damn i need a backup bass

[JohnnyB53]

A good tech is usually backed up about two weeks. A good setup takes a few days to allow the wood to fully adjust to truss rod tweaks.

Not if you learn how to whack the neck joint across your knee to get the adjustment to settle in. That's what I do. Instant settle.

 

[Rocky McD]

I have a small shop and do quite a few setups. I usually keep the instrument 2 -4 days depending on what I have to do to it and how well it responds to adjustments. The actual time spent is about 3-4 hours if there are no problems. There are minor setups and major setups, and not all shops include the same things in a setup. I like to keep it for at least 24 hours after the set up to do minor tweeks and play it several times. Some of the really busy shops don't actually start on it for a week or so.
Rocky

 

[Pilgrim]

SX, MIM P or J, EB-0, or a Gretsch 2202 Jr. Jet - all are good choices and all available under $300 (some need to be used at that price).

 

[blackriverstan]

you guys speak of doing a "setup" yourself

what does this involve? how can one do it reliably without effing up a fine instrument? i just took a fender MIM pbass that i picked up used a few months ago into the shop a few days ago to make some bridge adjustments and check it over to see if anything else should be adjusted...however, i'd like to be able to do work on my instrument if needed instead of having to take it in everytime it needs some tuning up

 

[diglo]

I've had my basses setup by Brian at LowEnd and Turner Mires at Turner Music. Both do great jobs and a decent turnaround.

 

[floatingaxe]

If you had an Ibby and liked it check out Brices from Rondo.
I got one for a backup to my BTB. Very nice for the price.

 

[Bassamatic]

Anyone really good is going to be backed up, but it sure does suck when you have a new bass and you can't play it.

I have learned to do my own setups, and pretty darn well, but I can't level and re-crown the frets, often important for the best playability (the tools are expensive).

 

[RonChase]

I like to have a backup but for maybe a different sound or look.I started to haul a backup20 years ago because once in the studio on the first take of the first song I broke a string.I only had that happen once in a paid session luckily I lived nearby and grabbed numero2 but ever since then I carry 2 of everything(except wives)

 

[butchblack]

you need to learn how to set up your bass by yourself also a backup bass comes handy specially if something went wrong during a gig.

Learning to do a simple set up is a good thing to learn. That said a pro set up by a skilled tech is a whole new ball game. My main bass is A Fernandes "the function" jazz. It played well. I blew a pickup, wanted to go with humbuckers anyway, and brought it in and had him set it up at the same time. It went from a nice playing bass to OMG status. And the backlog was almost 2 months, but the luthier, Jimmy Mouradian, is well worth the wait. He did slot me in and I brought the bass to him a couple days before my slot so the bass was only in the shop for 4-5 days. Having a good back up saved me.

 

[screaminglucy]

if you have the right tools you can do a great job on your own. there's a video on youtube of the lakland tech doing a setup. of course there are probably other vids but the lakland one is awesome.

 

[Rilander]

It went from a nice playing bass to OMG status.

that's exactly why i had the bass like 2 weeks and decided to take it in. it already played very nice. but when he's done with it. it will be noticeably a lot better. but i really want a back up bass that plays good, just for times like this