New Fender Jazz feels tight

[SirGrotius]

Got a new Fender Jazz MIA and it feels tight. I'm using DAddario Mediums and I feel I have to work to get a bend. It hasn't officially been set up, and I can tell that the action isn't too hot, but I'm really struggling to play this fast.

What should I be doing?

I'm relatively a newb, and am hesitant to use the truss rod.

Thx!

[mrhardy]

Originally Posted by SirGrotius

Got a new Fender Jazz MIA and it feels tight. I'm using DAddario Mediums and I feel I have to work to get a bend. It hasn't officially been set up, and I can tell that the action isn't too hot, but I'm really struggling to play this fast.

What should I be doing?

I'm relatively a newb, and am hesitant to use the truss rod.

Thx!

You should get it setup!!

You already have answered your own question. The action is high. Depresssing the string is putting further tension on the string, making it harder to play.

Learn to luv your trussrod, it is there for a reason. Learn how to adjust your bass and keep it setup properly. If you want that new bass to have a long healthy straight neck, playable life, thenyou will keep the proper amount of relief in the neck.

Basses that go years with not having the trussrod adjusted end up with warped, humped neck issues that nearly always result in a trashed neck. People like to blame warped necks on anything rather than their own lack of care for their instrument.

[JLS]

Have a setup done.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by mrhardy

People like to blame warped necks on anything rather than their own lack of care for their instrument.

Well said. If someone lets their vehicle go for years w/o even checking the oil, what kind of results would they expect?

But, right now, OP has a new instrument that appears to be barely playable; this should be addressed by the seller, *IF* there is a decent setup person available.

Otherwise, ask around locally, see who's name comes up.

[JustDavid]

I'll send you to the FAQs & links, to get a better feel about the parameters & adjustments involved in a set up.

IMO the best next step is to observe a good tech do the setup. The good ones can sometimes be identified as being the ones who LIKE to have you watch & learn more about your instrument. BTW, this goes much easier if it's Tuesday afternoon in a shop instead of Saturday afternoon.

[Rattman]

Right . . a good setup will help ya sleep good at night. Maybe have the frets polished too if you can afford it . . "why?" Because I believe you like to bend notes, and silky-smooth fret surfaces will reduce the effort it takes to do that.