Setup places in Toronto?

VeeSpade · #1 09-05-2011, 04:08 PM

I recently purchased a bass guitar through craigslist and it needs a little setup.I searched and found that I could do it by myself, but I'd rather take it to a pro.
However I've asked at 2-3 places and they all need a week or so.
I know it's a 1-2 hour job if done well and I'm aware that they have many instruments to attend, and that is why it'll take a long time.

So!
Any people here know of any place in Toronto that can do the job in less time than that?
I also heard that L&M rents instruments.Anyone know about that?And the prices they charge?
If I could rent another one until they finish with mine would be great.

Anyway thanks.

**Matthew_84** · #2 09-05-2011, 06:54 PM

Well, it could actually take a couple of days to properly set up a bass if they do some truss rod adjustments. It takes about a day or two for a truss rod to fully settle, and they'll set it up after that, unless the truss rod needs further adjustments.

But, I did take it to Steve's on Queen Street, and they clearly adjusted the truss rod, but never checked it to see if it was okay. They tightened it too tight and there was a a ridiculous amount of fret buzz on the first fret. I was very disappointed and decided from then on I'd do my own setups.

Now I'm completely happy that I learned how, because really, I have to re-adjust it every couple of months. And living in Toronto it will need a decent adjustment at the beginning of the dry winter, and another adjustment at the beginning of the humid summer.

But it takes time to get comfortable with, so I understand getting it down by a pro... Just avoid Steve's.

fettbass · #3 09-05-2011, 07:13 PM

Club bass does really good setups actually, and they did mine in 3 days. But a big +1 to learning to do your own setups. I mainly do that, but take it in to a pro once a year just to assess the health of the instrument, life left in the frets etc.

foundation · #4 09-05-2011, 08:18 PM

Club Bass is totally solid. I took my bass to L&M for a setup once...never again...I then had to take it to Club Bass to get it fixed!! You will not go wrong with Club Bass.

Muckaluck · #5 09-05-2011, 08:24 PM

I vote first:learn to do it yourself to your specs

Second: Club bass!

Nick901 · #6 09-05-2011, 08:38 PM

Club Bass. The 12th Fret is good but they take weeks because they're so busy.

Fishheadjoe · #7 09-06-2011, 09:30 AM

Where in "Toronto" are you located?
Fishheadjoe

Jaco D · #8 09-06-2011, 09:38 AM

Try Capsule Music at Queen Street West. The dudes upstairs do great set-up and repairs (oh yeah, their showroom at the ground floor have a lot of nice vintage stuff - if that's your scene and can afford it). They close kinda early, so you'll have to work around that.

VeeSpade · #9 09-06-2011, 12:40 PM

Fishheadjoe I am at the Junction.I have no car, but I use the TTC a lot and I can find my way.Most places you mention here are close to me.I looked up club bass and they charge a lot for my budget($85 plus strings).And my bass is not anything that special, I mean I have a mediocre bass and I'm not a good bassist (yet), so I guess I don't need a perfect job, I am less demanding

.
I sent an e-mail to Capsule Music, although I believe they charge a good amound as well, but anyway.

Thanks everybody you're really helpfull.

VeeSpade · #10 09-06-2011, 12:41 PM

In fact My bass would be stripped of it's self esteem if I took it to club bass.

Fishheadjoe · #11 09-06-2011, 01:09 PM

GUITAR AND BASS SETUPS AND REPAIRS-MONEYBACK GUARANTEE
This guys prices seem to be more inline with your price range, although I have not used his services...
Many of the higher end shops do charge more but with that price, you are getting years of experience applied to your instrument.
Fishheadjoe

PazzoBasso · #12 09-06-2011, 01:11 PM

I've come across a few ads on kijiji.ca that sound like guitar techs working out of their homes - rates look reasonable, but they could be total hacks... Maybe worth checking out if you don't want to spend much - you can report back with your experience...

also these guys list $60.00 for a setup (+ new strings):
The Six String Garage » Repairs

+1 for Club Bass - I'd trust them with any of my basses

PS... I just noticed this:

The Six String Garage » Workshops

You can learn to DIY this weekend...

Fishheadjoe · #13 09-06-2011, 01:12 PM

Re: L&M rentals... I was in the Scarborough store the other day and the rentals are cheap... but they are mostly Squires.
Fishheadjoe