Low action issues on jazz (and precisions)

dezspet · #1 05-17-2008, 12:02 AM

I know I should know the answer.
So when you lower action on a jazz (or even on a P), sometimes string height dramatically changes. Think about the normal factory setup of Fenders.
My concern is the distance from the pups. The strings get too close to the pups, so the tone changes. How can you avoid it? I mean you can't lower the pups below a certain point. Do you put a credit card maybe under the neck, like in the Gary Willis book? Or do I have to sacrifice string height to get a decent tone? Or can you change the "charge" of the pups somehow? I experienced, when I pull down both volume knobs, the tone gets better again. But it's difficult on a gig for me to find the right amount of volume, and change it, then put it back between songs. What is the best solution?

dezspet · #2 05-17-2008, 12:44 AM

Anyone please?

jojo99 · #3 05-17-2008, 12:58 AM

Usually they rout the pickup cavities deep enough in the body so the pickup can be lowered nearly flush with the pickguard. It may seem obvious, but lift out the pickup and see what's under there--there could be a piece of foam underneath the pickups that could be removed so they can go lower--(or cut it lenghtwise with a razor blade to make it thinner.) Or maybe instead of foam there's springs on the pup mounting screws that could be clipped shorter to allow the pickup to go lower.
You shouldn't have to mess with string height/action to accomodate the pickups in a normal situation. Putting a credit card under the neck is a bad idea...last time I tried that, my monthly statement showed several unauthorized string purchases my bass made without my knowledge (j/k)... doing that will make you have to redo your bridge saddle height and intonation so I wouldn't go that route. Unless for some reason your pickup cavities are routed unusually shallow into the body (not likely) there should be an easy fix for this.

dezspet · #4 05-17-2008, 01:17 AM

Yep, the foam! I forgot it. Sure, it can be removed/cut. I told ya, I should know the answer, anyway, thanks a lot!

Tactician · #5 05-17-2008, 01:21 AM

Lot of bass players use a volume pedal to control their sound levels. However after playing for some time you'll find you ca change volume on the fly without missing too many notes - just look for a gap in the music or create one.

If you don't understand the basics of adjusting a bass - get a technician to do it - you don't want to make an expensive mistake that could stop you playing until you get it repaired.

jojo99 · #6 05-17-2008, 03:38 AM

no offense to your response but it doesn't take a 'technician' to do simple bass adjustments. One should trust in their own abilities, and as a bass player be able to tweak their instrument to their own liking and save their $$$ for strings and such. This isn't rocket science here-- if you have a boutique bass by all means spend fifty bucks on the thrice-annual oil change, but for the masses of players with bolt-on instruments... it's DIY work with a lil' bit of brain power/skill. You'll find all the info you need searching the archives (Just IMO).

Step · #7 05-17-2008, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojo99

no offense to your response but it doesn't take a 'technician' to do simple bass adjustments. One should trust in their own abilities, and as a bass player be able to tweak their instrument to their own liking and save their $$$ for strings and such. This isn't rocket science here-- if you have a boutique bass by all means spend fifty bucks on the thrice-annual oil change, but for the masses of players with bolt-on instruments... it's DIY work with a lil' bit of brain power/skill. You'll find all the info you need searching the archives (Just IMO).

tactician was just trying to help, and now you're implying that he doesnt know his stuff?

dezspet · #8 05-17-2008, 04:42 AM

Thanks guys, I think everyone's right here. I am certainly able to take out the pups, cut the foam or remove it, I can adjust the trust road, neck, etc. There are things which I can't do myself at the moment, but I think every serious player has to be able to adjust its bass.
BTW I found Garry Willis' book very usefull when I started. He explains very well the most important techniques of adjustments. However there are things which can be questioned, like putting a credit card under the neck for lower action.
So thanks again, today I'm going to discover what lies beneath the pups.

stratovani · #9 05-17-2008, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojo99

Putting a credit card under the neck is a bad idea...last time I tried that, my monthly statement showed several unauthorized string purchases my bass made without my knowledge (j/k)...

Sorry, I don't mean to hijack the thread, but...

GOOD ONE, JOJO99! LOL

!