From a noob--yes you do have to setup a new bass

rreed · #1 02-26-2009, 06:02 PM

Just posted on the Bass section (no pun intended) since I'm not sure where this would go but being a noob and pouring over the site quite a bit the past few days I see the question from other noobs come up every once in a while about whether or not you have to setup a new bass fresh out the box. YES. My Ibanez GSR200 just showed up today and well..

Man oh man do you have to set these things up out of the box. I knew i'd have to fiddle w/ it a little bit but jeez.. The neck was bowed to the point it was in the shape of the letter "C." You didn't get so much of a buzz on the frets as you got an abrupt "bzt." Not a bzzt, or even so much as a brazzzz.. "bzt." and that was the end of the conversation. I do like the handy door thingy at the truss rod adjuster, that's nice. Using the invaluable setup guides I got started on it right away, loosening a bit less than a quarter turn at a time and playing and/or letting sit for an hour at a time for it to settle before checking and loosening some more. I've probably backed the rod out nearly a full turn before the neck is finally coming straight and I can breathe on a string w/ minimal buzz. The saddles came out of the box cranked nearly all the way up w/ little adjustment left. Given this thing was made in Indonesia and the nice inspection tag showed no name that wasn't random syllables and vowels I couldn't pronounce I'm guess the environment is a little different over there.

It's getting better and better as the day goes on but my gosh yes you do have to setup a new bass fresh out of the box. It's not that hard but if you're chicken then take it to an old mom and pop blues guitar repair shop and have them sit down w/ you and go over it. Either way mine at the very least has required a LOT of adjustment and will be continuing over the next day or two as I fiddle w/ it some more, break it in (if that applies to a new bass?), and get it dialed in for ME, not the guitar tech at the big-name music store.

BigOldHarry · #2 02-26-2009, 06:05 PM

That's why many folks here will advise you to buy a bass from a bricks & mortar store, where what you play is what you buy.

And even than, the occasion setup is a good idea.

rreed · #3 02-26-2009, 06:12 PM

I would agree whole-heartedly. I won't say buying mine from the 'Friend was best for my results or for B&M shops in general but we have no mom and pop shops who carry Ibanez around here--who'll deal w/ you--and the price difference in taxes vs. free shipping were enough to spot my Monster Bass cable. And I've always known that I love Ibanez basses most of all and was happy w/ the GSR200 I played at Guitar Center. I knew it'd be a bit of a gamble to order online but w/ some adjustment it is coming around good.

While yes I would strongly recommend buying from the local brick and mortar shop if they'll deal w/ you first and foremost my point was that yes you do have to set up a new bass regardless. At least as far as I can tell in my first experience!!