Set-up cost?

Wallygator · #1 04-27-2011, 08:48 PM

Hey there,

Ok, so about a year ago I picked up a used ESP TA-200 that seems to be really nice bass. Other than a few minor dents and dings (character scars) its in really nice shape.

Anyways it has certainly moved its way into my "fav bass to play" spot. Couple things are bothering me though. The action is a little high and one of the pots seems scratchy. I am considering taking it somewhere for a proper set up and possible have the pots replaced.

Having never done this I have no idea how much this work should/would cost? Any insight would be great.

Thanks
Wally

seanm · #2 04-27-2011, 10:36 PM

Since you are in Toronto, you might want to try contacting this guy: YouTube - davey4557's Channel

I know nothing about him, I just watch his videos on youtube and he seems to know what he is doing. Plus, as a bonus, you will probably get to see a video of the work!

Foamy · #3 04-27-2011, 10:52 PM

DIY - it's free! There is a lot of instruction here and on YouTube. Even a novice can do just about everything you'd normally want to do to setup the bass. I'd say everything up to a fret level job. That's assuming you don't need to replace any electrical/electronic components AND you can't solder.
If' you're talking about adjusting the action, the relief, and the intonation.....dude, DIY.

ThrashMaster · #4 04-28-2011, 02:34 AM

60 bucks give or take

lethargytartare · #5 05-01-2011, 11:49 PM

I expect to see setups in the 30-40 range, but if they also put new strings on, that ends up adding 30 bucks or so.

For the pots, they might just spray them with cleaner and charge you from 'nothing' to a few bucks. Actually replacing them might be 15-20 -- shops seem to charge 7-10 bucks for a CTS pot, and the replacement is simple enough work.

BUT -- here's what you should do for scratchy pots: turn the pot until you can find the areas where the scratchiness is worst. Then turn the pot back and forth over that range quickly and many times. What you're doing is rubbing the wiper against the conductive disk, and that will clean off any accumulated corrosion or whatever, and make the scratchiness go away.

john grey · #6 05-02-2011, 11:47 AM

IF you have not done that before or don't feel comfortable doing it, obviously get a REAL luthier to do the work. It's substantially different when someone who actually has been doing work on wooden musical instruments for decades works on your guitar than some kid in Guitar Center (no offense to any kids in GC).
There are several thing in addition to intonation, neck straightening, and nut replacement / adjustment that add a great deal of "play-ability" to a guitar. An experienced guy will ask you what you want from the instrument, what styles you play, strings, and questions that relate to technique - & may even ask you to play a scale or two to watch your hands. Most guys charge about 30-40 for a setup. However it will be worth it because those "incidental" things (such as nut-string spacing & height) can make a world of difference for the life of the instrument.