The TRAIN Method: Setting Up a T-Style Guitar Kit

The time has come to set "Stewie" up! In this episode of Ted Talks Guitars and Life, we are diving deep into the setup phase of the StewMac T-Style guitar kit. I’m walking through every step of the TRAIN methodology—a systematic approach to getting a guitar workbench-ready. Setting up a kit can be intimidating, but it isn’t rocket science. From checking neck relief to dialing in the intonation on a 3-saddle bridge, I’m showing you the exact steps I take to get everything aligned and ready. Grab your snacks—I always suggest a Diet Coke and some popcorn—and let’s get into the setup! Timestamps 1:56 Top-loading bridge tips: Protecting your finish 3:46 Encouragement: Why you should do your own tech work 5:53 Guitars and Life Theme Song 6:43 Bench work: Aligning the bridge and neck 10:11 Breaking Down the TRAIN Method 11:23 T - Tune: Getting to pitch and workbench setup 12:51 R - Relief: Measuring neck straightness (Old school vs. Gauges) 15:52 A - Action: Setting string height for a "thumper" 17:21 I - Intonation: "Close enough for rock and roll" 22:28 Setting pickup height to prevent magnetic pull 24:02 N - Nut: Filing and cleaning the nut slots 27:52 Final workbench thoughts Resources for Your Build: The Full "Stewie" Build Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMhTW3lOIKQ1iL_jqhsHqalApbtOgHsRE Featured Channel (Aaron): https://www.youtube.com/@AOsAreaofOperations ____ Checkout our playlist page for more series and journeys https://www.youtube.com/@TedTalksGuitars/playlists Special Thanks to our channel members "The Jacks" Want to support the channel? Feel free to explore Channel membership options: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBr6kaWeOvldTHvntB3tnMg/join Ted Talks Guitars & Life Merch Store: https://tedtalksguitars-shop.fourthwall.com/ Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3W3PZox *If you click on this link to shop at Amazon the channel will receive a modest financial commission from your purchases. Guyker Referral Link: https://www.guyker.com/?ref=tedtalksguitars If you use the link you will save 15% at Guyker Use the coupon code: TEDSMITH #GuitarSetup #TRAINmethod #StewMac #DIYGuitar #Telecaster #TStyle #GuitarTech #GuitarsAndLife #StewieBuild