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  #1  
Old 11-18-2010, 02:11 PM
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Rookie Setup Question

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OK I bought a cheap "FirstAct" bass at a pawn shop. Couldn't resist the price and I figured it would be sometime I could tinker with so I can learn set and maintenance on my finer instruments. I have read articles provided here and am ready to tackle this...got ONE question: How do I lower the action on this badboy?...is it trust rod and neck relief or is there some adjustment I do at the bridge?
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Old 11-18-2010, 02:17 PM
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Saddles are used to control string height and radius.

Truss rod controls relief.

Adjust the truss rod for the desired relief and then adjust the saddles for string height.
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Old 11-18-2010, 04:00 PM
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Stickies, above.
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Old 11-18-2010, 07:18 PM
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The stickies at the top of this board have a ton of info. This is of course assuming the First Act does not have any wonky frets or other issues. I'm not bagging on First Act, but other than their premium basses the lower cost ones get mixed reviews at best.

It may be difficult to get a good set up on a wonky bass. it will be good practice for you as you won't break down and cry if you screw up the truss rod in the First Act.

Another thought, maybe take the bass to your local tech and have him walk you through a set up..if they will do so.

Also you need to be aware of single action and dual action truss rods....and which ones your basses have....

Rotsa Ruck!
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Old 11-18-2010, 09:09 PM
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Thank you.....I have been the neck where i think i want it now and iI.m just gonna screw with this to practice setting it up before i tackle my good instruments...not looking for precion outa this won just wanna feel confident before i try anything on my Fender. Trial and error on this one will be ok.
Thanks again to all who responded and to everyone on TalkBass.
y'all be cool like chet baker, ya hear?
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