London?

Prices vary depending on the guitar and work required. As a general guide, expect around £40–£80 for a standard guitar setup in London, although more complex instruments or additional repairs can cost more. Strings may also be charged separately.

Before booking, ask exactly what is included and how long the work will take.

Where Can I Get a Guitar Setup in London?

Here are some London guitar shops and specialist technicians offering setup and repair services.

Always contact the shop before travelling to confirm current prices and availability.

Folkies Music – Kilburn

Location: 358 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 2QH

Website: https://folkiesmusic.co.uk/

Independent music shop and repair centre with in-house luthiers and technicians.

Camden Guitars – Camden

Location: 23 Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AG

Website: https://camden-guitars.ueniweb.com/

Guitar shop on Chalk Farm Road. Contact them to confirm current setup prices and availability.

Tom's Guitar Shop – Greenwich

Location: Unit 15, Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ

Website: https://www.tomsguitarshop.com/

Independent guitar shop with an on-site workshop offering setup and repair services.

No.Tom Guitars – Denmark Street

Location: 6 Denmark Street, London WC2H 8LX

Website: https://notomguitars.com/

In-house workshop offering guitar and bass setups and repairs. Published setup prices start from around £45, depending on the instrument.

Regent Sounds – Denmark Street

Location: 4 Denmark Street, London WC2H 8LP

Website: https://www.regentsounds.com/

Established guitar shop on Denmark Street. Published workshop prices start from around £70.

Yamaha Music London – Soho

Location: Yamaha Music London, Soho, London

Website: https://www.yamahamusiclondon.com/

Yamaha flagship store offering guitar technical services. Contact the store to confirm current services.

Note: Services available for Yamaha instruments only.

How Often Should a Guitar Have a Setup?

There isn't a fixed schedule. A guitar needs a setup when its playability or performance changes. Pay attention to changes in action, fret buzz, tuning and overall feel. A check can also be useful after changing string gauge, travelling extensively or moving between significantly different climates.

Guitar Setup vs Guitar Repair

A setup involves adjustments to optimise playability and performance. A repair addresses damage or faulty components, such as broken headstocks, cracked bodies, loose bridges, damaged truss rods, worn frets or electronic faults.

Can You Set Up a Guitar Yourself?

Some basic adjustments can be learned, but truss rod adjustments, nut work, fretwork and complex bridge adjustments require care and the correct tools. If you're unsure what your guitar needs, a professional technician or luthier is usually the safest option.

What Should You Ask Before Booking?

1. What exactly is included in the setup?

2. Are new strings included?

3. How long will it take?

4. Will you contact me if additional work is required?

5. Is the quoted price fixed or dependent on the condition of the guitar?

Looking for Guitar Lessons in London?

Once your guitar is playing comfortably, the next step is to enjoy playing it!

At The Riff Music Academy, we provide personalised guitar lessons in London for children and adults, from complete beginners to advanced players.

Lessons can cover rock, pop, blues, R&B, fingerstyle, improvisation, music theory, songwriting and exam preparation, depending on the student's goals.

If you're looking for a guitar teacher in London, get in touch with The Riff Music Academy to find the right teacher for you or your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a guitar setup cost in London?

A standard setup typically costs around £40–£80, although prices vary. Does a new guitar need a setup? Not necessarily, but a setup can adjust it to your preferred strings, action and playing style.

Can a setup fix fret buzz?

Often, yes. But worn or uneven frets may require additional fretwork.

How long does a guitar setup take?

It depends on the technician and workshop. Some services may be same-day; others take several days.

Is a guitar setup the same as a repair?

No. A setup optimises playability, a repair addresses damage or faulty components.

Can I set up my guitar myself?

Some basic adjustments can be learned, but professional help is safest when you are unsure. Prices and services can change. Contact each shop directly before visiting to confirm current prices, availability and turnaround times.

Written by Vincenzo Lo Vasco

Founder of The Riff Music Academy

Professional Session Guitarist & Music Educator

Experienced in teaching hundreds of students across London and online.