In need of action advice

[benzito]

Hi, just bought a used Gibson Thunderbird Studio that needed a setup. I adjusted the truss rod and the neck is now fairly straight with just a little up bow. the action was high so i started to lower my saddles but i cant get the action where i like it without getting buzz from the 13th, 14th frets on. what do i need to do to correct this? i like a fairly low action so this is a big concern for me. I'm new to this forum and setups and would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks ~Z

[JLS]

Originally Posted by benzito

Hi, just bought a used Gibson Thunderbird Studio that needed a setup. I adjusted the truss rod and the neck is now fairly straight with just a little up bow. the action was high so i started to lower my saddles but i cant get the action where i like it without getting buzz from the 13th, 14th frets on. what do i need to do to correct this? i like a fairly low action so this is a big concern for me. I'm new to this forum and setups and would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks ~Z

Unless you're well versed in fret leveling and recrowning, it's time to go to a pro.

[benzito]

Bummer i was worried someone would say that.... what would you charge to do that sort of work ? just on what a ballpark range would be.

[Hugh Jass]

It sounds like you may have too much relief (neck bow/upbow) with your saddles too low at the same time. If this is the case all will be well until you get up into the higher frets and then the strings will start getting choked off by the highest frets. If your neck is too flat you will get buzz lower down (first few positions) and if you have too much curve the buzz will be higher up like in your case.

Put a capo (the clamp thing that guitarists use) on the first fret and then fret the last fret (20th to 24th depending on the bass). There should only be about 1mm of space between the 9th fret and the strings. By the sounds of it you probably have more than this. Loosen the strings and give the truss rod a quarter turn clockwise. Tune the strings and let it settle. Repeat this process until you have that approximate 1mm. You can now adjust bridge saddles to taste.

Read this: http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_setup/

[benzito]

thanks Hugh, i gave my truss rod another 1/4 turn and then lowered my saddles and it plays much better. i still have have some buzzing but its minimal when im plugged in. So i will keep an eye on it and make a few more adjustments if needed.

Appreciate the advice

[Hugh Jass]

Usually if you take relief (bow) out of the neck making it straighter, you then need to raise the saddles.....

but hey if it's working stick with it.