You know the feeling: a guitar that buzzes, sits too high, or drifts out of tune before the second song. Hosted by Daryl vanderGroef of the Utah School of Lutherie©, The Setup Bench is a guitar setup class in Logan, Utah, where you bring your own guitar and leave knowing how to make it play its best.In three sessions and nine hours, you’ll learn the adjustments a professional luthier makes, using his tools in his working shop. It’s for players tired of paying for every setup, new guitar owners who want to understand their instrument, and anyone curious about the workbench side of music.
Curriculum
Session 1: The Diagnosis (3 hours). Your guitar plays better before you leave. You’ll learn to read neck relief, measure action and check intonation, then adjust the truss rod, saddle and nut to lower the action on your own guitar. Session 1 can be booked on its own as a complete setup lesson.
Session 2: The Frets (3 hours). You’ll find and remove the buzz. You’ll learn to spot high and worn frets, then level, crown and polish them with a luthier’s tools, on a practice neck first and then on your own guitar if it needs it.
Session 3: The Final Setup (3 hours). Your guitar leaves playing its best. You’ll set intonation, cut or adjust the nut slots, and learn basic soldering for pickups, jacks and switches. You’ll finish with a full setup checklist to use at home.
The Investment
| Session | Focus | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Diagnosis, Truss Rod, Action & Nut |
$125 |
| 2 |
Fret Leveling, Crowning & Polishing |
$150 |
| 3 |
Intonation, Electronics & Final Setup |
$150 |
| Total | Each session lasts three hours in duration. | $425 per Guest |
The Foundation
You learn setup fastest on the guitar you actually play. Every adjustment you make in class changes how your own instrument feels, so the skill sticks because you can hear and feel the result.
The three sessions build in order: measure first, then fix the frets, then fine-tune everything around them. Spacing them out lets you play your guitar between sessions and come back with real questions. Daryl teaches with the same measured approach he uses in his Scientific Lutherie course, so you learn the numbers behind a great setup, not just the moves.
Meet Your Host
Daryl vanderGroef
Daryl vanderGroef is the founder and master luthier of the Utah School of Lutherie© at de Houtwinkel in Logan. He builds custom acoustic and electric guitars and teaches setup, fret work and electronics as part of his full lutherie course. The school describes itself as nationally recognized in the Guild of American Luthiers and by StewMac.
He also built Lutherie Log™, the shop and acoustics software he uses to track builds. A recent graduate praised his one-on-one teaching and how responsive he is to questions.
Come Prepared With
Bring your own guitar: acoustic or electric, steel-string or classical. Note anything that bothers you about how it plays, such as buzzing, high action or tuning problems. No repair experience is needed. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Provided For You
All setup and fret tools for use in class, a practice neck for fret work, a fresh set of strings for your guitar, polishing supplies, soldering equipment, and safety gear (eye protection). You’ll take home a setup checklist and measurement sheet for future adjustments.
About The Setting
You’ll work in de Houtwinkel, Daryl’s working lutherie shop in Logan, Utah, among tonewood, hand tools and guitars in progress. Each guest has their own bench space. Parking and access details will be private messaged.
Location
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FAQ
What is included in my initial reservation?
By default, your reservation secures Session 1 of the Comprendate. To book the full journey as outlined in the Investment section, simply select the additional sessions during the reservation process.
What is the Community Investment contribution?
A small contribution that fuels the Comprendate ecosystem, ensuring safe connections, quality host vetting, and a vibrant community where curiosity and passion can thrive. The contribution is a flat $12 per booking.
How do I reschedule, cancel, or request a refund?
To reschedule or cancel your Comprendate booking, please message your Host directly. Guests receive a 100% refund for cancellations made at least 12 hours in advance. For additional details, please refer to the Comprendate Promise.
How do I find the meeting location?
Once you reserve a time slot, the Host will send over a welcome message with the precise address and everything you need for a smooth arrival.
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