Sadowsky set-up instructions...

Matt Dean · #1 03-30-2007, 01:31 PM

This is for the Sadowsky freaks and or builders on t-bass... I puchased a UV70 late last year and with the weather changes that come with the rites of spring, my neck needs a little tweaking. The best local shops in the SF bay area have six week wait for getting in and out of their shops. So I want to learn how to do basic set-up work on my own bass. I have searched for threads here and for some reason have failed to find what I'm looking for... so forgive me if I'm raising a old question thats been answered already...

Can someone post the set up specs for string hieght that Sadowsky uses to set-up their basses before they leave the shop... and will someone post some basic instructions for making adjustments to the truss rod on a Sadowsky...

Or, just point me in the right direction... Thanks in advance!

**MAJOR METAL** · #2 03-30-2007, 01:46 PM

Email Roger I am sure he can help you Roger@sadowsky.com

dragonbass · #3 03-30-2007, 03:39 PM

Roger's out till 4/9.

PM'd you....

Wow....6 week wait for a set-up...damn...

Rob

Juniorkimbrough · #4 03-30-2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragonbass

Roger's out till 4/9.

PM'd you....

Wow....6 week wait for a set-up...damn...

Rob

No kidding! Someone needs to jump on that opportunity and make some $$ on the side.

saxnbass · #5 03-30-2007, 04:39 PM

What amazes me is that you own a Sadowsky and don't know how to do basic set-up and maintenance. Maybe it's just me, but I think every bass player should know how to do the basics.

dragonbass · #6 03-30-2007, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saxnbass

What amazes me is that you own a Sadowsky and don't know how to do basic set-up and maintenance. Maybe it's just me, but I think every bass player should know how to do the basics.

I have worked with quite a few players in the last 7 years, that Tour with Major acts all over the world, and you would be surprised that about 70-80% don't have a clue what a proper set-up is. These guys are Monster Players, but when it comes to even basic maintence (cleaning, strings, Etc...) they don't care or know a thing...you have to see some of the action these guys are playing with every night.

It's amazing they get the job done.

Rob

20db pad · #7 03-30-2007, 08:35 PM

For years, I've used the specs listed in the old Bass Player mag story you can download as a pdf file now (as listed above). To me, the stock basses for sale at Roger's shop seem to have lower action than the standard 1/16" to 3/32" setup in the article, but that's beside the point and I only mention it because I like my action a little higher.

There's a good general setup guide at www.garywillis.com. It has a few diagrams and images which make the process a little more easy to understand. In addition, I'd like to point out that other players in the area who are more experienced in setup and maintenance are a valuable resource - I learned how to set up basses and guitars from older players back when I was 18 or so.

Finally, as it hasn't been mentioned yet, it's important to mention that if you are even the least bit uncomfortable about doing this stuff yourself at first, then always defer to somebody else who has more experience. A few wrong moves can damage an instrument pretty badly.

Matt Dean · #8 03-31-2007, 11:48 AM

Thanks for all the comments... even from the amazed reader who can can't beleive that a Sadowsky owner doesn't even know how to do basic set-up and maintenance... I appreciate all the links to set-up info. I plan on becoming a Sadowsky owner that does his own set-up in the very near future.

saxnbass · #9 03-31-2007, 11:52 AM

Didn't mean to sound rude. It's was late when I posted that (like close to 1am) and I was tired. So if it came out rude, sorry. I do think that every bass player should learn at least basic set-up though, but that's my belief.

202dy · #10 03-31-2007, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saxnbass

I do think that every bass player should learn at least basic set-up though, but that's my belief.

There is a scene in the movie, Kelly's Heroes that has always stuck with me. Donald Sutherland (0ddball) is sitting in the sun drinking wine while his crew is working on the tank. Clint Eastwood (Kelly), noting that time is of the essence, asks him why he's not helping. Sutherland replies, "I only drive 'em. I don't know what makes 'em go."

I never wanted to be that guy.

During a student's course of study it is important that they learn technique and theory. It is equally important that they learn about set-ups and equipment. All of my students have learned how to set up their basses. The received roughly four hours of hands on instruction on set ups. In addition to basic set ups, we would spend at least as much time discussing amps, cabs, speakers, effects and other gear essentials. These lessons were exclusive of any playing. During playing lessons we would sometimes discuss these other subjects if they were on the student's mind.

Only old lady piano teachers think it is enough if the student learns to read music and play only what is on the page.

maurilio · #11 04-01-2007, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202dy

There is a scene in the movie, Kelly's Heroes that has always stuck with me. Donald Sutherland (0ddball) is sitting in the sun drinking wine while his crew is working on the tank. Clint Eastwood (Kelly), noting that time is of the essence, asks him why he's not helping. Sutherland replies, "I only drive 'em. I don't know what makes 'em go."

I never wanted to be that guy.

During a student's course of study it is important that they learn technique and theory. It is equally important that they learn about set-ups and equipment. All of my students have learned how to set up their basses. The received roughly four hours of hands on instruction on set ups. In addition to basic set ups, we would spend at least as much time discussing amps, cabs, speakers, effects and other gear essentials. These lessons were exclusive of any playing. During playing lessons we would sometimes discuss these other subjects if they were on the student's mind.

Only old lady piano teachers think it is enough if the student learns to read music and play only what is on the page.

+1000

I do the same with "my" students, too!

M

Matt Dean · #12 04-01-2007, 12:58 PM

No prob SaxnBass... I did not take offense... and love to dish it out my self at times... Anyway I agree with all the comments that one should learn how to do basic mantainence on your instrument.

Now if I could magically make the ding I put in Sad UV70 last night go away.

saxnbass · #13 04-01-2007, 01:53 PM

How big is the ding and what color is your bass?

Nail polish (clear or the exact color of your bass) (I usually suggest clear over color, but it's up to you). Or you could just leave the ding, it'll get more, I assure you that.

Turnaround · #14 04-01-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Dean

I plan on becoming a Sadowsky owner that does his own set-up in the very near future.

Good. But please learn to do setups very, very well. Anyone can set up a bass with average competency. Sadowsky basses are not your average bass. They deserve better.