Does anyone else suffer from "F.T.S.?"

Mikeyd74 · #1 09-26-2008, 10:52 AM

Frequent Tinkering Syndrome.

I always seem to be tinkering with my string height, pickup height, truss rod adjustment, intonation, etc.
I just can't seem to leave my basses alone.
I'll be happy for a couple of weeks and then I start tinkering again.
I only have one bass that I hardly ever mess with and I've been playing it for 15 years.
Maybe I should of become a bass tech.

Largedon · #2 09-26-2008, 11:06 AM

Lately I've really been messing with my tone and set-up. I could see how it would be easy to get addicted to tinkering. It seems like I'm always curious as to what an adjustment here or tweek there will do to the feel and tone.

ebladeboi123 · #3 09-26-2008, 11:11 AM

I do like every month or so. But I'm very scared of the truss rod, because you can mess your bass up for good with that...

CapnSev · #4 09-26-2008, 11:16 AM

I am always messing with my setup! I am king of FTS!

I always think: "That's pretty good action, but I can do better." Then it turns out to be: "Nope. I can't get it better." Then I try it again later.

Mikeyd74 · #5 09-26-2008, 11:17 AM

I was afraid to mess with the truss rod for a long time, now it's no different to me then adjusting the pickups. I just make sure I only make slight adjustments, never turning the nut more then a 1/4 turn per adjustment. I usually wait a day before I'll adjust it another 1/4 turn if I think it still needs it.

**iriegnome** · #6 09-26-2008, 11:39 AM

I almost never make any adjustments to my basses. They are really very good and stable. My Modulus' are extremely stable as well.

xshawnxearthx · #7 09-26-2008, 11:54 AM

my stingray used to get tinkered with every other week.

on my p-bass, it took me awhile to get it to where it's perfect. the action, the intonation, the string height, pickup height, radius, etc etc. now that i have everything perfect and know how it feels, if something is off due to the weather or whatever, i adjust it. no need to over do things. it's a very stable instrument.

**Rune Bivrin** · #8 09-26-2008, 12:02 PM

My bass was excellently setup when I bought it, and I have no desire to upset my setup. I've tweaked the truss rod once for a little more relief, and that's it.

My guitars have all been seriously tweaked, but then they have all had poorly done nuts. String height always too high.

I've come to the conclusion that tweaking is the main excuse for not practicing, so I've stopped doing it.

Willy2911 · #9 09-26-2008, 12:08 PM

I sometimes rock my pickups, or adjust my action, but I never fiddle w/ the truss rods -
I have enough problems keeping my SH#@ in tune. I would recomend letting a pro make those adjustments - or at least learn what you are doing and why. My daily bass is a neck thru - which is really nice - I am not much for bolt ons.