Picking up my defret tomorrow

[moderatelyfunky]

I bought a new SBMM short scale Stingray that I dropped off to have some work done after having it a week or two. The bass had a little neck dive, but the neck felt good and the workmanship was surprisingly tight. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow afternoon. New bone nut, new hipshot ultralights and a defret with ebony veneers.

I've never hired a luthier to work on an instrument before and I was disappointed to hear mine use "pretty good" to describe how it looks and how it plays. She doesn't come across as the modest type, so I'm mildly concerned that she might be trying to set my expectations for disappointment.

Other than playing it to see how it sounds and feels, are there specific things I should keep my eyes out for?

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Why are you asking us? You, the customer, should judge the quality of her work and the look, feel, and sound of the instrument.

 

[Beej]

Honestly, I think you're more set up to be disappointed if she says something like "it plays amazing! Flawless! Like no other!". I'd suggest just wait and see.

Any bass that gets defretted is going to feel like an entirely different instrument; now you just have to play it and see if it still gets you going.

 

[moderatelyfunky]

Thanks, Beej. Now that you say that, I think you're right about expectations.

Bruce, I was asking you guys because you're the experts with insights I'm not aware of. You might have had a trick to share about a way to test this or that. Like wobbling a wheel to "check" wheel bearings kind of thing.

 

[Slidlow]

I think most luthiers would say the same thing about a stock set-up. Probably nothing to it.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Try and play it in the shop for at least a little while to make sure you like the set up. There is no “one perfect set up” for all players and if you can find an adjustment you think it needs while you’re still in the shop that should be more convenient. Unless your builder lives close or objects to the idea. It can take a period of time to dial in the best set up for you.

 

[SirMjac28]

I'm more concerned about the defret job was she able to give you some examples of her work?

 

[TheReceder]

I wouldn't worry about it till you play it yourself. I'd assume that much like a fretted bass you'd want to slide all the way up the neck just to make sure that there aren't any odd spots that might buzz, or create odd tones or seem a little dead... But I'm an inexperienced fretless player.

I'm curious what your process was for picking her to work on your bass. Odds are good that if she has a reputation for solid work, maybe you'd be less concerned? Or if you're like me... there's a few basses that I hate to even let other people handle because of touch of my own neurosis. (Wow I spellded neorosis rite the fisrt time)

 

[Killing Floor]

You said "bone nut".

And you might have a little less neck dive now. Might. As long as the inlays are smooth, let's assume they will be done properly, it should sound nice. Fretless Rays have a nice moan. Enjoy.

 

[moderatelyfunky]

I'm more concerned about the defret job was she able to give you some examples of her work?

I probably should have asked, but she works for a shop that’s got a good reputation here and although she’s a recent transplant from the West coast, she’s been at it a long time.

I wouldn't worry about it till you play it yourself. I'd assume that much like a fretted bass you'd want to slide all the way up the neck just to make sure that there aren't any odd spots that might buzz, or create odd tones or seem a little dead... But I'm an inexperienced fretless player.

I'm curious what your process was for picking her to work on your bass. Odds are good that if she has a reputation for solid work, maybe you'd be less concerned? Or if you're like me... there's a few basses that I hate to even let other people handle because of touch of my own neurosis. (Wow I spellded neorosis rite the fisrt time)

Good ideas, thanks.

I’m in Vermont and there aren’t many luthiers around. Definitely helped simplify the decision.

Exactly, even though this is a perfectly good instrument it’s not an heirloom, so it seemed like a good candidate to start what could be a long and meaningful relationship.

You said "bone nut".

 

[BassikLee]

Looking forward to your report

 

[micguy]

A good craftsman will underpromise and overdeliver. Plus, how well a setup works is highly dependent on how you play. I know how to set up instruments where most people will like them, but I REALLY know how to set one up for the way I play. If you play differently, my ideal setup is not your ideal setup. So, I don't ever tell clients that their instrument plays "amazing" - that's just setting me up to look bad and setting you up for disappointment. I'll say I have it pretty well set up, and let you tell me if it's amazing.

 

[Rabidhamster]

Don’t worry she probably just meant plays pretty good.

for a short scale fretless bass.

 

[Nev375]

Ask yourself what you would say about your own workmanship to a customer.

If you say your work is amazing, top notch then your customer will likely come in either expecting miracles and start looking for any flaw whatsoever.

If you say your work is crap they may be inclined to believe you when evaluating your work, no matter how good it is. After all, you are the professional.


Stop overthinking it and just go get your bass and judge for yourself.

 

[BassBrass]

Maybe she prefers longer scale fretless made in the USA and any medium scale fretless bass etc could only be so good. What neck are those, maple?

 

[moderatelyfunky]

Maybe she prefers longer scale fretless made in the USA and any medium scale fretless bass etc could only be so good. What neck are those, maple?

Lol yep, maple.
I had to add some relief and raise the action to help hide a couple of dead spots and minor rattles but she was right, it plays pretty good.

 

[David Jayne]

Your level of concern should be based upon whether the second word was spoken at a higher or lower pitch than the first.