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Old 08-14-2008, 08:50 PM
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Just got my Pbass back from getting a pro setup at the guitar shop. I have been contemplating learning to do a basic setup for awhile, and wanted something to use as a rule.

Anyway, I was checking the intonation on the p and of course it is perfect. So I pull my jazz out from hibernation and put some new strings on it. Right away I notice buzzing on the open A and open E, but only when I REALLY dig in. No biggie. I check the neck. It looks good, just a bit of relief. I check my string height, adjust a bit. Looks good.

Go to check the intonation and its all over the place. Now here is my question. Is there anything else I should look at before I adjust the bridge? Do you think it will make the buzzing on Open E and A worse?
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  #2  
Old 08-15-2008, 10:30 AM
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Hi gonzorob,

No matter how well an instrument is set up, the strings will buzz if you play them hard enough (unless your action is grotesquely high). So, unless you dig in that hard all the time, I wouldn't worry too much about the open E or A string buzzes.

In most cases, the intonation is the last thing you will want to adjust, as other adjustments to the setup will usually effect the intonation and you'll have to re-adjust it all over at the end.

To Answer your question: It does sound like you are ready to adjust the intonation. At the moment, I can't think of anything else you'd want to adjust first.

Usually, intonation adjustments don't really change or fix buzzes on a bass or guitar, but there are exceptions to every rule and every instrument is different, so you never know. Go for it and see what happens!

If you're interested in a guide to setting intonation, I just posted the steps on the thread "Bridge" originally posted by TylerDurden111. Also, in the "setup on a fretless" thread posted by ivyman, Jools4001 posted a similar reply on intonation.

Good luck.
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Old 08-15-2008, 10:39 AM
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Thanks!!
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Old 08-15-2008, 10:47 AM
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Glad to help!
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  #5  
Old 08-17-2008, 01:36 PM
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Well I did it. My first bass setup. I feel all grown up now.
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Old 08-19-2008, 02:06 AM
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Good deal! Remember:
1) Trussrod
2) Saddle height
3) Intonation
4) Pickup height
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Old 08-19-2008, 11:14 AM
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Congratulations gonzorob!

By the way, the guidelines that Solarmist gives for the order of setup operations is really good.
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  #8  
Old 08-19-2008, 11:16 AM
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Yep, don't worry about a little buzz when you are playign hard, you only hear it when practising anyway, it won't usually transfer through your amp/speakers.
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