Lowering the Action.

[ICB300]

If I try to lower the action (at hte bridge not with the truss rod) can I "break" my bass? Or is the worst that can happen I end up with crappy action.

I'm asking because this will be the first time I've tried myself.

[bassteban]

ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE

[LilloEsquilo]

It's POSSIBLE to break almost anything on earth if you are really unlucky or clumsy or set your mind to it, but it's pretty safe to say it would be hard to break your bass by messing with the action at the bridge. The worst that should happen is you get buzzing. Otherwise, you should be fine assuming you are even average at using common tools with things like that.

So unless you are a real klutz I wouldn't worry about it.

[TheSuzie]

If you are just lowering the saddles, keep track of the number of turns 1/2 turns. 1/4 turns etc that you turn each screw. You could even write them down. That way you can put it back exactly the way it started if you need to.

Peace,
s

[testing1two]

To learn anything from this exercise you need to use measurements. I suggest you pick up a 6" machinist scale (fancy name for a metal ruler with very fine measurements, usually 1/32 and 1/64" on one side and 1/8 and 1/16" on the other side). They're widely available at just about any hardware/home improvement/tool store. They look like this:

http://www.micromark.com/RS/SR/Product/84174_R.jpg

Measurements for action are primarily taken at the 12th fret and represent the distance between the top of the fret and the bottom of the string. If you want to lower your action, measure what you currently have and then lower all the strings in 1/64 or 1/32" increments. Not only is this method more methodical (consistent and repeatable) but it also gives you a reference point if you want to put the action back the way it was.

[darkstorm]

I agree with thesuzie. Just go at it and pay attention. You dont need measuring device, just your ears and fingers. If you lower the action too much so that you have excessive fret buzz or strings fretting out, you'll simply end up rasing the action for the affected string or strings a bit. No problem.

[202dy]

Think about this:

Electric solid guitar bodies typically run +/- 1 3/4".
Electric guitar necks are roughly a kid's baseball bat split lengthwise.
Virtually all of the hardware is either steel or brass.

Unless you are in the habit of breaking two inch planks, baseball bats, and pieces of steel on a regular basis, your guitar will be just fine.