action problem (will not adjust low enough).

[4dZ]

hi there,

I have an ibanez srx300 and it has been playing pretty horribly for so long now i decided to properly set it up. I've done a couple truss rod adjustments on it in the past and fiddled with action and pup height along with numerous string changes, so a number of things may not be in perfect order at the moment!

I know it's personal choice, but as a vague guide im trying to get my action to 2mm/2.5mm, however i have lowered the action and the saddles are pretty much hitting the bottom of the bridge and the action is only at 5mm (17th fret), I'm guessing this is a truss rod problem?

I have used light medium and heavy strings on the bass without proper truss rod adjustments, though the neck looks relatively straight...

Anyway I would appreciate if someone could shed some light on the issue, if it's just the bass itself or anything else... I really cannot get a feel for this bass and i've had it for a long time now.

cheers!

 

[jmercer91]

is your neck bowed? do you have a neck tilt function?

 

[reedo35]

What about the Nut? Any adjustments there?

 

[Bassman822]

Adding a shim to the neck should take care of it aslong as the neck is already straight (or with a small amount of relief)

 

[4dZ]

I haven't adjusted the nut, as far as i can see my neck isnt bowed and the bass does not have a neck tilt function!

there are currently heavy dr hibeams sitting on it.. is this problem completely unheard of before?

I wouldn't know how to add a shim to the neck google can help though im sure

 

[David Jayne]

See 'All setup basic questions answered here,' in FAQ area:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125382

 

[RFord04]

Lighter gauge strings should help too.

 

[4dZ]

thanks dmusic but those do not answer my question!

I gave the bass a proper setup today and checked it through, there was actually a lot of bowing in the neck so i gave the truss rod a tighten. After reading a few things i actually think shimming the nut is probably the answer, I guess ibanez factory setup isnt great

I wouldn't imagine the string gauge has anything to do with it seeing as the saddles are hitting the bridge... the problem is not that i cannot achieve the action without fret buzz its that i cannot physically achieve it! That said, (as a slight aside!) I will change back to light gauge anyway, massive disappointment in the tone of heavies for me

 

[JLS]

No, it's not. Not at all.

IF you have the correct amount of relief/forward bow in he neck, and the saddles are bottomed out, shimming the heel, to change the angle of the neck, may help.

You should peruse any and all online guides to setting up a bass, and if you can't make sense of them, see if you can hang out with the a tech, when he or she is setting up your bass, to get a handle on the process.

 

[reedo35]

IF you have the correct amount of relief/forward bow in he neck, and the saddles are bottomed out, shimming the heel, to change the angle of the neck, may help

I think this is what he meant, as shimming the nut would raise it, not lowering it. Filing the nut slots might lower it, but could do more harm than good, especially if you've never done it before.

 

[4dZ]

yes that is what I meant! I was reading about shimming beforehand and got confused, thanks.

If i get out of my depth i ll take it to someone professional, there's a distinct lack of them around my area though