How do you like your bass setup?

AmadeusXeno · #1 04-09-2011, 08:47 AM

Just thought I'd see how everyone likes their neck and action. If you could put in your preferance and string gauge that'd be good too.

I use a 45-105 set on my 4 string and add a 30 & 130 for my 6 string basses. I set my neck with about 1/16" relief. Then I set my action as low as I can without getting any fret buzz. I guess with the string gauge I use it's a medium low action. I like doing hammer-ons and pull-offs so setting my action lower helps me with this.

Let's hear what everyone else is doing.

madmatt · #2 04-09-2011, 08:53 AM

I have found that the lowest action possible is only worth a hoot when I play alone. When I play with a group and things get to pumping I find that I wish I had a higher string height because I tend to be a lot more aggresive and the strings start rattling on the frets. Usually around 7/64ths on the E-side and 6/64ths on the G-side at the 17th fret.

Pilgrim · #3 04-09-2011, 09:15 AM

I like it just fine, thanks.

iammr2 · #4 04-09-2011, 09:35 AM

Over easy, with a side order of pancakes.

SMILEYSIXX · #5 04-09-2011, 09:48 AM

The tech I had do work on my bass replaced my nut with the graph tech I wanted and for some reason cut it really low, though I love my action high. So I have a low nut and a high bridge and LOVE IT!

BobaFret · #6 04-09-2011, 10:20 AM

I set them to the factory default settings from Lakland and that's pretty much it.

shawshank72 · #7 04-09-2011, 10:30 AM

Action as low as I can go before fret buzz occurs.
Flats and p basses.
GK MB212
Only thing I can say Im unhappy with is my amp, just wish it
had external speaker outs so I could add another 2x12mbe.

ThrashMaster · #8 04-09-2011, 11:09 AM

set neck absolutely dead straight

capo at first fret, lower strings till touching frets, then raise till no buzzing

measure gap between bottom of string and second fret

uncapo, set nut height so gap between bottom of string and first fret is equal to above

experience bliss haha

JoeCBass · #9 04-09-2011, 11:21 AM

I kinda like it like you like yours... but only better. Seriously, it all depends on what frame of mind that my fingers are in at the time.

MistaMarko · #10 04-09-2011, 07:48 PM

I've entered this recent stage of super obsessive-compulsiveness about setup and find myself making tedious (and probably pointless) adjustments every 5 minutes because I'm convinced that I have to have a perfect setup...it's driving me nuts.

So, I can't answer this question.

loinmute · #11 04-09-2011, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MistaMarko

I've entered this recent stage of super obsessive-compulsiveness about setup and find myself making tedious (and probably pointless) adjustments every 5 minutes because I'm convinced that I have to have a perfect setup...it's driving me nuts.

So, I can't answer this question.

Me too.

About 0.010 in (0.254 mm) of neck relief. That's about a single plaing card.

Action: 2mm on bass side (12th fret)
1.5mm on treble side

.50-105 gauge strings Dadarrio nickel

kaiuk · #12 04-09-2011, 09:02 PM

i like to feel like i am charlie mingus, and so i set my action a good 2 inches up

winegamd · #13 04-10-2011, 01:15 PM

Zon Legacy Elite 6 string with La Bella .28-.118 Slappers. Relief as flat as possible (non adjustable on my Zon as there is no truss rod). String height is approx. 3/32" on all strings; the B is slightly above the 3/32" line tapering to the C string exactly on the 3/32" line. Pickup height set to 1/4" with slightly less height for the C string on the neck pickup and slightly less on the B string for the bridge pickup.

Muzoid · #14 04-10-2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmatt

I have found that the lowest action possible is only worth a hoot when I play alone. When I play with a group and things get to pumping I find that I wish I had a higher string height because I tend to be a lot more aggresive and the strings start rattling on the frets. Usually around 7/64ths on the E-side and 6/64ths on the G-side at the 17th fret.

Ditto for me.

Pilgrim · #15 04-10-2011, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MistaMarko

I've entered this recent stage of super obsessive-compulsiveness about setup and find myself making tedious (and probably pointless) adjustments every 5 minutes because I'm convinced that I have to have a perfect setup...it's driving me nuts.

So, I can't answer this question.

STOP. NOW. Play something in a band mix, and if you can't hear problems, you are done. Then make yourself a promise not to touch it for at least 30 days.

Rockmusician · #16 04-10-2011, 02:32 PM

I like the action as low as possible without getting buzzing. I prefer 50 to 105 on my 4 string and 50 to 130 on my 5.

Gizmot · #17 04-10-2011, 02:34 PM

Most people tend to try and adjust their strings too low. In my experience, you get the neck adjusted properly, get the bridge dialed in and then make certain that you don't have any bit of fret buzz. If you have to raise the strings a pinch, then do it - you'll get a fatter sound with more punch. You'll get used to the small difference in string height.

raymondl3 · #18 04-10-2011, 02:36 PM

I like a enough relief to facilitate left hand muting and the inevitable digging in that occurs on gigs, but not to the point where it makes fretting uncomfortable.

Muzoid · #19 04-10-2011, 02:40 PM

It's funny to me when I watch someone set up their bass or guitar playing lightly (alone mode), and then get on stage and play hard and energetic, and they wonder what the heck went wrong.

Always good for a laugh

spaz21387 · #20 04-10-2011, 02:43 PM

I set my action high because i dig in hard and if i have it low i get alot of fret buzz. I use 105 ernie balls exclusively.