how long is a setup good for?

dean owens · #1 03-07-2009, 08:17 PM

i got a spector rebop in mid december. i took it in for a setup early january. got it back late january (27th-ish). it is now starting to get some fret buzz. enough that i have to alter my style of playing to make sure it isn't annoying to those listening. i know that temp and humidity mean that a bass should ideally be setup something like twice a year. but should i have to go in a little over a month later? would most luthier's do a tweaking for free, or am i going to have to pay for a new setup?

this is very foreign to me because the last bass i had for 15-16+ years and only got it setup once. it stayed within it's tolerances good enough that i never felt the need to have it setup from season to season.

what's accepted and proper in this situation?

kevinmoore73 · #2 03-07-2009, 08:23 PM

I recently had to make a "seasonal adjustment" to one of my basses. Your best bet is to learn to adjust your bass yourself.

seanm · #3 03-07-2009, 09:02 PM

I can go years between setups. Mainly I do setups when I change string types.

A couple of caveats: I am pretty tolerant of setup. Also, my basses tend to be used. New basses need a while to settle in properly. IMHO and YMMV.

ErebusBass · #4 03-07-2009, 09:06 PM

It is very easy to set up a bass. You'll save a lot of $ in the long run by learning how to do it yourself.

randbguy · #5 03-08-2009, 01:56 AM

+ 1 on the self setup advice. You will learn how to get it right where you want it. My advice is try for as low an action with as straight a neck as you can get away with. One little consideration though, can you make adjustments without removing anything? That can be quite a stumbling block. If you can get it fairly easily, you are going to appreciate being able to do this yourself.

JustDavid · #6 03-08-2009, 06:27 AM

+1 on self-setup.

+1,000 to adjusting the truss rod 1/4 turn each season. $10 worth of tools.

I'd not be surprised that a new neck is a bit lively the first year or 2.

India_Sierra · #7 03-08-2009, 06:30 AM

Definitely learn how to make these minor adjustments yourself. Not only will it save you money, but it will bring you a better understanding of your bass!

AlembicPlayer · #8 03-08-2009, 09:33 AM

If you brought it to me for setup, I would do action adjutments for no charge...but that's my policy.

and I agree with the guys here...learn to do your own setups!
It's easy and fun!!
(with the right tools)

JustDavid · #9 03-08-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randbguy

can you make adjustments without removing anything?

I'm unsure, but I think 'setups require partial disassembly' is only a Fender feature.

TimWilson · #10 03-08-2009, 09:47 AM

When your bass' setup slowly changes over time, it's simply reacting to it's changing climate. Wood is an organic material that is affected by temperature and humidity (moisture in the air). How often your bass needs setups depends entirely on ...

1)...how you like your bass set up. If you don't mind relatively high action and play aggressively, then one setup should last for a few years. If, however you prefer fast, low action, then you'll need semi-annual adjustments: Once when the seasons turn cold, and again when the weather warms.

2)...how hard the seasons turn in your area. If you don't experience dramatic climate changes in your 'hood, then you won't need as many adjustments.

Here in West Virginia, for example, I need to setup my basses twice—sometimes even thrice—per year because we add high elevation to the temperature and humidity mix, AND, I keep my bass' action as low as I can get away with.

Of course, you COULD trade for a bass with a graphite composite neck: Set-it-and-forget-it...

Bongolation · #11 03-08-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimWilson

When your bass' setup slowly changes over time, it's simply reacting to it's changing climate.

Slowly, nothing!

In my current climate, some of my instruments will go from right to unplayable and back to right again in under 24 hours, just sitting on their stands.

No, I'm not joking and yes, I do know what I'm talking about.

All you can do is crank the action up high and wait for more stable, arid weather.

hbarcat · #12 03-08-2009, 10:16 AM

I tend to need setups twice a year - in spring when the average temps climb above 50 F and in autumn when the average temps go below that.

Or if I make a significant change in strings.

Your mileage may vary . . .

BassieMike · #13 03-08-2009, 10:42 AM

My take is that a setup should be done when you change string type/gauge and should last a couple of years. In the mean time, the truss rod should probably be adjusted on a seasonal basis. This is something you should learn to do yourself. The height at the nut and saddles, the intonation, and the pickup height should stay constant. The other thing to factor in is fret wear.
When I do a setup the things I do are. Make sure all the hardware and controls are properly tightened (tuners, pots, jack, etc). Spray pots and switch with DeOxit. Check/change battery (for actives). Light level and dress of frets. Oil and dress bare wood fretboards. Fresh strings, tune to pitch, adjust truss rod, adjust action at nut and saddles, adjust pup height, adjust intonation. Play test and do final tweaks of truss rod and string height.
I've been doing this professionally for over 25 years so I've done an instrument or two. Normally this type of service sells for $75-100 depending on number of strings. The price will go up if I have to do more than a "light" fret dressing. This service will also include soldering a wire or 2 if necessary. And if you get it home and it needs tweaks to accommodate your playing style I will sit down with you and do those gratis.
An instrument that only needs a truss rod adjust, I will do for free if talk to me nicely

-mike

Honk'n_down-low · #14 03-08-2009, 11:00 AM

I think for new folks - don't jack your truss rods - a little goes a long way here and some people have a tendency to turn into a Gorilla when they get a tool in their hands. Don't over adjust the truss rod. Just a tip that I got from a good repairman and I think it is worth passing on.

BassieMike - what is an essential tool set for DIY's? (If you don't mind me asking).

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassieMike

My take is that a setup should be done when you change string type/gauge and should last a couple of years. In the mean time, the truss rod should probably be adjusted on a seasonal basis. This is something you should learn to do yourself. The height at the nut and saddles, the intonation, and the pickup height should stay constant. The other thing to factor in is fret wear.
When I do a setup the things I do are. Make sure all the hardware and controls are properly tightened (tuners, pots, jack, etc). Spray pots and switch with DeOxit. Check/change battery (for actives). Light level and dress of frets. Oil and dress bare wood fretboards. Fresh strings, tune to pitch, adjust truss rod, adjust action at nut and saddles, adjust pup height, adjust intonation. Play test and do final tweaks of truss rod and string height.
I've been doing this professionally for over 25 years so I've done an instrument or two. Normally this type of service sells for $75-100 depending on number of strings. The price will go up if I have to do more than a "light" fret dressing. This service will also include soldering a wire or 2 if necessary. And if you get it home and it needs tweaks to accommodate your playing style I will sit down with you and do those gratis.
An instrument that only needs a truss rod adjust, I will do for free if talk to me nicely

-mike

seanm · #15 03-08-2009, 01:04 PM

I wonder if it is humidity, more than temperature that matters.

Like I mentioned, I really don't have to mess with the truss rod much, and definitely not seasonally. Here in Ottawa, we have hot humid summers and cold damp winters. So the temperature goes from roughly +30C to -30C (86F to -22F).

So we have a wide temperature range, but it tends to remain humid.