Setting up your own bass- time well spent?

[Kevinmach]

Being somewhat knew to bass, I can't say as though I have fully invested myself into the process of learning and setting up my own bass.

I've read some of the links and online articles, and I don't find it *too* intimidating, but I really have not done much beyond adjust the string and pickup height.

I am not opposed to paying someone to do it, but then again- I am hearing people say you're supposed to do it every time you get a new type style/tension/thickness of strings. Because I am still experimenting with string types, this sounds like this could get expensive as I try to find out what I like. Yet I want to make the most out of my basses and the strings I try out.

1- How critical do you guys consider it that you do it EVERY time you get new strings?

2- Do you consider learning how to do it yourself worth the time investment?

3- What elements to the setup process do you personally consider most critical? (IOW what parts do you feel the need to do most often vs those that you might hold off on, like a truss rod adjustment)

I will be honest- knowing my personality, I consider myself a guy that would like to spend my time playing as opposed to fiddling, but I would like the get the most of the instrument to a certain extent, too.

I envision myself changing things around, only to find myself frustrated by not being able to get what I want or making it worse. I've gotten in over my head before with other stuff, and I want to know the can of worms I might be opening up.

[Pilgrim]

I think it's worthwhile, because the more you know about your instrument, the better you can cope with things that go wrong when you're playing. It's worth the time.

I don't change strings much, but I don't do a new setup unless the way it plays tells me I need to. The truss rod is my least favorite thing to mess with, and I don't need to do it often but I'm in a dry area so I don't have big swings in humidity to deal with.

[()smoke()]

very worthwhile, imo

if you want to ensure the instrument plays in tune, it's necessary to check the setup anytime you change string mfg., gauge, etc...sometimes it will be hardly off, sometimes quite noticeably off--you're call on how in tune your audience likes to hear you play, ha

...me, i need all the help i can get, so playing in tune is paramount

[GreggBummer]

I am not one to mess with things that I don't understand... especially with an expensive instrument.

I learned how to set up my bass (and do other work) on a cheap "beater" Squier. If I snapped the truss rod on it, I would have been upset- but not crushed as if I had done it on a brand new Sadowsky. Over time, I feel pretty comfortable making adjustments to my bridges, installing and filing a nut, soldering electronics, and so on.

At the very least, learning to adjust your intonation at the bridge is a basic skill. Check these links out:

http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_setup/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgET75Wmy2o

I think learning to do this is fun and beneficial... but stay in your comfort zone. If you don't feel comfortable experimenting- then don't.

[Kevinmach]

Yeah, the truss rod thing gets brought up a lot. It would probably be my least favorite too because I suspect with each adjustment, you have to also retune and adjust string height too. Plus it's not like you an "eyeball" the effect of a 1/8 or 1/4 turn your neck.

And I take but what I said about not being too intimidating- the link in the setup sticky for Fender makes it sound like I might be better off performing brain surgery on my Golden Retriever in my garage. (and I don't even have a fender)

Thanks for the links, I will check em out. I already read the tunemybass one, that sounded less involved than others I've read.

[tobie]

I don't fiddle with the setup (truss rod or not) unless a rattle / buzz forces me to.

Learn how to do it. I was totally frustrated by buzzes, took it in to a pro and when it came back it still had a buzz on the 4th fret, E string. Eventually I decided it's do or die so I simply sat down, flattened & lowered the strings until all of them touched the neck and started from there. That was about 4 months ago. Other than a small bridge adjustment directly thereafter I never had a buzz or rattle again.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

IME/IMHO learning how to do a full setup, is an essential part of being a stringed instrument musician.

The knowledge and tools required for doing DIY setups is minimal compared with most of the tasks we face in everyday life. The savings and the "availability" of the service plays a big role in the long run too.

As for Your questions:

1: The need for a setup is entirely up to You, no-one can make that determination for you.

2: Worth it? I think it's essential like said earlier.

3: For me, none of them falls into the category of being "most critical". I usually adjust the truss rod for climatic changes several times a year, or whenever there's a need to do so. Intonation and string height get adjusted only when I get a new instrument or when I change to a different type of strings. And both are RARE .

Regards
Sam

[blendermassacre]

For me, the guy who I like to do set ups only works on Wednesday and Saturday nights at guitar center. That forced me to learn how to do my own. Plus it's 30 bucks for loosening the strings and using an allen wrench. After fiddling a bit, installing my own nuts, setting intonation and messing up a few times along the way, I feel a lot more prepared for gigging.

[rcarraher]

Originally Posted by Kevinmach

Being somewhat knew to bass, I can't say as though I have fully invested myself into the process of learning and setting up my own bass.

I've read some of the links and online articles, and I don't find it *too* intimidating, but I really have not done much beyond adjust the string and pickup height.

I am not opposed to paying someone to do it, but then again- I am hearing people say you're supposed to do it every time you get a new type style/tension/thickness of strings. Because I am still experimenting with string types, this sounds like this could get expensive as I try to find out what I like. Yet I want to make the most out of my basses and the strings I try out.

1- How critical do you guys consider it that you do it EVERY time you get new strings?

2- Do you consider learning how to do it yourself worth the time investment?

3- What elements to the setup process do you personally consider most critical? (IOW what parts do you feel the need to do most often vs those that you might hold off on, like a truss rod adjustment)

I will be honest- knowing my personality, I consider myself a guy that would like to spend my time playing as opposed to fiddling, but I would like the get the most of the instrument to a certain extent, too.

I envision myself changing things around, only to find myself frustrated by not being able to get what I want or making it worse. I've gotten in over my head before with other stuff, and I want to know the can of worms I might be opening up.

I really enjoy it, and do most of my setups myself. Over the years though, I always thought it was important to know when you were over your head and go ahead and take it to a tech or luthier. More and more I am getting adventurous, but I have an interest in learning to build basses and do more complicated repairs and rebuilds.

[LeonD]

I also agree that doing your own setup is critical. One thing that will help you progress as a bass player is if your bass feels the same way every time you pick it up. If you get your technique down being used to one string height and feel and then pick the bass up another time and it feels different, you have to compensate for that difference.

Now maybe that compensation is small but the bass is hard enough to play / learn. Why make it harder?

So, once you have it set up the way that YOU like (and I stress you; others can give you starting point and guidelines but you have to decide what works for you), a setup will help you keep that feel as the seasons or strings change.

For your questions:

1. The biggest change would be if you change gauges. Then the intonation will probably need to be adjusted. And if the tension is very different, you may need to make changes to the string height.

2. I think learning how to do a setup is mandatory.

3. For me, I do truss rod adjustments most often. Neither of my basses have any stiffeners (i.e. graphite) in them and one of the necks has minimal finishing. In New England, the climate changes so often, I end up tweaking the truss rod a couple of times a month. It's no big deal. Fret at the first fret, put my elbow down at the last fret and see how high the string is off the fretboard in the middle. On my fretless, it should just be touching. On my fretted, just enough so when I push down on the string, I can hear the slightest of noises. It takes less than 30 seconds to get it back where I like it.

Most manufactures post guidelines on where their basses should be set as a starting point. As long as you can get back to that point, you can't screw up too much.

My advice would be to find someone in your area that know how to do it and ask them to show you. Most people are willing to help.

LeonD

[GreggBummer]

After reading everyone replys I thought about something else:

When I put new string on a bass (usually once a year with round wound.... never for flats) I usually make a project out of it. I have a table that I lay a few beach towels out on. I get the tools ready. Pour a nice cup of coffee and spend an hour on the bass. In addition to the set up I usually polish the wood, clean the fretboard, tighten strap peg screws, check and clean the tuning machines, tighten the output jack, remove pickguard and clean out the crud... all preventive maintenance kind of stuff. It saves money in the long run. None of these tasks are "technical" or beyond the reach of a reasonably cautious person. To be honest, I enjoy doing it. Since I have become confident in working of bass/guitars I tend to do light maintenance for the other guys in the band. I put a new nut on my guitar players Les Paul and he thinks I am genius. Not really, I just screwed a few of them up before I figured it out.

But, again, do what you are comfortable with. This whole music thing is supposed to be fun.

[gre107]

Who else can set up your instrument the way you want it to play?

You have to learn how to do it.

The only thing I'll have someone else do is electronic work if it is beyond my soldering abilities.

[LeonD]

Originally Posted by GreggBummer

After reading everyone replys I thought about something else:

When I put new string on a bass (usually once a year with round wound.... never for flats) I usually make a project out of it. I have a table that I lay a few beach towels out on. I get the tools ready. Pour a nice cup of coffee and spend an hour on the bass. In addition to the set up I usually polish the wood, clean the fretboard, tighten strap peg screws, check and clean the tuning machines, tighten the output jack, remove pickguard and clean out the crud... all preventive maintenance kind of stuff. It saves money in the long run. None of these tasks are "technical" or beyond the reach of a reasonably cautious person. To be honest, I enjoy doing it. Since I have become confident in working of bass/guitars I tend to do light maintenance for the other guys in the band. I put a new nut on my guitar players Les Paul and he thinks I am genius. Not really, I just screwed a few of them up before I figured it out.

But, again, do what you are comfortable with. This whole music thing is supposed to be fun.

Based on the above, I think you'd enjoy doing your own setups.

LeonD

[ubado]

I do all my own set-ups ... always have and always will.

The only thing I will out-source is electronics work ... if I feel it's over my head. Some electronics work is pretty straight forward, but can still be very time consuming and a bit of a pain ... it's always been trial and error ... but you do get better with experience. If you have a good electronics guy, who's prices are good ... just send it off. However sometimes bad things do happen, and you won't be in the position to have your bass sitting in a shop ... those are the times when you wished you learned more about electronics. Same goes for basic set-up work.

1) Yes, it's pretty important to do a set-up when changing strings. If you are sticking with the same gauge of strings, a good once over is about all that will be needed ... tune and check intonation ... done. If you are changing the gauge of strings ... it will be pretty critical that you do a total set-up ... tune, intonation, bridge adjustments (including a truss rod adjustment as needed ... which might take a couple of days to get to that point).

2) Absolutely do learn how to set-up your bass! It will be cheaper in the long run. And eventhough you don't change your strings a lot ... an intonation adjustment is still something that you will need to do over time. Besides ... only you know exactly what you like and don't like ... and what set-up fits your playing style the best (ie. heavy handed player ... light player ... low/med/high action ... amount of of neck relief ... etc). Plus the more you know about your bass, and how everything is interconnected ... the better off you will be in the end.

3) Besides regular tuning of the bass ... nothing is more critical than another ... each should be done as needed. Tuning, intonation, and string height adjustments are most likely what you will be doing on a regular basis, especially when changing strings.

As far as the truss rod is concerned ... once maybe twice a year, depending the quality of your bass. IMO ... don't be afraid to give it a try. Just make sure to take your time, remember a slight movement of the nut goes a long way... and it could take a couple of days before it where you want or need it to be. Also use the right tool for the job. IF your allen key doesn't quite fit ... don't force it or try to get by with it. Take the time to purchase the right sized allen key (if that's what you need to adjust it) ... too many times, I've gotten a bass with a mostly stripped allen nut, due to someone forcing the wrong sized one to fit.


When it comes to setting up your bass ... practice makes perfect ... and soon enough it'll become old hat.

[Byzcat]

I do my own setups. It's the only way, really. I live in New England, too (waves to LeonD), and for me, the climate changes mean I have to tune my bass every time I pick it up, which is at least a couple of times a day. Haven't had to mess with the truss rod, yet, but I feel pretty confident that I could do that, if it came down to it.

I'm contemplating a string change, will probably be going with lighter gauge ground-wounds or pressurewounds, so I'll have to do the whole setup thing all over again. I haven't had to do anything with the intonation yet, but if I change the strings, I will need to, so far, I've only had to adjust the action.

If I needed anything done to the instrument that involved more than a turn of a screwdriver or allen wrench, I would go to a professional. No way would I try to change the nut, or even file it, on my own.

[ByF]

Originally Posted by Kevinmach

I will be honest- knowing my personality, I consider myself a guy that would like to spend my time playing as opposed to fiddling, but I would like the get the most of the instrument to a certain extent, too.

Don't "fiddle" with it. Don't adjust things at random until you get a result you can (or can't) live with.

Have a plan:

1) Check the relief and adjust the truss rod.

2) Check the action and adjust the bridge.

3) Check the intonation and adjust the bridge.

Do the steps in that order, and then go play.

Ed

[kraigo]

It's easy! I've been doing it since I got my first bass. I've only brought a bass in once. I wanted to know what the results would be when a "pro" did it. When I got it back I decided I liked my own work better. I'm fine doing most of my electronics work, too. I've never done fret leveling though.

KO

[jamesmleach]

I've spent some time playing with strings and tunings over the last month or so, and have found that i enjoy the setting up of my bass almost as much as playing. It's fun to find that tweak on the truss rod when the re-tensioned strings lift off the flat fretboard just enough, when the harmonic and fretted note at the 12th sound the same after a tiny tweak on the saddle...

when you play that familiar warm-up line and it sounds just right, and you know that YOU made it happen.

go slow, read a lot, don't force anything. and most of all, HAVE FUN!

[JTE]

Originally Posted by Kevinmach

... I am not opposed to paying someone to do it, but then again- I am hearing people say you're supposed to do it every time you get a new type style/tension/thickness of strings.

1- How critical do you guys consider it that you do it EVERY time you get new strings?

2- Do you consider learning how to do it yourself worth the time investment?

3- What elements to the setup process do you personally consider most critical? (IOW what parts do you feel the need to do most often vs those that you might hold off on, like a truss rod adjustment)

I will be honest- knowing my personality, I consider myself a guy that would like to spend my time playing as opposed to fiddling, but I would like the get the most of the instrument to a certain extent, too.

I envision myself changing things around, only to find myself frustrated by not being able to get what I want or making it worse. I've gotten in over my head before with other stuff, and I want to know the can of worms I might be opening up.

First, you need to CHECK the set up when you change strings because there's a lot of variation between different gauges, brands, alloys, and even with some companies between sets. Whether you need to alter the set-up depends on how your bass reacts to the changes. The point however is that half of DOING the set-up is the analysis part, so you may as well finish the job.

1. I find it critical to check the bass everytime I re-string, even with the same set of strings. And the necks will move some depending on your environment and the particular neck you have.

1. a.) If I find it needs work, it's critical to me to make it the way I want it.

2. Just about as useful as learning to harmonize the major scale (i.e. vital!!!). Why? Because I'm the only one who really knows exactly what I want my basses and guitars to feel like. And it's silly to pay someone (and to be without the bass) to do very simple and easily learned things. Another HUGE advantage of doing your own set-ups is that you learn a LOT more about what makes a great bass different from a good one. That allows you to more accurately judge poorly set-up instruments in stores. You'll learn what are set-up issues and what are inherent in the bass' construction. Knowing set-up also allows you to be more closely bonded to your instrument. A line from "Anybody's Bike Book" ( a book on bicycle repair and adjustments) resonants. I LIKE paying homage to my basses I(and bikes for that matter!).

3. Truss rod adjustmenst are the starting point for every thing. I've seen so many threads here where folks start jerking the saddles around, shimming necks, and getting new nuts, without checking the relief on the neck. Knowing set-up means knowing the PROCESS in order as well as how to do each bit. When I restring I clean the fingerboard, restrign, tune, and inspect the neck for correct releif. If the rod needs adjustment, I'll take care of that and let it settle for a day or two. Then when it's set to my liking and stable, I check the action (which I haven't changed on any of my basses in years unless they're new to me) and then set the intonation.

If it's a new bass to me, I set the truss rod, then I start with the nut (almost EVERY nut that comes on a mass-produced factory bass is too high, and poorly cut). But once the nut's cut, I probably won't have to deal with it again for decades. Then I go through the process of adjusting the action and the intonation.

I don't do fret work myself (my eyes are bad, I don't have a good work place, nor the tools any longer), but basic set-up work (action, neck relief, intonation, PUP adjustments, etc.) are very personal and don't lend themselves well to "standard" settings. So I do that myself and have for 30 years.

To avoid the problem of changing things and making them worse, do everything in order and one step at a time. The first time you go to adjust your truss rod, do ONLY the truss rod. Turn it 1/4 turn clockwise and write down what you did. Play it for a few days and if you don't like it, then you can go back to where you were.

John

[Hamrhed]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I think it's worthwhile, because the more you know about your instrument, the better you can cope with things that go wrong when you're playing. It's worth the time.

I agree...

Ive only recently begun to really do this because Ive never really run into problems where I thought it necessary. But since Ive begun to mod a bit (bridges) I thought I should- not to mention that there arent any techs very close to my proximity.

A pro setup is always best- But I think you should slowly learn the process as you go: a little knowledge goes a long way...

Since I use Fenders- this is where I started:

http://www.fender.com/support/basses.php