General Setup Question for A newb

[sevenyearsdown]

I searched, and checked the newbie links - didn't really find what I was looking for.

Disclaimer: I JUST got my first DB, and I know very little.

The bass I purchased was setup for bowing. I am going to start out learning pizzacato. What changes should I be looking for when I take this into my local luthier to get a proper setup for myself?

Strings?
String Height?

[reedo35]

Actually, that's a valid question. Unfortunately, there's no one right answer, as everyone has their own personal preferences.
Do a search on String height and you will see what I mean.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Yup. Although there are guidelines, in practice the individual player decides what feels right.
I believe your bass has a Full Circle? Set the height at 5mm on the G and 8mm on the E as a good starting point. Allow a slight gap between the pickup and bridge feet for best sound with that pickup. The height at the nut should be just so you can slide a business card under the string. If the bass plays OK there without buzzing I would advise you to play it that way for a bit before going further. Sight down the fingerboard from the nut end. You should not see any high or low spots. Most basses have some minor irregularity, but trouble spots that causes buzzing will require a full fingerboard dressing. At that point, have your luthier address camber and arching of the fingerboard and bridge.
It looks like you got a pretty good deal, so if you must spend some money on a proper setup you will still be OK.

[reedo35]

I agree. The strings you use will make a difference as well.
In general, Low tension strings ( like velvet animas or Guts) require a higher string height for Optimum sound, while higher tension strings (like Dominants) can be set lower.

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Good point. What strings are on the bass now? If you don't know, what color are the silks top and bottom?

[longfinger]

Good question! And a related question is "how much money should a proper setup cost on a healthy bass, excluding the price of parts like strings?" (eg the labour costs of tweaking a healthy bass away from the previous owner's taste and towards the new owner's taste.)
This will vary somewhat from region to region, but for those on the board who know, how much is it in your town?