Sacramento area bass specialist? (i.e., not a general guitar tech)

[lunarpollen]

I have a bass that needs some TLC and troubleshooting to fix a mysterious issue. But I would like to take it to someone who specializes in bass issues, not just a general guitar tech. I know that with the issue I'm having, that if I take it to a general guitar tech who also does basses, they'll just do a set-up and give it a once-over and call it good, and I'll spend way too much time and energy and money trying to explain what is not right with it and making return visits or seeking 2nd and 3rd opinions etc. I'd rather just take it to someone who is totally bass-focussed who would be able to get to the bottom of the issue the first time.

I live in Sacramento so I'd like to take it to someone nearby, but I'd be OK with driving a bit (as long as I don't have to miss work) just to see that it gets the attention it needs. Any recommendations?

[jimc]

I don't know of any tech that just specializes in bass, seems like he'd be cutting himself off from a good chunk of business that way. Also I can't think of any bass specific issues that are that different from guitar problems that a reputable tech wouldn't be able to handle it. I take my stuff to Son Father in Rocklin and have never had a problem that they couldn't resolve.

[lunarpollen]

My issue relates to deepness of low notes on the E string not being present. e.g., fretting the 5th fret sounds way thinner and weaker than the open A. It's most noticeable when using the neck pickup. And it's not a pickup distance issue. Something is causing those bass frequencies to be almost non-present. It's definitely an issue that's outside the realm of standard guitars just by nature of the pitch range the issue is happening at. Regular guitars don't have to worry about reproducing anything in that range...

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by jimc

I don't know of any tech that just specializes in bass, seems like he'd be cutting himself off from a good chunk of business that way. Also I can't think of any bass specific issues that are that different from guitar problems that a reputable tech wouldn't be able to handle it.

I'm a bass tech that also does guitar work. There's a significant difference. Just like taking your vehicle to a mechanic. If it's a car, you probably will end up with a better job if you took it to a car specialist than if you took it to a motorcycle specialist.

FWIW, when my vintage Gibson guitar needs maintenance, I take it to the local guitar specialist shop. I don't do the work myself, even though I am capable. I care about my guitar and any maintenance will be done by the best resource I can find. For guitars, that's not me. For bass it is.

[lunarpollen]

There are shops that specialize in bass guitars, famous builders who only build basses, I figured there must be bass-focused techs out there as well

[onionpuzzle]

One option is to find someone who is not in our area, and mail it to them.....
...what about a bass luthier ? Maybe some of the boutique bass builders are hurting in this economy would branch out and do some custom work???

[praisegig]

You might check with the guys in this post .
basses for newbies (SX batch build thread)

[lunarpollen]

It's not a boutique bass, or really worth that much $$... It is kind of unique though, it has three Burns Tri-Sonics wired in series with an on-off switch for each. But something is strangling the vibration of the low E string. Not like it's muted, but like something is cancelling out a lot of the lows (and it's not a pickup phasing issue). I don't know too much about these things, but I wonder if it could have to do with the distribution of mass throughout the instrument combined with natural resonant frequencies. Someone with more experience in these matters (like a good bass tech) would probably be able to figure out what's going on and devise a solution. I don't mind unorthodox solutions; if it were to need a 5-lb iron plate bolted to the back of the body to fix it, I would say go for it, as long as it fixes the issue...

[totallyfrozen]

Sounds like you have an electrical problem. If you've ever been under the hood of an electric guitar or bass, you should know that it's fairly simple in there. There aren't any worm holes or space/time continuum warps--just a few color coded wires and some foil, really. Any reputable, experienced (read: grey haired) electric guitar technician should be able to handle your issue. It's probably not as "orignial" as you might think.

The guy I used for my bass for years was an old grey haired Hungarian immigrant with an electrical engineering degree who had owned the Fender dealership and did set ups and repairs on electric guitars and basses for 30 years. Unfortunately, he recently died of cancer so now I have to trust my stuff to people I don't know (cringe). Point is: if you find an experienced, educated, reputable electric guitar repairman he should be able to fix your issue just as reliably as someone who "specializes" in bass, IMO.

Or you can do what the other guys have suggested and try to send it to Tobias or Sadowsky and see if either of them will fix it for you. Good luck with that.

[totallyfrozen]

Originally Posted by Turnaround

I'm a bass tech that also does guitar work. There's a significant difference. Just like taking your vehicle to a mechanic. If it's a car, you probably will end up with a better job if you took it to a car specialist than if you took it to a motorcycle specialist...

With all due respect, the difference between a car and a motorcycle is VASTLY different than the difference between an electric guitar and an electric bass. I've been under the pickguard of both and they aren't that different "under the hood".

[jkramer5]

Woody Boyd in Sac and the guys out in winters at ARC guitars will take great care of you.

Stay away from the hack at either GC (Roseville and SAC Same guy)

The guy that did the PLEK work for chunger at Music Go Round over by sunrise Mall might be a good new choice.

FWIW I don't like "Guitar" techs either. what what I want from my bass setup is totally different than what a guitar player might want.

[Hookus]

I doubt it's an electrical issue. It is common for open strings to sound different than fretted strings, if fact, one of the things I like about my 6-string is that I can fret the E instead of playing it open. Open strings will always have more depth and sustain than a fretted note.

On the other hand, I can't think of a single way that you can change the timbre of an instrument once it's built without dramatic alterations. Maybe consider installing a good preamp in your bass.

[SactoBass]

lunarpollen,

if you are unsuccessful in finding a "bass only" tech in the sac area and you decide you are okay with a guitar/bass tech, you might try this guy who posted an ad on CL (i just copy and pasted his ad below....i have no affiliation whatsoever with him). he is located in orangevale:

Henry Howard and Guitar Worx is back in business full time and accepting new clients as well as servicing all existing ones.
Thanks! for supporting GUITARWORX.. Visit www.guitarworx.biz for full details, pricing and (real) testimonials from satisfied customers..
I offer affordable, friendly and personalized service (usually) while you wait and watch in a relaxed and quiet environment. As a fellow working musician, I understand how important it is for your instrument to play and sound right.

I fully support all local techs and Luthers. I have had the pleasure to meet several and found them to great guys. I am proud to be part of the Northern California guitar servicing community. We support each other.

I've set-up and / or customized instruments for:
Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), Michael Schenker (U-F-O, M.S.G.), Rudolf Schenker (Scorpions), Vinnie Moore (solo, U-F-O), Leslie West (Mountain), Michael Angelo Batio, Uli Jon Roth (Scorpions /solo), Jerry Cantrel (Alice In Chains), Chuck Golf (Toby Keith Band), Jeff Berlin (studio bassist / Jazz legend), Randy Jackson (American Idol "Dawg", Top producer, pro bass player), Sammy Hagar, Chas Cronk (Strawbs)
Plus assorted or the collective members of: Blackfoot, Molly Hatchet, Kansas, Trivium, Sevendust, Morbid Angel, Mushroomhead, Deicide, L.A. Guns, Viciuos Rumors, Cannibal Corpse, GWAR, Saliva, Girlschool ...... 100's of professional (satisfied) players.
I also had the pleasure of working on some of Juan Ortiz's high end Bass And Beyond stock before he relocated to Sparks, NV.
I would like to add you to the list. Regardless if it's a budget model from Musician's Friend or Guitar Center, I can make it play better for you.

Pricing:
Set-Ups
I understand that your instrument is an extentsion of YOU. You know how you want it to play and feel. Not how someone tells you it should. It's your instrument. Your "Baby".
Every guitar is different. I take everything into consideration. Your string guage, tuning, playing style, etc. Everything factors in and I apply it so it is perfect for you.
I do Electrics, Acoustics, Basses, Banjos and Mandolins. I also electrify acoustic instruments.

Depending upon the guitar, normally no more than 1 hour is needed for neck adjustment, intonation, action set and thorough neck / fret cleaning, polishing and oiling. Or possible neck re-set for bolt ons. Even fret leveling and recrowning, if needed. At no additional charge.
HOW MUCH?
$35-$40 per guitar / hour - $45 for guitars with Floyd Rose or similar tremelo systems. Sorry, they take a lot more time and fine adjustment.

Regardless if it's a budget model from Musician's Friend or Guitar Center, I can make it play better.

Also, you will play it and give me your feedback before you take your instrument home. I'll then make any adjustments you may request. It has to right for you before you pay me.

Or if you have the time, you can watch me do it. I'll be more than happy to teach you how to do it yourself. Unlike the music store techs who "jack" you for $75+ and do a half a**ed job (sad, but true).

Satisfaction guarenteed. If you're not happy, I don't want your money.

Call 919-745-4027 or email guitarworx@gmail.com to set up an appointment.
Thanks and "Happy playing".
Henry Howard

[jkramer5]

I forgot about Henry, I've not met him but I've talked to him on the phone a couple times. He's been patient and very helpful answering questions I've had while learning how to level frets for myself, very nice guy.

[walknbluez]

Henry is a bass player as well.

[lunarpollen]

Originally Posted by Hookus

I doubt it's an electrical issue. It is common for open strings to sound different than fretted strings, if fact, one of the things I like about my 6-string is that I can fret the E instead of playing it open. Open strings will always have more depth and sustain than a fretted note.

On the other hand, I can't think of a single way that you can change the timbre of an instrument once it's built without dramatic alterations. Maybe consider installing a good preamp in your bass.

The fretted A on the E string always sounds fatter than the open A on any other instrument I've played. Fatter string = fatter sound. Except for this one bass. It is posessed by the devil. Hell, any of the other three strings open sounds fatter than the same note fretted on the E string. Which is just wrong!!!

I don't want to change the timbre of the bass, I just want to find out what is causing this peculiar issue and rectify it.

[lunarpollen]

Woody Boyd is the guy I go to for normal stuff like electronics repaired/replaced, setups, etc. Didn't have the best of luck with a certain bass pickup issue one time (not even sure if he had a bass amp to test it out through, he had a tiny workbench amp to test things through, which is great for guitars).

I had very not-so-good luck with ARC in Winters with another issue (ask Woody Boyd about the various things he's fixed after they had been "fixed" by ARC).

SonFather is where I had my guitar's tuners replaced, but that's because they actually had the exact tuners I wanted in stock and offered to trade me on the spot for the incorrect ones I had received from Elderly Instruments (shiny gold for satin gold, same model Sperzels). But that shop isnot convenient for me to use, they are only open 9-6 Mon, Wed, and Fri, all days when I am at work in Sacramento, and a round trip to and from Rocklin is at least an hour.

I think I may try Henry at Guitarworx. Normally I just use Woody Boyd for my tech needs, he is excellent for most stuff; but this issue being a very bass-centric one, I figured I'd try someone who is more bass-centric.

[HosMan]

Thanks for this thread,lunarpollen,as I`m local (by car) to your area and also need to find a good source for the future upgrades,etc. I plan on having done to my Squier P.

I`m in the same boat,lunarpollen--in that I just need an experienced,qualified and honest individual that is (more or less) local to my area(Lodi/Stockton) and that charges a fair price for services rendered.

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by totallyfrozen

With all due respect, the difference between a car and a motorcycle is VASTLY different than the difference between an electric guitar and an electric bass. I've been under the pickguard of both and they aren't that different "under the hood".

I exaggerated the differences to make a point.

[lethargytartare]

I'm gonna pick on you a bit, but mostly just to suggest you're making things harder on yourself than you need to. Looking at all the things you've said, you have very strong opinions about the exact nature of the problem, while having no clue what is actually happening (no fault to you there, obviously):

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

it's not a pickup distance issue.

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

It's definitely an issue that's outside the realm of standard guitars just by nature of the pitch range the issue is happening at.

Just because the issue is affecting a note that isn't part of a standard guitar range, doesn't necessarily imply ANYTHING about the root cause, or the likelihood that a "general" tech could identify it and fix it (if it's at all fixable). e.g. dead spots can affect all instruments, and all kinds of different notes...

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

Regular guitars don't have to worry about reproducing anything in that range...

Again, the note isn't the issue -- you want to know what the root cause is, and the exact same issue could affect guitars even though the "bad" note produced by the guitar would be different...

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

It is kind of unique though, it has three Burns Tri-Sonics wired in series with an on-off switch for each

Kinda like a Brian May guitar?

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

it's not a pickup phasing issue

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

didn't have the best of luck with a certain bass pickup issue one time (not even sure if he had a bass amp to test it out through, he had a tiny workbench amp to test things through, which is great for guitars).

I'd suggest a tech probably knows what equipment he needs to do the job he does every day...YOU might not be able to do his job with that amp, but that doesn't mean HE can't. And can I ask what the pickup issue was?

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

this issue being a very bass-centric one

That's a presumption by you, and based solely on the fact that the note is not in a guitar's register...which is like saying "You have a skin rash, so you must be touching something that is causing the rash..." only to find out that you had scarlet fever...(true story) You're basing you opinions on the symptom, which is fine, but you're also limiting your options based on that symptom, and that's not productive.

What you want is a GOOD tech. I guarantee you that a good "general" tech could solve this issue as well as a "bass-centric" one. But good techs are hard enough to find -- if you then say you'll only go to one who specializes in basses, you're bound to limit your options, and possibly even risk getting steered to a worse tech who just happens to be better at characterizing himself as a bass specialist...

Incidentally -- have you tried different E strings?

If you have a really odd, tricky problem, you're going to go through a lot of hoops to get it fixed -- probably no way to avoid that. But what I think you should do is this:

Take it to a tech, and ask to play through a normal amp. Play the note and demonstrate the issue. If they agree that they can hear it, get their prognosis -- if it sounds like a solid approach, go for it. If they seem unsure about it and want to just give it a once-over, say that you have another appointment, but you'll come back later to drop it off or talk about it more. And then you don't burn that bridge, but you don't have to commit on the spot.

From a "general" standpoint, there are some easy things to do to try to narrow the issue. Wire the neck pickup directly to the output jack and see if you still get the issue. Change the height of the pickup to see if the issue is affected/unaffected. Change the string. Change the action and relief. If you think it's neck mass, just clamp on something to the headstock and see what happens. Check the neck bolts. A lot of general stuff.

I've only dealt with "general" techs for my guitars and basses (before learning to do the work myself), and have had great ones and weak ones...and it never seemed to vary by instrument type.

Search this forum for "dead spot" and see what discussions pop up...might find your answer that way.

Good luck man!

ltt