Concerns when changing the action of the strings

[alneto]

Hi,

I'm a completely newbie when it comes to changing the bass setup, but I'd like to lower the action of my P-Bass, however I don't know if that affects the octaves or something like that. What should I do right after changing the action to keep the same configuration in the sound itself?

Thanks!

PS: Sorry for my bad English.

[Basshoofd]

If you don't know what you're doing, I suggest learning about bass setups before you start changing things. There's plenty of info online. Basically:

-Set proper neck relief
-Change string height
-Intonate each string

In that order. When you're done, check everything again.

[Chasarms]

Slight changes to the saddle height are probably not going to alter the intonation so much as to make the bass unplayable.

If you alter the relief of the neck, the saddle height changes are usually going to be more severe and the likelihood of needing to re-set the intonation becomes greater.

All that said, you really should learn the process of setting up a bass. It's part of it.

[darkstorm]

Lowering the saddles for better action gives better action not a change to fretted notes note. A small change for the better in many cases, to the sound can result from lower action. But note stays the same for all practical purposes once you retune the string after adjusting action of course. Since lowering saddle means less tension and thus a need for some tweaking of tuning.

[alneto]

I guess I'll let a luthier handle this while I watch and learn with him.

Thank you all for the tips.