New to bass set up, beginner issue

[Matt Liebenau]

Thread 'ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE'

Apr 25, 2004

Here's some instructional sites to help you perform your own setup on your instrument :

How do I set up my bass guitar properly?

FENDER® BASS ADJUSTMENT AND CAREThe following setup procedures and specifications are for you Fender bass as equipped with the strings that come on the instrument as standard equipment from the fac...

support.fender.com

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Premier Guitar - Bass Setup Article | TalkBass.com

Jerzy Drozd setup guide

Some cool videos on the topic :

Lakland Bass Setup Video Part 1

Lakland Bass Setup Video Part 2

TB thread:

I need help!! 1960's fender jazz bass tug bar and ashtray hole positioning | TalkBass.com

Premier Guitar - Bass Setup Article |...

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• Replies: 1
• Forum: Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]

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[KevInDaBassment]

You're saying you 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 tried adjusting the saddles?

This ^

If truss rod is not moving it, loosen strings, then loosen truss rod before trying to go tighter.

and this ^

My personal rule is to never make truss rod adjustments at full string tension. While it may be more time-consuming, it's usually resulted in quicker "settling" of the neck after adjustments are made. YMMV.


If the neck is pretty much level or slightly bowing, then I start adjusting the saddles. You may end up with some mile-high action, but that's ok...if you aren't getting any buzz this is your starting point. Then you can make finer adjustments...get that credit card gap around the 12th fret when pressing down the 1st and last fret. Then start working on fine saddle adjustments too. Another thing to note is whether the heel of the neck is level in the neck pocket. That can cause a lot of issues if it's off-balance (at least in my experience).

Kudos on making the dive into your own adjustments, I've never regretted a single day of learning to do it myself (and I am NO luthier), saved tons of money and time.

 

[Polfuste]

And at the end, if you can't have a set up you want following Jerzy method, you can add a shim between neck and body. But it will be another story: start with trying a normal set up and see if you reach your no buzzing goal with a string height you like. It not, come back here with your results for us to help you.