How long for a set-up?

Ezmar · #1 07-25-2011, 11:46 AM

So I was planning on taking my Bass in for a setup today, and I was wondering how long it would take. Would I want to drop it off and pick it up tomorrow or some other day or something, or would it be a quick 10-15 minute job that I could wait in the shop and maybe even watch? I'm basically getting everything done, truss rod, pickups, saddles, everything needs to be checked, because I've never had it set up properly. Plus, I just put lighter strings on it, so... Yeah.

eddododo · #2 07-25-2011, 11:48 AM

depends on how busy of a shop it is, but im no wizard and I can get it done in a few hours

Some guys will want to leave it overnight to let the truss settle, but whether thats necessary is a matter of taste

Give them a call first, if time matters

mpdd · #3 07-25-2011, 12:01 PM

watch out, because sometimes the shop will send it to an outside guy and it could take 4 to 5 days and then if there is a problem or if you're dissatisfied the shop tries to divorce themselves from the situation and you could wait another few days

GrooveWarrior · #4 07-25-2011, 12:04 PM

I can do mine in about 20 to 30 minutes, but I'm not a big shop with lots of customers.

allexcosta · #5 07-25-2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezmar

So I was planning on taking my Bass in for a setup today, and I was wondering how long it would take. Would I want to drop it off and pick it up tomorrow or some other day or something, or would it be a quick 10-15 minute job that I could wait in the shop and maybe even watch? I'm basically getting everything done, truss rod, pickups, saddles, everything needs to be checked, because I've never had it set up properly. Plus, I just put lighter strings on it, so... Yeah.

No one can answer your question without seeing your bass.

It may take 20 minutes or 2 hours. Professional setups include minor fret leveling, seating and polishing, cleaning and hydrating the fretboard, testing and cleaning the electronics. Some shops won't touch your instrument in a couple of days and most will double check everything after 24 hours. So expect 2-5 days...

rtslinger · #6 07-25-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allexcosta

No one can answer your question without seeing your bass.

It may take 20 minutes or 2 hours. Professional setups include minor fret leveling, seating and polishing, cleaning and hydrating the fretboard, testing and cleaning the electronics. Some shops won't touch your instrument in a couple of days and most will double check everything after 24 hours. So expect 2-5 days...

agree 2-5 Pro set up

darkstorm · #7 07-25-2011, 02:13 PM

I allow 2-3 days for set up. Cause on first day I get it mostly there. Then on 2nd and perhaps 3rd day I'll do any little further tweaks based on playing it those 1-2 extra days. I know its right when further adjustment tweak try isnt as good as it was before. Which Ive done a few times. lol. Though Ive also done little tweak the 2nd or 3rd day that was right to. Lol. Often times the little retweak that stays isnt for all the strings but rather little individual bridge saddle tweak for 1 or 2 strings. I do also relook at relief the 2nd day in case any extra settling occured overnight. Thats rare but can happen sometimes.

If I'm doing setup help for someone else, initial tweaking action and relief I allow about 30 minutes for basic setup. Unless its got really bad bow in neck. In which case I allow an hour for more gradual change. Then have person play the bass or guitar and tell me how it feels to them. Then either retweak it a little then or shows them how to do that themself for both neck relief and bridge saddle adjustment.

Ezmar · #8 07-25-2011, 07:01 PM

So I called, they said they had a repair guy who works on tuesday, wednesday, and friday, and that I could bring it in tomorrow, and get it the same day. They said they were all up on their repairs and stuff, so there's no wait. So what should I be able to expect? I just want to get it set up professionally for once, and get the most playability out of it that I can. I know I can't get a solid answer without you all seeing my bass, but Just what sort of improvement could I expect on a bass that's never been set up? Major, minor, or can you really just not say?

Thanks anyway!

frianbisher · #9 07-25-2011, 07:23 PM

I do a ton of set ups and of course it varies depending on the instrument. In general terms it will take me about an hour, but if there are other customer guitars in the shop expect to have to wait a few days.

Many times people are blown away by how much better their instrument plays after a 22 point set up. So if your instrument isn't in the best of shape (relief is off, intonation is off, action is too high) expect to see a pretty major difference. I even clean out pots, and check for loose hardware etc...