Need help adjusting action

easyvision · #1 11-20-2008, 12:58 PM

I recently got some new strings for my Douglas WPB-955T fretless bass(http://www.rondomusic.com/wpb955tfl.html) and realised that the action was much higher for some reason.

Thing is, I have no idea how to adjust the action on this bass.

I've attatched a pic of the bridge. I honestly can't see any other way to adjust the action other than using the screws at either side to move the entire bridge up or down. I tried that and the bridge won't go down any lower, but the action is still too high.

Any ideas?

fretlessman71 · #2 11-20-2008, 01:01 PM

If you changed the strings, and the action went up, it's NOT the action - it's the neck. I'd bet my last paycheck your truss rod needs to be adjusted. Did you get heavier gauge strings, and did you take off all the old strings before you put the new ones on?

easyvision · #3 11-20-2008, 01:04 PM

Ah. I did consider that but I wanted to leave adjusting the truss rod as a last resort. The strings are the same guage, but the new ones are flatwound rather than roundwound. When I changed the strings, I took them off one at a time. There was always at least 4 strings on it at any given time during the change.

Craig_S · #4 11-20-2008, 01:13 PM

It just needs a truss rod adjustment. 1/8 to 1/4 clockwise turn will probably fix you up. Just give it some time to settle in and don't turn it more than 1/4 per day. If the truss rod won't turn, don't force it; get it to a qualified tech.

easyvision · #5 11-20-2008, 01:22 PM

Alright I gave it about a 1/4 turn, may have been a bit less but definitely not more than that. It's looking better already so I'll let it settle overnight and see how it looks tomorrow morning. Thanks for the fast help guys

JustDavid · #6 11-20-2008, 01:30 PM

1/4 turn a day, bro. Be patient.

A method to see the neck bow is to fret (sorry, but you get the idea) a string on the 1st fret and on the last fret, then look at the gap at the 9th fret. I like under 1 mm there, & 0.5 is nice & low.

I'm used to using picks as feeler gauges to measure the space.

fretlessman71 · #7 11-20-2008, 01:58 PM

Nothing "last resort"ish about a truss rod adjustment. People think it's major surgery; really it's more like going to the chiropractor.

easyvision · #8 11-20-2008, 02:02 PM

Haha, good way to look at it. I just know it's easier to cause permanent damage with a truss rod adjustment than it is with adjusting the action, and with a neck-thru bass I'm even more wary about messing up the neck.

I'll see how it goes in the morning. Hopefully that'll be it sorted now.

Thanks again

fretlessman71 · #9 11-20-2008, 02:10 PM

Like has been said... 1/4 turn a day, and check it each day, and you'll be fine. REALLY hard to screw up a neck unless you have no clue what you're doing and/or why. You have the mindset not to mess it up - methinks you're just fine.

Brado · #10 11-20-2008, 02:11 PM

You can actually cause permanent damage by NOT adjusting the truss rod. If that neck developes a low spot & keeps it over a long period of time, it becomes extremely difficult to get leveled out. You'll see this in man Fender & Fender-type bolt on necks. Up where the neck gets thicker/ near the bolt on joint, you'll see an up-slope in the fingerboard towards the last fret. Keep that neck good & straight & you'll be fine. It'll do you nicely, being fretless too....

JustDavid · #11 11-20-2008, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fretlessman71

Nothing "last resort"ish about a truss rod adjustment. People think it's major surgery; really it's more like going to the chiropractor.

Good analogy.

I think of it even more hands-on; it's like another string to tune.

Though I have seen someone bring a guitar into a shop to be tuned.

Really wish I hadn't seen it, but I did.