Neck setting

[Kinsman]

After looking at a bunch of different "How to set up your PBass" threads, videos, etc., I decided that taking off the neck of my 1987-ish MIJ was not that big a deal. This bass has the PITA truss rod adjustment.

So I detuned the strings and put a capo on the first fret to keep the strings more or less where they ought to be. Put about an eighth turn on the rod and tightened the neck back down, then the strings. I did this a couple of times until I thought I had it right. From there, everything was goofy for a bit....until I discovered that I had not set the neck properly, and it took string tension, time and a bit of pushing to get it set right.

The action is much better now, but not perfect. I want to do some more work on it.

Any tips, tricks, ideas for setting the neck back in there ?

 

[gabrielvv7]

Saddle adjustment can help!
Usually I know when the neck bow is good by using a capo on the first fret, then pressing down on the 15th fret of the E string, and I try to get around 1 to 2 millimeters clearance between string and fret at the center of the two pressed points (around the 7th fret or so). The rest is usually on saddle adjustment. Usually that gets me a pretty low and sweet action, but it depends on your bass. Some need the saddles to be a half a turn or so higher.
Hope this helps!

 

[gabrielvv7]

Sorry, should have added that I test the string height with the strings being tuned.

 

[JustForSport]

Be sure the bolts/screws slide freely thru the body and only thread into the neck- should be able to push and pull the screws straight thru the body holes.

Snug the neck bolts, bring the strings to tension, then back off a full tone or so,
then back the neck screws of one full turn. Bring the string tension back to pitch and tighten the neck screws.
Depending on the make/neck/body fit, ensure the strings are aligned with the fretboard. If not, loosen the screws a turn, align the neck, and while holding it in position, re-tighten the screws.
Then you can check/adjust relief, check action height, then adjust intonation.
All in that order, of course.

 

[Kinsman]

Yeah, the screws went thru the body just fine, and engaged in the neck. I was careful about that, knowing that if I goobered the screwholes in the neck, it might be less than desirable.

I'll try that this weekend: snug then retighten.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[sissy kathy]

Be sure the bolts/screws slide freely thru the body and only thread into the neck- should be able to push and pull the screws straight thru the body holes.

Snug the neck bolts, bring the strings to tension, then back off a full tone or so,
then back the neck screws of one full turn. Bring the string tension back to pitch and tighten the neck screws.
Depending on the make/neck/body fit, ensure the strings are aligned with the fretboard. If not, loosen the screws a turn, align the neck, and while holding it in position, re-tighten the screws.
Then you can check/adjust relief, check action height, then adjust intonation.
All in that order, of course.

And if you are having a hard time seating the neck properly due to a tight fit you can run a bar of soap around the edge of the neck.

 

[Kinsman]

And if you are having a hard time seating the neck properly due to a tight fit you can run a bar of soap around the edge of the neck.

I like that! Thanks.

Funny, I always thought that denecking® was something only guitar surgeons could do. It really is no big deal.