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Fret Work?

baddarryl

baddarryl

Oct 26, 2008
1,738
1,537
Cape Fear!
#1
Hi all. As a laymen how do I know if my bass needs dressing, level, pleking etc.? I have an old Peavey Foundation V and a Spector Legend 5 I just got. To me they play fine, but could they be made better? Both have been set up properly. Thanks.
 
#3
Any fret buzz? If they've been setup to your liking, which it sounds like they have, I'd leave them...

... @joselorellano said, you can check them with an inexpensive fret rocker, then go from there...
 
#4
baddarryl said:
Hi all. As a laymen how do I know if my bass needs dressing, level, pleking etc.? I have an old Peavey Foundation V and a Spector Legend 5 I just got. To me they play fine, but could they be made better? Both have been set up properly. Thanks.
Click to expand...

What kind of measurements are you using to determine the basses have been set up properly? If you have .010" relief and your action in the 2mm range, you really are not going to make that bass play much better. If you have a 4mm action with a relief gap big enough for a short story, then your bass probably needs some work.
 
#5
Pbassmanca said:
Oh man, that sounds like band hell especially with the wife trying to run the show....
Click to expand...

DiabolusInMusic said:
What kind of measurements are you using to determine the basses have been set up properly? If you have .010" relief and your action in the 2mm range, you really are not going to make that bass play much better. If you have a 4mm action with a relief gap big enough for a short story, then your bass probably needs some work.
Click to expand...

I haven't measured anything, but the Peavey was set up by a Luthier a few years ago and I just got the Spector locally which the seller had set up. I know and trust him.
 
#6
baddarryl said:
I haven't measured anything, but the Peavey was set up by a Luthier a few years ago and I just got the Spector locally which the seller had set up. I know and trust him.
Click to expand...

I would second the suggestion of getting a proper setup on the Peavey before you try and diagnose any potential issues. Wood shifts so a setup lasts for a couple months, at best. Between all the weather and string changes over the years, that Peavey needs some attention.

If you are handy and comfortable doing your own, there are a lot of great resources here on TB. I would highly recommend reading Jerzy Drozd's setup guide, it is the best free resource available. If you are not comfortable doing your own setup work, I would take the bass to a professional to have it looked at. Bear in mind that any serious fretwork will cost you about as much as the Peavey is worth.
 
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#7
DiabolusInMusic said:
I would second the suggestion of getting a proper setup on the Peavey before you try and diagnose any potential issues. Wood shifts so a setup lasts for a couple months, at best. Between all the weather and string changes over the years, that Peavey needs some attention.

If you are handy and comfortable doing your own, there are a lot of great resources here on TB. I would highly recommend reading Jerzy Drozd's setup guide, it is the best free resource available. If you are not comfortable doing your own setup work, I would take the bass to a professional to have it looked at. Bear in mind that any serious fretwork will cost you about as much as the Peavey is worth.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I will try that first. The Peavey has developed a tiny buzz. Hopefully that is all it is.
 

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