Short Scale Setup Recommendations

[bassburner]

My 10 year old is getting her first bass, an Epiphone EB-0, and I need to set it up as the action is a little high.

I go for .105" on the E and .094" on the G at the 17th fret for my long scales and the business card thickness for relief at the 7th fret.

What do you think a good starting point would be for a short scale bass especially for a beginner?

[Bruce Johnson]

When setting up a bass for a beginner, the most important thing is to cut the nut slots correctly. Pressing at the 3rd fret, the strings should just barely clear the 1st fret. That reduces the force needed in the first few positions. She won't have much hand strength or calluses, and you don't want her to get frustrated because her hand hurts.

Also, loosen the truss rod and give it more relief than you would normally like. Don't worry about getting the action real low up at the 20th fret. Set it at about 0.125". A beginner will initially pluck the strings clumsily and too hard. You don't want her to get discouraged because it buzzes too easily. As she learns better right hand technique, then you can lower the action and the relief.