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Personal Setups

J. Crawford

J. Crawford

Feb 15, 2008
14,147
2,875
FL
#1
Im just wondering on this subject. I am tired of paying $35 for strings, and then another $40 for a setup.

How hard is it to set a bass up by one's self? I mean, is there a way to learn? Being a teen, thats a lot of cash that I could be using for other things.

How did you guys learn to do setups?

Thanks!
J.
 
#3
I learned by messing with an SX bass that I had. I figured if I messed something up, I wouldn't be out much money. :D

The biggest fear for me was adjusting the neck. Once you get used to doing that, the rest is really simple. I always adjust the neck first. Make sure I have just about a business card or two of relief (some need a tiny bit more or less depending on the bass). Then lower the saddles down until I start to get a buzz with normal playing. Then raise them up slowly until the buzz goes away. I try to get the action as low as possible on my basses.
 
#7
Setups are really easy. Just get your tools and go to it. Make small changes. If you're really careful you wont screw anything up or break anything. Don't be afraid to try it yourself.

By the way, I wouldn't mind paying $40 for a professional setup. By me they charge $65. That's why I do it myself.
 
#8
Depends on the bass, what kind of action you want, and if you know how to get it. I've had a couple times where the bass flustered me and I let the shop work with it.

Once, I took a bass in for lower action. The shop accomplished this by RAISING the action, telling me that action never be that low, and I shouldn't be playing past the 12th fret if I'm doing my job.
 
#9
John Wentzien said:
This is very important to know..
I got tired of paying someone to set mine up very early on.
I never liked the way someone els did it to begin with.
Lots of good info on here..You have to know what you want in a set-up first.
Click to expand...

Good point!

Super low action, which no one ever seems to get right, but without fret buzz. Though I like the sound of a bit of fret buzz when playing high on the neck, above the 12th.

Thanks for the quick responses TB!
 
#15
first, buy strings bulk, it makes them usually a bit cheaper. not like 5 huge boxes, but like 2-3 sets.

second, google will help elaborate, but using slight adjustments of the truss rod and bridge to make the 12th fret and the 12th fret harmonic exactly the same note while the feel remains comfortable to YOU (not anyone else) is really the ideal here. try not to rely on the truss rod too much, only a quarter turn is good for the neck.
 
#19
I have my dad do it for me lol, he does not play really but he learned set ups when i was like 13 so i would not have to pay for them. He does a good job if i was ever famous he could be my tech.

Guess i should learn
 

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