How do I get my strings closer to the fret board.

[Newbie101]

How do I get my strings closer to the fret board.
I just bought a new Ibanez TR bass from a pawn shop. And, as compared to my old bass, These strings are like a mile from the fretboard. How do I remedy? Oh yea, and would you tell me that I got ripped off if I told you that I bought that bass for 200$ It's in real good shape. Everything's in good shape from what I can tell.

Thanks

[Taurus]

I'm not familiar with the Ibanez line so I couldn't tell you whether the price was good or not.If you're happy with it,that's all that matters.There should be adjustments screws[allen screws] on each saddle that the strings rest on top of down at the bridge.These can adjust each saddle up or down individually.My advice would be to take it to the best bass technician in town,pay him an hours labour,and have him set the bass up to it's maximum playability.It should make a big difference in the way your bass feels and plays.As you get more experience,you'll be able to do at least some of this work yourself.

[CrawlingEye]

You can do it yourself if you want, it's just a matter of getting them even and tuning it back up.

Although, since you're a newbie you might wanna have a tech do it for you, that way it's definatly perfect.

[Angus]

Actually, you dont want them even. They should (for the most part) imitate the curvature (radius) of the fretboard at the bridge. If it was flat, the lowest and highest strings would be much farther off than the middle strings. But, by saying he just has to lower them doesnt help him.

check out www.bassplayer.com , they have some good online articles on setup, changing strings, etc.

[Bad Ass Bass]

deffinetly take it to a tech.also see if you can find the person who owned it before they may have adjusted the action for a reason. Or worst case, the neck may be bent out(this is bad) if the strings are close to the board near the 1-4 frets, far away at the 5-15, then close again at the end then its bent.but anyway take it to the shop they'll know.

[dancehallclasher]

my friend has an old ibanez with a broken truss rod, and i've never seen strings so high. if that's the problem with yours, you've been screwed.

[Joe Nerve]

You get a piece of medium guage fishing line and tie it around the neck and strings at the 14th fret. Tighten it till the strings are as close as you want them to be to the fretboard, then staple the fishing line to the back of the neck.

[CrawlingEye]

What the hell are you talking about!?! HAHAHAHAHAHA