Defretted Action

[mr-mungo]

I have recently defretted my bass. The action, so i am told, is too high. On the G-String, at the fith fret, it is 5mm off the fretboard, and 8mm off on the 12th fret. Is this too high, and how do i deal with the bowed neck [someone told me it should be flat]. Thanks, MB

[joelc1319]

There are a number of reasons the action could be too high. If the neck is as bowed as you say, that is partially reason, but it's wrong to assume that straightening the neck will resolve all action problems. Also, the person who told you that it should be flat is partially correct; it depends on the player and his/her playing style (harder touch requires more bow for clean tone, softer can get away with a straighter rod). The same goes for (and possibly moreso) for the action (which is adjusted at the bridge). As a general rule, the neck should be at least a LITTLE bowed to ensure that the first few positions play cleanly.

Another reason could be the nut, because it was designed for a fretted bass, and could be cut a little lower to accommodate the lack of frets.

Read the tutorials posted on the Stickys at the top of this Setup/Repair forum for basic setup instruction.

I've defretted a bass before as well, and part of the reason the action had to be a little higher was because the fretboard wasn't PERFECTLY smooth. When I do the next one, I am going to be sure that it is perfectly smooth to avoid this.

Setting up your bass is definitely something that you should learn, but be sure to do as much research on the topic as possible before turning any nuts or bolts or screws.

And also, what kind of bass is it? Some basses have the neck (truss rod) adjustment at the heel, and some have it at the headstock.

ALSO, what's high to someone else may not be high to you (action). If you like the way it plays for you, then that's how it should stay.

Either way, let us know how else we can help! But first definitely read the stickies at the top of the forum. Good luck!