Can't seem to get low (enough) action ?? for me

NS2A · #1 07-19-2009, 07:36 PM

I have 2 basses. Both are exactly the same models, made out of the same materials. Except one has super low action which I like and plays like a dream, and the other can't seem to take as low of an action. I took the one in to get the frets leveled and dressed. The guy even took action measurements off my "perfect" bass. It was better, but still not the same. I've messed with the action and nothing.

Any idea why?

Both necks are super straight.

Anything else I should look for?

**bass4worship** · #2 07-20-2009, 08:27 AM

What may be causing the problem is that the fretts are no longer the same height and the bridge saddles may be as low as it can go.

rumblethump · #3 07-21-2009, 03:12 PM

Is there still room to lower the bridge? If not, you might need to shim the neck.

Greevus · #4 07-21-2009, 03:24 PM

I feel you brother. No two basses are ever the same. I've tried and tried. I've recently come to the conclusion that if you like one PLAY IT. We all get the GAS....over and over and over. I've done the same thing with measurements, same repairman, etc, and sometimes it just ain't happening. It's aggravating to have to set one up much higher than another, but this is the nature and character of different guitars. Rumblethump may be correct in shimming if you can.

humpy thumb · #5 07-21-2009, 07:35 PM

If you have a local tech with a PLEK machine & can afford to spend a couple hundred dollars,get your baby PLEKked.It'll give you a set up that no human can match.

JLS · #6 07-22-2009, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humpy thumb

If you have a local tech with a PLEK machine & can afford to spend a couple hundred dollars,get your baby PLEKked.It'll give you a set up that no human can match.

I disagree.

NS2A · #7 07-22-2009, 01:04 PM

It's a neck thru and there is plenty of room to move the saddles down. The only thing I could think is maybe it's the nut? But that doesn't really make sense I've been told.

I dunno...

XylemBassGuitar · #8 07-23-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humpy thumb

If you have a local tech with a PLEK machine & can afford to spend a couple hundred dollars,get your baby PLEKked.It'll give you a set up that no human can match.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

I disagree.

Me too...

I'm sure a Plek can do it faster...but there are guys out there who can easily set up an instrument as well as a Plek machine.

JLS · #9 07-23-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XylemBassGuitar

Me too...

I'm sure a Plek can do it faster...but there are guys out there who can easily set up an instrument as well as a Plek machine.

I wonder how long it actually takes for a plekjob, including the necessary handwork & setup...

Bob C · #10 07-23-2009, 07:50 PM

Action at the nut IS as important as anywhere else on your bass, especially when you're fine tuning. So, yes that makes sense.

If you had a perfectly straight neck and a super-high nut (or shallow slots), you would have stiff action in the lower frets. Lowering the bridge a lot would help, but you might end up maxing out somewhere in the middle of the neck.

Some basses have nuts cut too low, resulting in a need for exaggerated relief to eliminate buzzing.

A little goes a long way, of course. But definitely compare the string height at the nut to that of your other bass.

That said, I agree that no two basses are exactly alike. Good luck.

Burlington · #11 07-23-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XylemBassGuitar

Me too...

I'm sure a Plek can do it faster...but there are guys out there who can easily set up an instrument as well as a Plek machine.

There are guys who can set up frets to within 1/1000mmm? Who are these people?
OP, PLEK is your answer. But as someone else said, no two basses are ever gonna be exactly the same.

Billy B · #12 07-24-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burlington

There are guys who can set up frets to within 1/1000mmm? Who are these people?
OP, PLEK is your answer. But as someone else said, no two basses are ever gonna be exactly the same.

An experienced set up person will get the most out of a PLEK Machine. Some people really have not mastered how to use the PLEK. Don't get me wrong.... The PLEK machine is a major breakthrough in bass technology but you need to still have the bass put in the hands of or have it PLEK'D by an experienced set up person like Carl from Lakland Bass Guitars. Every Lakland Skyline bass is Plek'd and put together in the Chicago plant. The action is low.... and buzz free! Mines was personally set up by Carl. I detune my 5-string fretted down a half-step which requires a trussrod neck adjustment. Carl dialed it in and that bass plays like a million bucks!!!!!!!!

humpy thumb · #13 07-25-2009, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XylemBassGuitar

Me too...

I'm sure a Plek can do it faster...but there are guys out there who can easily set up an instrument as well as a Plek machine.

Here's some info that will explain things better than I can.

http://www.plek.com/en_US/produkte/plek-pro/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG4BOLlKOb4

humpy thumb · #14 07-25-2009, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burlington

There are guys who can set up frets to within 1/1000mmm? Who are these people?
OP, PLEK is your answer. But as someone else said, no two basses are ever gonna be exactly the same.

That's 1/100mm or 0.001mm

ByF · #15 07-25-2009, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humpy thumb

That's 1/100mm or 0.001mm

From looking at the Plek catalog, I think you mean 0.01 mm-- one hundredth of a millimeter.

Ed

wildhorse · #16 07-25-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NS2A

It's a neck thru and there is plenty of room to move the saddles down. The only thing I could think is maybe it's the nut? But that doesn't really make sense I've been told.

I dunno...

Lower it down to where you want it and then put some relief in the neck. Super straight may not be what it wants.
Just my thought.