Reddit mentions: The best guitar tools
We found 85 Reddit comments discussing the best guitar tools. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 50 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. String Action Ruler Gauge ,Forever-direct Guitar Set Up Tool for Electric Bass and Acoustic Guitar
Fit for electric guitar, Bass , acoustic guitar,mandolin,banjo,etcWith conversion chart of string action at 12th fret printed on one sideWith scale for string height, for ridge saddle slot depth and for nuts saddles and pole piecesMade of stainless steel which is stable,durable,beautiful and widely ...
2. Planet Waves Screeching Halt Acoustic Soundhole Cover
Fits a standard 4” soundholeQuick and easy to install & removeSoft rubber insert safe for guitar finishEliminate feedback and enhance stage volumeRequires no modification to the instrument
Specs:
Color | Black |
Height | 0.7086614166 Inches |
Length | 4.5275590505 Inches |
Weight | 0.18077905484 Pounds |
Width | 7.6771653465 Inches |
Release date | January 2009 |
Number of items | 1 |
3. Guitar Notched Straight Edge and FRET ROCKER
Tools includes both Notched Straight Edge and Fret Rocker LevelerPrecision CNC Machined in U.S.A.- Brushed FinishSave $ by purchasing this combinationIdeal tools needed to ensure a straight and flat guitar fret boardWorks with most electric guitars- 24.75" and 25.5" scale lengths
Specs:
Height | 2.5 Inches |
Length | 24 Inches |
Width | 2.5 Inches |
4. Feeler Gauge Set, 30 Pcs Blade Master Feeler Gauge Measuring Tool Luthier Feeler Gauge Set Rocker String Height Measuring Tool
PREMIUM MATERIAL: The durable Guitar Gauge Set Fret is made of high-quality stainless steel material and fine workmanship, which is high rust resistance, high strength and durable.THUMB WHEEL: Feeler Gauge Set provides more flexibility for allowing to remove individual feeler gauges.MULTIPLE BENIFIT...
Specs:
Weight | 0.28 Pounds |
Number of items | 1 |
5. Buzz-Off Fret Leveling Kit for Guitars
Quickly find and level high frets to eliminate fret buzzShaped sanding block crowns frets as you levelLeaves frets polished without scratchesSanding block easily modified to fit almost amy fret wireWorks on classical, acoustic and electric guitars
6. Pixnor String Action Ruler Gauge Tool for Guitar Bass
Material: Stainless Steel. Ruler size: 8.9 * 5.1cm / 3.5 * 2in (length * width).Application: electric guitar, bass and acoustic guitar. Unit: mm/ in.Scale for string height: 0.01-0.14in / 0.25-3.50mm.Scale for bridge saddle slot depth: 0-0.875in / 0-20mm.Scale for nuts saddles and polepieces: 0-0.75...
7. GrooveTech Bass Multi 2nd Generation Guitar Tools (CRU-GTMLT1)
- 4 Metric and 3 Fractional Hex Keys for US or Imported Instruments
- 2 Phillips Screwdrivers
- 2.5mm Slotted Screwdriver
- Ruler
- Heat-Treated S2 Material with Polished Chrome Finish
- 4 Metric and 3 Fractional Hex Keys for US or Imported Instruments
- 2 Phillips Screwdrivers
- 2.5mm Slotted Screwdriver
- Ruler,Heat-Treated S2 Material with Polished Chrome Finish
- There are 4 metric hex keys ,3 fractional hex keys ,2 phillips screwdrivers .
Features:
Specs:
Height | 1 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Weight | 0.02 Pounds |
Width | 3 Inches |
Release date | January 2011 |
Number of items | 1 |
8. SIREN: String Action Gauge - Guitar Setup Ruler - Luthier Tool
MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS: Measures String Height, Bridge Height, Saddle Slot Depth, Nut Slot Depth and Pickup Height on a variety of stringed instruments including Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Banjo and Mandolin.NO SHARP EDGES: The SIREN String Action Gauge has a small, lightweight, pocket-sized design with ...
Specs:
Color | Matte Black |
Height | 0.011811 Inches |
Length | 3.38582 Inches |
Width | 2.12598 Inches |
9. RackSolutions Cage Nut Removal Tool
Designed and made in Texas with pride by RackSolutions.Stainless steel with hard plastic coveringIncludes a quick, "U" space size reference guide on the backContains 3 holes for checking screw sizes (10-32, 12-24 and M6)Saves your fingers when installing and uninstalling cage nuts
Specs:
Color | Blue |
Height | 0.88 Inches |
Length | 5.63 Inches |
Weight | 0.13 Pounds |
Width | 1.63 Inches |
10. Grover 5/16" Truss Rod Wrench
- The latest ATX12V v2.31 and EPS 2.92 standards and it is backward compatible with ATX12V 2.2 and ATX12V 2.01 systems
- Silent at low to moderate load due to high efficiency and zero RPM fanless mode. Ultra quiet at high loads with 120mm dual-ball bearing fan
- 80 PLUS Platinum certified, delivering over 92% energy efficiency at real world load conditions. Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) with PF value of 0.99. Universal AC input from 90~264V
- Ten year warranty: Your guarantee of reliable operation that will last across several system builds
- NOTE: Kindly review the videos under the image section and user manual under product details for set up and user guidance.
Features:
11. AZMUSIC Premium String Action Gauge, Compact and Versatile Luthier Tool for Quick and Easy Guitar Set Up and Maintenance
- NorthSouth NY
Features:
Specs:
Height | 2.4 Inches |
Length | 4 Inches |
Weight | 0.02 Pounds |
Width | 0.2 Inches |
12. Ibanez MTZ MTZ11 Quick Access Multi Tool, Red
11 essential guitar setup tools. It is so compact that you can carry the MTZ11 in your pocketThe convenient center holes in the MTZ11's Body make it easy to access any tool you needThe wrench sizes are written clearly on the body for instant access and use
Specs:
Color | Red |
Height | 1.46 inches |
Length | 3.71 inches |
Weight | 0.31 Pounds |
Width | 1.26 inches |
Number of items | 1 |
13. Yibuy 32 PCS Stainless Steel Guitar String Height Tool Sharplace Luthier Feeler Gauge Set Feeler Gauges Imperial&Metric
Made of stainless steel, each measuring feeler gauge has 32 blades thickness; Foldable feeler gauges, easy and convenient to take and storeInch sizes: 0.0015, 0.002, 0.0025, 0.003, 0.004, 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.010, 0.010, 0.011, 0.012, 0.013, 0.014, 0.015, 0.016, 0.017, 0.018, 0.019, ...
14. Domebest Guitar Frets Nut Slotting File Kit Tools Saw Rods Slot Filing Set for Professional Guitar Accessories
▲Material: stainless steel▲Product size: approx. 85*15*10mm/3.34*0.59*0.39''▲Features: high-quality, long service-life, anti-dust and water-proof, with the longer shaft length it makes them easier handling for filing string slots▲Applicable Types: for filing string slots into nuts▲What's Y...
15. Fret Puller
- Windows 8.1, 7 inches Display
- Intel A4 1.33 GHz
- 16 GB Flash Memory, 1 GB RAM Memory
- 1 pounds
Features:
Specs:
Height | 7 Inches |
Length | 7 Inches |
Width | 5 Inches |
16. THE POSTER of PRACTICAL GUITAR CHORDS
- “The Poster of Practical Guitar Chords” is the same design that's on the “The Practical Guitar Chord and Fret Board Chart” but measures 11" X 17" - printed on 80 lb. Cover Stock - Full Color - Great for Framing!
- “The Poster of Practical Guitar Chords” has chords that you can use in a jamming or working musical environment with the most used Guitar chords. Each key starts out showing you how to play the major, major 7th, minor, minor 7th., - from there, in various keys are chord diagrams for 5th's., 6ths., 9ths., augmented, diminished, suspended, Barre (bar) chord positions, and then some ...
- Each chord diagram shows you where to put which finger on the fretboard, which open strings to play - or not to play and which fret to Barre for the Barre chords - (see the examples) - all with No Pages to turn
- Keys are listed from the top of the poster to the bottom in "Fifths" - (Ex: the top row are chords in the key of C, then comes G, D, A, E, etc.)
- Welcome to the Ultimate Resource to Learn or Review the Practical Chord Positions of Guitar - no matter your skill level, genre' or musical style ... Enjoy
Features:
17. Stretcha
- Stretcha is precision designed too made to give new strings an even, proper stretch to stay in tune instantly after restringing. This results in a better sounding instrument, as the strings will ring with a truer tone and consistency.
Features:
Specs:
Height | 1 Inches |
Length | 8.5 Inches |
Weight | 0.09 Pounds |
Width | 5.5 Inches |
18. iLuiz Guitar Neck Notched Straight Edge Luthiers Tool for Gibson Fender and Most of Guitar Fretboard and Frets
Designed to check guitar neck straightness of the fretboard and frets.Dual scale design, works well with most guitar, specially suits for Gibson(24.75") and for Fender(25.5").Works with most electric guitars.Made of 6061 Aluminium- Nice Brushed Finish.Machined Edges for Flatness / Cheaper Tools Ae N...
19. Ukulele, Bass & Mandolin Fretboard Rubber Stamp (Uke Ukelele)
This professional quality Bass, Ukulele, and Mandolin Fretboard Rubber Stamp is a great time saver for teachers, students and composers alike! Simply stamp in an empty template of your instrument on a score or notebook and fill in the desired fingerings with a pen or pencil. Think of the time you'll...
Specs:
20. Fret Crown Files Medium
Made of solid steelSoft rubber coating on the handleDouble sided (both sides are the same size)4-3/16” cutting surfaceAvailable in three sizes to cover most fret sizes (small,medium,large)
Specs:
Height | 7 Inches |
Length | 7 Inches |
Weight | 0.4375 Pounds |
Width | 5 Inches |
🎓 Reddit experts on guitar tools
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where guitar tools are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
Well, if they're all doing it, then they all need a proper set up from top to bottom, but you should learn to do it yourself. Thankfully, you have one of each of the most common types of guitars/bridges out there, so you'll learn to set up virtually any guitar you come across.
To do set ups, you'll need a few basic tools, but they'll cost less than a single set up for just one of your guitars. All you really need is a notched straight edge, a fret rocker, feeler gauges, some allen keys and screwdrivers, a good plug-in tuner and a small metal ruler capable of measuring in 64ths of an inch/millimeters (the Ibanez multi-tool is a great gizmo that's like the Swiss Army knife of guitar techs and contains all of the most common allen keys, screwdrivers, truss rod nut wrench and a ruler). You can get all you need for about $50-$60 US.
https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Notched-Straight-Edge-ROCKER/dp/B00O6KT5HO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1519439907&sr=8-5&keywords=Notched+Straight+edge&dpID=41meBDYMqoL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
https://www.amazon.com/Ibanez-Quick-access-MTZ11-Guitar/dp/B00F4SDYNS/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1519439935&sr=1-1&keywords=Ibanez+multi+tool
As you've noticed, some of your guitars don't have individual saddles, like a Strat (just one of its many superior design features). On your LP, you can only adjust the overall action on the bass or the treble side by using the thumb screws under the bridge. I'm assuming the Tele has the "vintage" saddles where each saddle holds two strings. Again, you can sort of adjust the action of each string by raising one side of the saddle, or the other, but it's not very precise and you have to find a compromise between the two. The same goes for intonating the strings. The Gretch probably has a bridge similar to the LP, but I'd need a pic to be sure.
The good news is that it's not really the humidity. I live in Florida, in the US, and it's as hot and humid as anywhere and my guitars are just fine. The only time humidity really becomes much of an issue is when there are large swings and/or during the winter when you use lots of artificial, indoor heating which severely dries out the ambient air.
Generally speaking, the order of the steps are all the same for each type of guitar, but you'll need slightly different methods to adjust the action/intonation based on the type of bridge is on the guitar.
Steps:
I know it sounds like a lot, but it's really not that bad. Just a bit tedious. However, once you get your guitars dialed in, they'll be good to go from here on out.
Check out Dave's World of Fun Stuff on YouTube, as well. He's a super funny Canadian with tons of tips and tricks for setting up, repairing and maintaining your axe.
Holler if you have any more questions.
link 1 - the notches are overkill, it's the straight edge you want because you're aligning the frets not the fretboard. Amazon has an 18" steel ruler that should work fine https://www.amazon.com/Westcott-Stainless-Steel-Office-Inches/dp/B000093IJ1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483315326&sr=8-1&keywords=18%27+ruler
link 2 That's overkill as well, you'll end up using just one or two of the files. I don't like the fret guards because it's more efficient to tape all the frets at one time than it is to tape up the guard 22 times. If you want to round the fret ends this file is similar to one I've used and will work fine. Just make sure the edge of the file doesn't saw the fretboard https://www.amazon.com/Nicholson-Triangular-Ergonomic-American-Pattern/dp/B001R1UZII/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1483315923&sr=8-12&keywords=triangular+file
link 3 - That's fine, there's another one $1 cheaper. They're basically all stamped out in China, and do the same as the $25 Stew Mac one. https://www.amazon.com/Pixnor-String-Action-Ruler-Guitar/dp/B01HM8SNHY/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1483316161&sr=1-3&keywords=String+Action+Gauge
Your choices are fine, but I'm a cheap dude. And while you're in the ordering mood, you might get a set of automotive feeler gauges. This is what you can use with the ruler to set the amount of relief the neck should have. https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-25025-Blade-Master-Feeler/dp/B000BYGIR4/ref=pd_sim_267_16?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BA62DPTD81NDZKM36V6C
More on neck relief from Fender's web site: http://www2.fender.com/experience/tech-talk/how-to-measure-neck-relief/
If you wanna learn how to work on your own guitars, Frets.com is a great resource, here's their link on neck relief and buzz diagnosis http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Technique/Setup/BuzzDiagnosis/Relief/relief.html
Good luck!
I used a set of filed-down nippers, but actual fret pullers are cheap.
I recommend gluing in a thin piece of maple to fill the fret slots instead of wood filler, it's a bit more work but keeps the neck a bit more consistent and looks great. The maple veneer business card blanks from Lee Valley were dirt cheap and worked perfectly when I defretted my Yamaha. I used a printable radius gauge to find the neck radius and also used it to cut the maple cards to fit the radiused fret slots. A flexible flush-cut saw makes cutting off the excess maple a breeze, any cheap one will do, I used the inexpensive Stanley model.
Sanding can be tricky. I discovered my fingerboard had a significant bump that needed to be sanded down, so I ponied up and ordered a radius sanding block from StewMac - no regrets, it made the sanding process very easy and extremely consistent, much better than I had been doing by hand. You don't need the fancy adhesive sandpaper they sell, just use regular half-sheets and hold it with your fingers.
If you are going to be using flats or tapewounds, you don't really need a finish on the fingerboard wood - just sand down fine (I stopped at 400-grit) and maybe add a couple light coats of mineral oil. If you desire to use roundwounds on a fretless, you may need to look into a CA or epoxy finish to prevent wear.
Don't forget you'll need to adjust your nut. I sanded down the bottom side of the nut to bring all the strings closer to the fingerboard an even amount and it worked fine, but filing the slots would also do the trick. Secure the nut with a small drop of Elmers glue once you've got the height right and you'll be in good shape.
I've been at it a while, but my approach to music is not traditional. There's a few paths to go down. Learning to read sheet music is a very difficult path, especially to start, on guitar. You want to start by learning chords. get a chord chart/poster and learn the major chords. you can play a very large percentage of songs just knowing major chords.
Also, get a capo. change key, easily play more songs with the same chords.
I was learning hey jude on piano the other night and when I looked up the music, the guitar chords were already there. easy enough. you find this in lots of music books lately. I also played guitar and other string instruments at church for a number of years, just from knowing chords. nothing fancy, but great practice.
If you want to get into advanced technique stuff, I'd save that for later months. and I can point you in some different directions for that
there is something online called 'tablature' or just 'guitar tabs' and it basically can write out songs for you in a notation that is a number on a bar and staff represeting the fret position of a note to play. it makes more sense than bar and staff , but I wouldn't call it 'reading music'. it's definitely the practical approach to learning guitar, however, and I would never frown upon it.
here's a quick example of tablature. There are also tons of apps (ipad/phone/computer) for using this notation to learn.
I looked in my gig bag for inspiration - it turns out that I just have way too much shit in there, most of which is under £15. Cheaper DIY options offered where applicable:
Conspicuous consumerism at its finest, ladies and gents.
Stretch those strings before and then retune. Use one of these though...
https://www.amazon.com/Stretcha-4334260657/dp/B0085545YO
Or lube up the nut with some big bends or pencil graphite.
Is your neck good and straight? My one strat has a thin neck and it was giving me problems for a good 6 months but now it seem to be good. I've left it out now for a while and it's good, like 4 weeks later, etc...
I've noticed too if I yank back and deck the bridge for a second or too that makes it more apparent what is out of tune when I go to tune it back...
One last thing. if you have the 6 screw bridge or two posts, this guy has a good way to set your screws (and a bunch of other things for setting strats up):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUkKZy8U_gA
Not sure I'd do a nut replacement myself (unless I has a MIM or Squier) but the Tusq, you only ever hear good things about...
Locking tuners? I think if you have less windings on the pegs you have less chance of going out of tune.
So any one of these might be the solution or a couple...
Like others have said, most likely you simply need to set the guitar up. Its not that difficult. Just take your time and be careful with the truss rod.
Refer to this Ibanez PDF.
http://www.ibanez.com/world/manual/guitars/Maintenance.pdf
Looking online you need a few things:
https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Set%EF%BC%8C30-Master-Measuring-Luthier/dp/B07594N814/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1537217933&sr=1-1&keywords=feeler+gauge+for+guitar
Adjust your neck relief accordingly.
https://www.amazon.com/Dreamtop-Understring-Radius-Luthier-Guitar/dp/B01LZBHHC2/ref=pd_sim_267_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01LZBHHC2&pd_rd_r=883fa36e-babc-11e8-87eb-1be919d0e38f&pd_rd_w=40MfM&pd_rd_wg=eOv48&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=56838e6b-66d4-41e0-a762-743f1a1a628a&pf_rd_r=C4RV6HSAJA5KWFZG20J2&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=C4RV6HSAJA5KWFZG20J2
https://www.amazon.com/String-Action-Electric-Acoustic-Guitar/dp/B00NARHNCS
The Ibanez PDF outlines these steps, but YouTube search to find more examples. Its pretty straight forward. These steps with a small investment in tools will not only save you money, but teach you how to set the guitar up in manner you prefer as opposed to paying someone.
If after all that it is still unplayable, then I might venture to guess you have a major neck issue like a broken truss rod or something.
Good luck.
Based on the description of your Strat, it sounds like it has the vintage 7.25" fretboard radius. String bending, especially in the higher registers, is know to be problematic on that fretboard radius for exactly the reasons you describe.
Essentially, you need to do a proper setup to try and lessen the problems you're describing. If you're unfamiliar, doing a setup on a Strat involves adjusting things like the truss rod for neck relief, the bridge/claws to determine how you want your tremolo setup, the action, the intonation, and the nut. In essence, everything that your strings touch that can affect how they function mechanically.
You can learn how to do this yourself even if you have no experience. Dan Erlewine has a great book to tackle just this sort of stuff called How to Make Your Electric Guitar Play Great and you can snag a used copy on Amazon for the price of a new set of strings, practically. StewMac, the company where he works and that sells supplies for guitar building, has also started releasing some very helpful YouTube videos on different aspects of the setup. You can also poke around r/Luthier for any tips you can find there (though there's a lot of shorthand that would be tough for a beginner to get into).
My advice to you would be to buy the book, read it over a weekend (it doesn't take long to get from cover to cover), buy a few tools to get the job done and learn how to setup your own guitars so you'll always be able to make sure they're in perfect playing condition and won't have to rely on your local Guitar Center.
Basic tools you'd need include either a pre-assemlbed kit if you want to go the expensive route or a few of the individual components from elsewhere:
If you can install a stereo, hang a picture and put together a puzzle, you can set up your own guitar.
Every guitar player should learn to set up their guitars. It only takes a little practice to get pretty good at it. Then you can set them up however you want and it wont cost you money.
As /r/startrekmike suggested, there are a few inexpensive tools worth purchasing. People here will tell you that you dont need them, but I disagree. A set of feeler gauges and a string height gauge makes setting them up much easier and faster. With those tools, you can get an immediate picture of the guitars current condition and address it from there. Its really easy.
https://www.amazon.com/E-direct-String-Action-Measuring-Electric/dp/B00ZI3OQC2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468263567&sr=8-1&keywords=string+height+gauge
https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-68050-Valve-Feeler-Gauge/dp/B0009OR94M/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1468263581&sr=8-6&keywords=feeler+gauges
These two tools will let you measure string height and neck relief.
You could DIY lyric charts with a rubber stamp and find chords on the web.
Tabbing them out DIY-style helps with memorizing songs, too. I think playing tunes you like is a good way to stick with practicing, but so much of "sounding good" comes from that picking hand.
I would also recommend Sketchy Setups. I found the strat one good for printing out and taking notes on. Also a Good tip in there for using old strings to make feeler gauges. They do cost $5 a piece
The correct hex keys and a String Action Gauge also help a lot. I like the one linked as it has a /64” to decimal conversion on the back. Also, aluminum, so you can measure your string to pickup heights without sticking to the pickups (and potentially demagnetizing them in small steps over time).
Check your library for Dan Erelwine’s books too...
Here is what I consider the bare necessities:
Radius block: Get one with the radius to match your fretboard. Attach self-adhesive sandpaper or use double-sided tape, mark your frets with a Sharpie, and start leveling.
Fret crowning file: Pick one that's the appropriate size for your frets. You can find info on what size to use on Stew Mac's site.
Needle files: These are just good to have. They'll be helpful to file the fret ends among other things.
Extra fine sandpaper/0000 steel wool: Once your frets are shaped, you will want to polish them. Steel wool won't give you the shiniest finish, but it's perfectly presentable. If you want mirror-finish frets, use fine sandpapers or fret erasers. ALWAYS mask your pickups or do your fretting with the neck detached from the body. You will end up with fret filings and steel wool particles all over your pups otherwise.
For tutorials and advice, check out r/Luthier or the Crimson Guitars YouTube channel.
http://www.amazon.com/J-S-Bogdanovich-Guitars-Buzz-Off%C2%AE-Leveling/dp/B003WRG9SK/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1451674481&sr=8-8&keywords=fret+rocker
I use this to level frets and it gets the job done. It's pretty good for eliminating high frets. Just be careful and go slowly. It's surprisingly really easy to sand frets too low.
UGH, LP's, you need a specific wrech made for their kind of truss rod. I've gone through multiple wrenches at home depot and none of them fit.
This is the wrench for LP's
http://www.amazon.com/Grover-16-Truss-Rod-Wrench/dp/B00DQU3TCW/ref=pd_cp_MI_0
Those kits are super inflated in price. Just go to a hardware store, get a one of those "all in one" hardware kits (the ones that come with a hammer, screwdriver with all those interchangable driver heads, allen wrench set), at home depot it's about $15. Thats all I use for my set ups.
If you want to go by measurements and be really specific, this is a really great tool. But, I suggest personal feel and (careful and conscious) experimentation based off feel, if you're comfortable with that sort of thing.
If your acoustic has a pickup, you can, but the guitar might have a lot of feedback since it's a hollow body.
Gently stuffing it with newspaper/scrap paper and/or getting a rubber soundhole cover would help cut back on the feedback, if only a bit.
Of course, you don't have to cut back on feedback entirely. Just get it down to a level where you have more control over it and can use it as you want.
Alternatively you could browse pawn shops and look for a good but cheap guitar. At least where I am, you can find a lot of older Teisco guitars that aren't exactly the desirable models for anywhere from $40-100. The really cheap ones aren't in great condition, but they aren't in pieces or about to be either.
You'll, of course, need an amp for either option.
It just makes it easy to see how much bow the guitar has. I also recommend one of those rectangular tools that shows you the string height. Something like this. Those two tools tell you most of what you need to know. Another useful tool is radius gauges for whatever radius your guitar is, but I would say the notched straight edge and this tool get you 90-95% of the way there once you learn to use them.
https://www.amazon.com/String-Action-Forever-direct-Electric-Acoustic/dp/B00ZI3OQC2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UVK8G0A/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1506388441&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=cage+nut+tool&dpPl=1&dpID=412A9O6jSIL&ref=plSrch
Game changer man. Still the occasional injury, but works pretty well most of the time.
How cheap?
You could start by filling the guitar body with foam, in torn off gravel-like pieces (you want an even filling that's not too tight).
You'll probably need one of those sound-hole covers to keep the foam in:
https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Screeching-Acoustic-Soundhole/dp/B0010SHU18/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1503384410&sr=1-1&keywords=acoustic+soundhole+cover
Then you are going to want a stick-on piezo acoustic pickup, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/SUNYIN-Transducer-Microphone-Classical-Cello-Black/dp/B01M1GG05L/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503384035&sr=8-2&keywords=piezo+acoustic+guitar+pickup
Stick it directly to the bridge, as close to the bass strings as possible.
And you will need a headphone amp, something like this might work:
https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-611500-Headphone-Amplifier-Guitar/dp/B00AJHE5E6/ref=sr_1_10?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1503384156&sr=1-10&keywords=guitar+headphone+amp
You may need an adapter to plug it into the pickup
This setup is not going to sound great, but it's cheap!
Sounds like you're playing acoustic; something like this may help: Planet Waves Screeching Halt Acoustic Soundhole Cover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010SHU18/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Kt8Nzb5Y71T7P
On a side not that kit is fucking hella expensive and you don't even have nut files. Here is what I purchased for my setup kit.
https://www.amazon.com/StewMac-Gauged-Slotting-Electric-Strings/dp/B06XB1NS2X/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1527801980&sr=1-1&keywords=stewmac+nut+file
https://www.amazon.com/String-Action-Forever-direct-Electric-Acoustic/dp/B00ZI3OQC2/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1527802028&sr=1-4&keywords=guitar+string+gauge+tool
https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Winder-Multifunction-Instrument-Accessories/dp/B079FMH1SJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1527802048&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=guitar+cutter&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Set%EF%BC%8C30-Master-Measuring-Luthier/dp/B07594N814/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1527802066&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=feeler+gauge+for+guitar&psc=1
Honestly the nut files are one of the most important parts I can grab feeler gauges and wire cutters from any dept store. The guitar specific measuring tool is not needed, just a nice to have.
That depends on the height action. You need a special ruler. Generally 3/64" to 7/64". Generally fine at 4/64" or 5/64" as a sweet spot.
https://www.amazon.com/AZMUSIC-String-Action-Gauge-Measurement/dp/B01GH436CQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1509581634&sr=8-5&keywords=guitar+ruler
Adjusting height action works a lot of teh time but if you have to go too high on the action, then that means you need to adjust the truss rod.
There's tons of vids how to do this yourself on Youtube. But if you're like most who don't trust themselves, then take it a Luthier you find on Yelp.
Setting up your bass is easy if you have the tools. I have a six string so I run a relief of .015 a string height of between 4/64ths and 5/64ths at the 24th fret. If you play hard you will probably want to be higher like 6/64th.
This guy suggests some
https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/how-to-set-up-a-bass/
But you really only need these
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JS69756
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07594N814
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HG29EYI
I check all my basses before the gig and bring the tools with me because North Carolina has some crazy temp/humidity swings.
Once you get it setup and are used to it, you will instantly when it's off and how to fix it.
You fix it.
Research 'electric guitar setup' on the googles and youtubes for a plethora of demos and instruction docs. Fender even has a tutorial on their website that will still be applicable to a PRS for most of the details.
Basically you take all the strings off the guitar and use the truss rod to achieve a totally flat neck surface, measured with a notched straight edge. Then you file down all the frets so they're level with each other. Now the top of the frets are all flat instead of round so you have to re-crown them with a fret crowning file. Once that's done you've got scratch marks all over the frets so you have to polish them with increasing grit sandpapers and eventually steel wool or a polishing wheel so they're shiny.
Restring the guitar, readjust truss rod to compensate for string tension to get the neck straight again and most of the work is now done.
Then you'll be fiddling with the bridge saddles to get the action and intonation spot on and you've saved yourself $100 in luthier costs.
They also make this which I buy for all of my guitar cases and keep in the little candy pocket. Its great for any small adjustments you have to make to action, intonation, and truss rods on the fly.
Feeler gages and a quality small ruler will go a long way. You can buy something like this to check your pick up height and clearances, and the proper feeler gages can be found at your local auto parts store. There's also radius gauges available so you can match your saddle heights to your neck radius correctly but that's not super important if your clearances are set properly.
Honestly the biggest problem is finding a quality straight edge. As in one that is 100% guaranteed perfect. StewMac has them for an insane high price but the alternative is rolling the dice with straight edges that aren't built to the same narrow margin of error. Here is the one I use, but fair warning that the reviews on it are mixed bag. Mine seems okay, but I'll never know for sure.
Learn to set up the guitar yourself. There’s a setup guide for Strats at Fender.com. Buy an action gauge and get to work. Save your money for a new guitar. Just be aware that Fender’s suggested measurements for action are a little optimistic (you aren’t going that low without a PLEK job).
Thanks for the help, especially about the budget tools!
I don't have access to anything that can cut metal (no shears or saws). So, I could buy a metal ruler at home depot, but would also have to buy a pair of metal shears. Should I just buy this luthier's tool:
https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Neck-Straight-Notched-Luthiers/dp/B00DALF966/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483312680&sr=8-1&keywords=guitar+neck+straight+edge
Also what do you think about this tool set:
https://www.amazon.com/Including-Fingerboard-Protector-Maintenance-Esdabem/dp/B01N5B7LKM/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1483313150&sr=1-4&keywords=leveling+tool+frets
and this tool:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GH436CQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3M7ATO72KRMP6
Some of my favorite low cost set up tools are also the ones that I use the most.
The FretGuru is a multipurpose measuring tool that can help you set nut height, action, relief and other measurements down to .005 on an inch. Also is a fret rocker
The Buzz off is a small collection of tools to sand down high frets. It can all be bought at home depot, but this kit is cool if you only need to do a few setups.
The ESP multi tool used to pry off knobs, and tighten and loosen multiple size nuts. Its small enough to get under strings so you can tighten machine head nuts without having to take off strings. Also for tone pros bridge saddles that don't have the flathead slot at the top.
What notched straightedge do you have? Is it possible that it's not flat?
I bought this one which had good reviews, but it was hilariously warped when I checked it.
Unless I'm missing something, that's a typical Gibson truss rod. They use an "acorn" nut, which is different to the more common hex wrench found on Fenders, PRS, etc. There's a handy tool you can buy that has a small screwdriver on one end to remove the TR cover, and a socket on the other to actually adjust the rod. Google "gibson truss rod wrench" and it'll pull up lots of sources (here's one made by Grover on Amazon for under $7 shipped.) You can also use any 5/16" socket wrench or nut driver that'll fit in the cutout.
Here's a similar one that won't slice your hand open. Here's a better one for when you have to do a lot of them.
I saw a fret buzz kit for about $17. http://www.amazon.com/J-S-Bogdanovich-Guitars-Buzz-Off%C2%AE-Leveling/dp/B003WRG9SK
I was thinking of getting this since it may be a cheap alternative. I read that I could alternatively take a rubber mallet and lightly tap the frets down as well. does anyone know of any tutorials that instruct on how to use a rubber mallet on the fretboard? I don't want to break my guitar :p
Your left hand shouldn't need to do a lot of work as far as finger strength on a bass. Get an action height tool and measure your string height at the 12th fret. Adjust bridge/truss rod as needed. I keep my action at about 1.5 mm or less, but I think "low action" is around 2-2.5 mm.
Buy one of these and one of these and you'll be good to go.
It's not the best solution, but it's the cheapest and it works.
You don't need the soundhole cover either, but it prevents feedback.
Here, but it wasn't exactly difficult to google it :
http://www.amazon.com/Deluxe-Cage-Insertion-Extraction-Tool/dp/B009F08HNS
http://www.amazon.com/4HARCNITOOL-A-Star-Case-Cage-Tool/dp/B00DL09HPU
http://www.amazon.com/RackSolutions-Cage-Nut-Tool/dp/B00UVK8G0A
Here you go. I have one and can vouch it makes the guitar much quieter.
http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Screeching-Acoustic-Soundhole/dp/B0010SHU18
One of these will sort out your feedback issue
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Planet-Waves-Screeching-Acoustic-Soundhole/dp/B0010SHU18/ref=asc_df_B0010SHU18/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310853155332&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12320903516801194255&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006736&hvtargid=pla-406644736535&psc=1&th=1&psc=1
Being broke, ive tried some cheap aliexpress tools and hardware. Its a mixed bag. Out of those Ive tried or found elsewhere:
Radius sanding blocks are okay. But before using make sure to put some varnish\sealant on them before use. I used sandpaper with double sided tape, and when removed it peeled up some of the wood along the grain. (they work, and were the advertised radius but wouldn't expect them to last long)
Tried a crowning file that was similar to that one (but not purchased from there, and it was mostly crap, filing surface hardly worked at all.
The action ruler looks similar to the one I bought, but has different text on it. the one i got was a few bucks more but solid. https://www.amazon.com/Pixnor-String-Action-Ruler-Guitar/dp/B01HM8SNHY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1478093079&sr=8-2&keywords=string+action+ruler
Fretboard protection Ive just used painters tape whenever i filed the ends before for a thin layer of protection.