Newb setup question

[Overwound]

Hi all,

Newb question about setups. How can you tell when a neck needs a shim vs. more truss and string height tweaking? I'm trying to get to the point where I can confidently do my own setups, but this is something I'm not sure about.

Any insight appreciated.

[Dave Kerr]

Get the relief set to taste by adjusting the truss rod first. Once the neck is as straight as you like, file down the nut slots if needed (or cut a new one if too low) and adjust the string height and intonation at the bridge. If you run out of height adjustment, up or down, at the bridge, then adjust the neck angle.