real noob question (sorry)

eggfart1 · #1 06-20-2011, 09:41 PM

Sorry guys, I have a really beginner question so bare with me, I appreciate it.

On my musicman stingray classic, how high should the strings be in relation to each other? I don't need specific heights but if I lay the bass on its back and stare down the neck from the bridge, should the top of the strings all be in line (flat)?

Is there a photo showing the basic guide to individual string heights at the bridge? Ie. E string a bit lower than A, D almost as tall as A...etc. I don't really know what string heights to aim for.

I appreciate it.

metallicafan18 · #2 06-20-2011, 09:46 PM

I put mine wherever feels comfortable and to where I get to fret buzz. Usually, your E will be the highest, and the A and so on will be closer to the fretboard. I have all of my basses as low as each string can go without any fret buzz. That's how I like my basses though. Some people prefer higher action. Do what feels and works for you.

Codymb · #3 06-20-2011, 09:49 PM

There should be a slight arc across the strings. You should be following the radius of the fret board if you're set up correctly. On a four string bass the E and G string saddles should be about the same height and the A and D string saddles should be about the same height, with the A and D being slightly higher than the E and G. But since the strings are different gauges it won't be an exact arc. Your E will be a little higher than your G and you A will be a little higher than your D.

I hope that helps.

eggfart1 · #4 06-20-2011, 09:52 PM

Thanks, that's really helpful, I sincerely appreciate it.

It seems that even if I crank the heights to max I still get annoying hissing/buzz in the bridge (This is only when I play with the bass unamped...) With an amp there is no buzz. Is it normal for a bass to buzz when not plugged in?

Codymb · #5 06-20-2011, 09:58 PM

I'd be interested to see your over all set up. Your buzzing may come from more than just string heights. You also have to consider if your neck is really straight and if your frets are level. I'd say if you're not getting buzz when it's plugged in, who cares? But if you're interested in getting a really good set up I'm happy to help. Just shoot me a PM and I can guide you through getting a good set up.

FromTheBassMent · #6 06-20-2011, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Codymb

I'd be interested to see your over all set up. Your buzzing may come from more than just string heights. You also have to consider if your neck is really straight and if your frets are level. I'd say if you're not getting buzz when it's plugged in, who cares? But if you're interested in getting a really good set up I'm happy to help. Just shoot me a PM and I can guide you through getting a good set up.

What a nice offer! Yeah, if you're getting significant buzz even with your saddles set high, you probably don't have enough relief in the neck and need to adjust the trussrod. This is scary the first time you do it... take advantage of Codymb's generosity and have him walk you through it. Once you get comfortable with it you'll find that you'll probalby be tweaking your truss rod fairly regularly (especially if you live somewhere with hot humid summers and icy winters where your bass is in a dry, heated environment... these changes can play havoc with even the sturdiest neck).

eggfart1 · #7 06-20-2011, 10:12 PM

It is a very nice offer. Just by eye balling it, the bass has a fair bit of relief. I'm getting about 4.5mm from the 12th fret to the bottom of the e string.