Set up question for a 5 string.

dave_bass5 · #1 01-22-2009, 10:27 AM

Silly question i know but after reading the Mr Gearhead and other set up guides none of them mention setting up a 5 string.

For example, setting the action. Do i use the guides and set the E string as they advise or do i apply that height to the B instead?

I know these are only starting points but its something thats been playing on my mind for a while.

Zooberwerx · #2 01-22-2009, 10:35 AM

I set the E as advised (or close, anyway) and then adjust the B by feel.

Riis

dave_bass5 · #3 01-22-2009, 12:09 PM

Yeah, thats what i do as well.
I was just wondering why no mentino of a 5th string in most (all) set up guides.

Craig_S · #4 01-22-2009, 12:43 PM

I always set the height to 3/32" from the top of the fret to the underside of the string, at the 12th fret, after relief has been set. The same process applies from four strings to forty. Your setup does depend on your technique, though. Some may get away with lower action and some may need it set higher.

EADG mx · #5 01-22-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_bass5

Yeah, thats what i do as well.
I was just wondering why no mentino of a 5th string in most (all) set up guides.

The main reasons are that four strings are much more common, and often you'll find the B string is a special case. There are too many variables for it such as the gauge and tension. Unlike the other 4 it has no standardized gauge and the setup of the string depends on too many variable such as what gauge and material you like, what brand, tapered vs. non-tapered ends, the electronics of your bass, and your rig. Speaking generally here, of course.

dave_bass5 · #6 01-22-2009, 03:33 PM

I understand what you are saying but i would say most of your argument could just as well be aimed at 4 stings. Flats, half wounds, nicks, SS etc. Not sure i understand the rig bit though but i get the gist of what you mean.
Laklkand do post the factory specs for the B string as well as the other 4 and i guess thats because they make 5 strings.
But i do think your right in that the guides are quite old and were standardised when 5's werent that common.

JustDavid · #7 01-24-2009, 09:57 AM

I'd set the E & B up to the specs, then refine from that.

JustDavid · #8 01-24-2009, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_bass5

Not sure i understand the rig bit though but i get the gist of what you mean.

Eden wants an extra 1/64" on the E

dave_bass5 · #9 01-24-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustDavid

I'd set the E & B up to the specs, then refine from that.

But thats my point. Most of the well known guides dont mention the B string. I'm wondering if we are supposed to substitute the E for the B or just get the B feeling comfortable once the E is in spec.

EADG mx · #10 01-24-2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave_bass5

Not sure i understand the rig bit though but i get the gist of what you mean.

Different basses and different rigs handle the B differently. In some cases you may find that you will need to adjust your action and pickup height (which both directly affect the output level of the string) accordingly. That's all I meant.

MNAirHead · #11 01-24-2009, 02:02 PM

On a B String.. really depends the quality of the string and setup.

You really want a string that's physically balanced and does not flop all over the place.

As one smart TB guy said.. drop them til it buzzes.. then bring them back up till they stop.

dave_bass5 · #12 01-24-2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EADG mx

Different basses and different rigs handle the B differently. In some cases you may find that you will need to adjust your action and pickup height (which both directly affect the output level of the string) accordingly. That's all I meant.

Ah right, thanks. I understand now.

JustDavid · #13 01-24-2009, 04:22 PM

I don't think you'll get disagreement that instrument makers should give setup specs for the instruments they sell.

Maybe they figure if we are smart enough to play a 5 we are smart enough to infer the proper setup dimensions

2 different ways to try it;
1/ presume "E" means outside string & that 'B is the new E'
2/ let E be E & deadstick-guess the numbers for B.
Neither will get you a hole-in-one, but either gets you a very short putt away.

dave_bass5 · #14 01-24-2009, 05:27 PM

I dont have any trouble setting my P5 up, i have it just right and i used the specs on the Mr Gearhead site, and in fact i have my B set the same as my E but i was really just wondering why there is lack of mention of the low B on most of the set ups.
I guess once you have the 4 strings as you like its pretty easy to get the B sitting right.

Fred19137 · #15 01-24-2009, 05:29 PM

dUDE IM ALL ABOUT MY OWN PERSONAL PREFERENCE. SCREW THOSE GUYS WHO TELL YOU HOW THEY LIKE IT. YOU DO IT HOW YOU LIKE!

JustDavid · #16 01-25-2009, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred19137

dUDE IM ALL ABOUT MY OWN PERSONAL PREFERENCE. SCREW THOSE GUYS WHO TELL YOU HOW THEY LIKE IT. YOU DO IT HOW YOU LIKE!

dUDE, if you are against people telling someone how they like something, WHAT are you doing on this site?

I get NOTHING in the posts telling OP he should setup his bass to how they like it. If they do, they offer that as a starting point only & ENCOURAGE OP to customize the setup to himself.

And, not that I'm trying to tell you how to post, but your opinion might get more respect if you learned the conventional way to work the Caps Lock button.

dave_bass5 · #17 01-25-2009, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred19137

dUDE IM ALL ABOUT MY OWN PERSONAL PREFERENCE. SCREW THOSE GUYS WHO TELL YOU HOW THEY LIKE IT. YOU DO IT HOW YOU LIKE!

As i have said, i know how to set my bass up to how i like it. As it happens the guide on Mr GH has been a big help over the years but my question was why no mention of the low B in these guides.

EADG mx · #18 01-25-2009, 09:47 AM

Setup guides give you suggested measurements as a reference point. You don't have to follow them. Aside from that, the methods used are what the bass playing community has decided to be the most practical. I don't see what there is to discuss here.

dave_bass5 · #19 01-25-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EADG mx

I don't see what there is to discuss here.

No, i can see that you dont.
Thanks anyway.

JustDavid · #20 01-25-2009, 09:59 AM

Dave, is your basic point that sellers of 5 strings should provide instructions for setting them up instead of sticking with EADG references?

It's a very valid point. I wonder what Warwick says; I can imagine some poor setup newbie reading EADG-based manuals then going over to their F#BEA.

Though a good point & a good discussion, this is like the mice voting to bell the cat. Most makers can't even be cajoled into providing string tensions.