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My first bass "tuneup"

Blackhawks55

Blackhawks55

Jul 21, 2013
547
2,083
Chicago
#1
Hi everyone,

Just recently started playing. I've played electric guitar for a few years, but no bass. Picked up a HARDLY used 20th edition white Squire P-Bass. I played it for a few days, and I noticed right away when I unpackaged it that the action was EXTREMELY high... We're talking about like 2 inches+ here. I didn't actually measure it.. but god it was impossible to play..

Anyway, I strolled into Guitar Center today to have it set up. The strings were like a year old... The tech there recommended Ernie Ball regular slinky. I know the name very well, he said they're great. I could see that the neck had a little curve in it, so I'm having him adjust the truss rod, clean the frets, and lower the action A LOT.. and put the new strings on there for me. $60 quote, without strings. Does that seem a little high? Maybe the strings are included he really never said to be honest.

While playing with such high action my fretting fingers are tender to the touch.. as I am typing this it hurts a bit LOL.. It should be ready Friday or Saturday. I AM DYING to get it back already.. I cannot wait to play with lower action and new strings. I could barely play the damn thing with such high string action!

Well enough of my blabbing, any input would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot!
 
#2
Blackhawks55 said:
...I could see that the neck had a little curve in it, so I'm having him adjust the truss rod, clean the frets, and lower the action A LOT.. and put the new strings on there for me. $60 quote, without strings. Does that seem a little high? ...
Click to expand...

This seems perfectly reasonable if done correctly.

Eventually, you will likely gain the skills/confidence/tools to do this yourself.

Until then, this sounds fair, imo.

edit: TWO INCHES??? If he can can get it close to playable, he did right.
 
#3
That's a reasonable price even if it does not include the strings. Setup costs vary based on the city and the tech, but I don't think that's too far out there. Of course, hopefully they'll do a good job and don't accept it if it's a mediocre setup that doesn't feel good to play.

However, it's not very hard to learn how to do your own setups. Lots of resources here and on YouTube to show you. So, next time, just buy strings and do it yourself!

Are you in the Chicago area by any chance?
 
#4
Good advice... DO learn how to adjust your instrument yourself... it's not rocket science. It'll require a screwdriver or two and a couple of allen wrenches.

And you'll never have to put up with sore fingertips again, as you'll be able to dial-in almost ANY instrument to play a lot easier. With just a few noted exceptions, the majority of basses' adjustments are all performed basically the same way.
 
#6
Yes I am located about 30 minutes from the city. Northwest Indiana to be exact. I went to the Guitar Center in Hobart. I really wanted to do it myself but I wanted to make sure it was done the right way the first time. I could have done the strings on my own for sure.

Going back to what I said, when I pulled the bass out of the box when it arrived at my house, yes the action was VERY high.. I wish I measured it I was just so caught up in playing it I never did. I really had to press down hard.. hopefully this toughens up my finger tips and I never deal with that pain again.
 
#7
I would feel comfortable doing the bridge adjustment for the action and putting the strings on.. the truss rod.. maybe not so much. I have watched some videos on it though. I have a beat up electric guitar that I could practice working on just to get the feel for what I may need to do in the future.
 
#9
messing with the truss rod can be unnerving at first, but just remember that you only turn a little at a time. it's not like the neck is going to break in two if you adjust too much.

OP, price seems reasonable. hope you enjoy your bass when you get it back!
 
#10
I will practice on my old electric guitar that I will probably never play again. It's my cousins actually he gave it to me. I CANNOT wait to get it back.. dying to play with normal action, and new strings :D so excited! Can't wait to jam out to some Tom Sawyer!
Thank you everyone for the help I REALLY appreciate it!
 
#13
lots of folks here in cincinnati use a local guy ...Charges me mid $40 for the Ric due to dual rods...On my single's it's less - Does a great job. I've never checked out the prices at the local GC....I just stay clear of them because I want to know exactly who is messing with my babies.
 
#14
It had to have been raised for shipping purposes. It did come from Arlington Illinois. Here in literally 1 day via UPS. I have a feeling the $60 quote is including the strings.. He is also taking some oxidation off the frets..

Like I said I never took a picture of the action. But all I can say right now is I'm picking it up Saturday. Dropped it off Wednesday late afternoon. My fingers are still numb from playing it. No blisters but holy ****.. quite painful. I can't wait to get it back.

The guy was very sharp.. He knew is stuff no doubt about it. I did about 2 months of research before buying a bass and I know this guy isn't screwing me over. I will let everyone know Saturday if the $60 includes the strings, and how the setup is!
 

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