High strings... Neck issue?

[mountainwillow]

Newbie electric 4 string here. Been playing a little around 2 years on a Fender.
I was given a used Ibanez, playable but wonky. I really like how much lighter it is. The pickups are great. Overall I might prefer it over Fender but the strings are high.
Seems maybe it the neck is bowed. Where is a good place to find neck replacement, and do I have to look specifically for an Ibanez replacement or could I get a little excited and maybe invest in customizing my new baby? Although it isn't a high end Ibanez it could be really really groovy with what I have in mind to do to it. Being the newbie I am. I have really no idea what I am doing when it comes to repair and custom stuff.

Please help. Thanks!

 

[mountainwillow]

I was reading this....

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My issue is the 2nd noted.

 

[Stone Soup]

Here is an article on truss rod adjustment: Link Removed

 

[mountainwillow]

Ok the more I look into this, I wonder if previously the guitar was modded for slapping. The neck doesn't appear to be warped or bowed- at least to me.

It appears that the bridge is elevated (comparing to my Fender bridge), it isn't resting against the body. The nut also seems elevated/taller than typical.

So maybe it's not a neck issue? Are typically bass guitars rigged with the bridge resting flushed against the body or with hardware undearneath?

 

[skychief]

Its possible your Ibanez might just need a proper set-up. Bridge adjustment, truss rod adjustment, nut, ,etc.. can bring the action down to a playable level.

You could save yourself alot of money by doing this yourself. Alternatively, you could have a bass tech do a set-up for you, but he'll likely charge you 50 or 60 bucks.

Theres numerous instructional videos on youtube regarding set-ups on a bass. Have a peek. Even if you dont do the work yourself, It'll help you understand what the tech will be doing.

 

[Stone Soup]

Can you post a photo of the bridge. From what you've written, it sounds like maybe the bridge screws are loose.

 

[mountainwillow]

I looked closer at the neck, I don't have a truss rod adjustment. I have a black triangular plate with 3 screws over the place the truss rod adjustment was in the link you showed me. No hex or otherwise. I would love to learn more and do this adjustment myself. Thanks for your input. Always looking to learn more.

 

[mountainwillow]

I'll post a photo, give me a few minutes

 

[Stone Soup]

The adjustment nut is under the black plate.

 

[mountainwillow]

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[Stone Soup]

Take the strings off and remove those nuts from under the bridge.

 

[JLS]

I need to be blunt: this is beyond your capabilities. Take it to a professional, hopefully one who will tutor you, explain what he's doing, and why.

If this were a guitar, I'd guess that it was set up for slide playing. Both the nut & bridge have been shimmed a crazy amount.

 

[Stone Soup]

He can get it to play okay by removing the nuts from under the bridge. The string nut is another issue, but the bass will still be playable.

 

[mountainwillow]

To the 1st response below my pictures.. Thanks, I figured it looked different than typical.

To the 2nd. :lol: I agree, this might be a bit over my head, but I wanted to try to learn something new and hopefully save some money in the process. It probably would be smarter to take it in for real adjusting.

 

[mountainwillow]

^ is female

He can get it to play okay by removing the nuts from under the bridge. The string nut is another issue, but the bass will still be playable.

 

[mountainwillow]

& It plays just fine right now, just a little too high for comfort. Working too hard to play. KWIM

 

[mountainwillow]

He can get it to play okay by removing the nuts from under the bridge. The string nut is another issue, but the bass will still be playable.

I actually find it is easier to play away from the nut than the notes closer to the nut. As I get closer to the nut, I work too hard to be pleasurable.

 

[mountainwillow]

Thanks to stonesoup I have an idea on how to fix the bridge, but what exactly is up with the nut? Is that fixable or best left to an expert.

 

[rpsands]

It looks like it's just raised. You could file it down yourself but it's easy to mess up. The nut is what should go to a pro for sure. It's super high.

 

[Ewo]

My .02:

There's lots of good material here on TB about setups. I'd advise your first move be to get a good understanding of how the nut, truss rod, and bridge all influence the feel of instrument.

From the side pic of the strings and neck that action is crazy high. Trying to play that instrument will likely strain your hand and forearm muscles. Don't play it in that condition. I have no clue why the previous owner would have modded the bridge and nut in that way.


If you don't feel knowledgeable enough to tackle the job, take it to a good tech--as suggested above. If you feel confident, take the strings off and remove the shims under the bridge. Just guessing but I wouldn't be surprised if the nut was just held in place by string tension. See if it will come off after you remove the strings. Take whatever that shim material is out.

Restring, and see what's what. No doubt you'll need to do a setup after removing the shims.

Again: better to take the bass to a good tech than mess it up on your own.