I got it

[Standalone]

I’m a fan of all things Ibanez and stoked for you! I bet it sounds even better than it looks.

 

[NYgiant]

Beautiful bass. Spend a few bucks on tools and a little time on youtube to learn to do your own setups. I have rarely been happy with "pro" setups.

Thanks, I still can’t believe I own this thing.

Anyways, about a month ago I ordered that Music Nomad 6 pc guitar setup gauge tool set. Was like $60 on Amazon. It came with a step by step manual and I watched a lot of videos on it. I swear, I spent like 3.5 hours F’ing with it and I made the fret buzz even worse on the Fender.

Then, it seemed after watching more videos made by the company, that I needed diamond files made specifically for the nut to get the strings to set deeper. That was an additional $80 dollars or so. I go so pissed, I returned it and got my money back. Took it to a local shop and the guy had it for a few days and charged me the same as the set cost.

Said bring it back if I had any issues. Which I did. I guess after the adjustments he made settled in. Anyways it’s good now. Maybe I gave up too quick? I don’t know. I’d like to really know how to do it, but feel like a small fee to pay somebody else is worth my time and lack of patience.

If I knew someone that knew what they were doing that could teach me in person, I’d love that. But I don’t. At any rate. Was playing with it unplugged tonight and I really feel like the action can be lowered. I just don’t want to be without it over the weekend. Maybe take it to the guy during the week.

 

[Standalone]

Thanks, I still can’t believe I own this thing.

Anyways, about a month ago I ordered that Music Nomad 6 pc guitar setup gauge tool set. Was like $60 on Amazon. It came with a step by step manual and I watched a lot of videos on it. I swear, I spent like 3.5 hours F’ing with it and I made the fret buzz even worse on the Fender.

Then, it seemed after watching more videos made by the company, that I needed diamond files made specifically for the nut to get the strings to set deeper. That was an additional $80 dollars or so. I go so pissed, I returned it and got my money back. Took it to a local shop and the guy had it for a few days and charged me the same as the set cost.

Said bring it back if I had any issues. Which I did. I guess after the adjustments he made settled in. Anyways it’s good now. Maybe I gave up too quick? I don’t know. I’d like to really know how to do it, but feel like a small fee to pay somebody else is worth my time and lack of patience.

If I knew someone that knew what they were doing that could teach me in person, I’d love that. But I don’t. At any rate. Was playing with it unplugged tonight and I really feel like the action can be lowered. I just don’t want to be without it over the weekend. Maybe take it to the guy during the week.

I think gauges aren’t necessary for home set ups. If it looks and feels and plays good — it is.

 

[KB5]

Thanks, I still can’t believe I own this thing.

Anyways, about a month ago I ordered that Music Nomad 6 pc guitar setup gauge tool set. Was like $60 on Amazon. It came with a step by step manual and I watched a lot of videos on it. I swear, I spent like 3.5 hours F’ing with it and I made the fret buzz even worse on the Fender.

Then, it seemed after watching more videos made by the company, that I needed diamond files made specifically for the nut to get the strings to set deeper. That was an additional $80 dollars or so. I go so pissed, I returned it and got my money back. Took it to a local shop and the guy had it for a few days and charged me the same as the set cost.

Said bring it back if I had any issues. Which I did. I guess after the adjustments he made settled in. Anyways it’s good now. Maybe I gave up too quick? I don’t know. I’d like to really know how to do it, but feel like a small fee to pay somebody else is worth my time and lack of patience.

If I knew someone that knew what they were doing that could teach me in person, I’d love that. But I don’t. At any rate. Was playing with it unplugged tonight and I really feel like the action can be lowered. I just don’t want to be without it over the weekend. Maybe take it to the guy during the week.

I usually start by tuning up and setting the neck relief. On my main bass I can get a way with pretty minimal relief of about 0.007" measured at the 8th fret using my B string as a straight edge with the 1st and 16th fret held down. From there I set my string height at the 24th fret G string to 0.070" moving up progressively to .110" for the B string. Then I set intonation. After setting intonation I recheck my string heights and tweak if needed. It's generally not more than a 20 min job. Every bass is different but they are consistent on an individual instrument. You have to get to know each one.

Here's a great article on setups from the best in the business: Luthiers’ Round Table | Bass Gear Magazine

 

[JC BASS 91]

Very pretty! I'm a total sucker for a figured maple top!