Sadowsky - instrument setup tips

[Fran Diaz]

Pickup height:

(bass fretted at the last fret)

Under the "G" string:
Neck = 6/64"
Bridge = 6/64"

Under the "E/B" string
Neck = 7/64"
Bridge = 7/64"

PJs:
P Pickup (Reverse or standard):
G String = 6/64"
A String = 8/64"
B String = 7/64"

J pickup :
Treble = 5/64"
Bass = 6/64"

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String Height

Hold down the first fret, measure off the top of the 12th fret (keep the ruler as level as you can.) take the reading from the bottom of the string.

4/5 string fretted:
-"G" 5/64ths
-"D" 5.5 /64ths
-"A" 5.5 /64ths
-"E" 6/64ths
-"B" 6.5 /64ths

** If you want lower action..4 - 5.5/64ths with gradual increments.

4/5 string fretless:
G=4/64"
D=4.5/64"
A=4.5/64"
E=5/64"
B=5.5/64"

You can even go as low as (G) 3/64"- (B) 5/64", but I would start with the the higher, also depends on your attack.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

[joinercape]

Wow Fran, no mm's? You have taken the trouble to cater to the colonies! Also, I might add that on my Sadowskys it's easy to get the action as low as 2mm under the G string at the 12th fret, and 2.5mm under the E string. Personally I like it a bit higher but that's how low my 5 string came setup, and not a buzz to be had. The board was almost completely flat. I was used to more relief, but am having no issues with it. Amazing fretwork.

 

[bikeplate]

HI

Thanx Fran. Permanantly stickied now.

Rob

 

[Joeykun]

Rob (dragonbass) sent me this when I started to setup my own basses. These are the measurements they use with every bass that leaves their shop. Unless specified of course!

String Height

Hold down the first fret, measure off the top of the 12th fret (keep the ruler as level as you can.) take the reading from the bottom of the string.

4/5 string..
-"G" 5/64ths
-"D" 5.5 /64ths
-"A" 5.5 /64ths
-"E" 6/64ths
-"B" 6.5 /64ths

** If you want lower action..4 - 5.5/64ths with gradual increments.

 

[pickles]

You forgot to mention that the relief should be set as flat as possible without having the 1st fret buzz.

I first read Roger's setup techniques in a mag years ago, and use it for all of my basses. It is just right.

 

[maxgroover]

You forgot to mention that the relief should be set as flat as possible without having the 1st fret buzz.

I first read Roger's setup techniques in a mag years ago, and use it for all of my basses. It is just right.

I read that too, and I'm curious to know how hard you should pluck to check for first fret buzz. Do you pluck it as hard as the hardest notes you play or is it a more standard lighter pluck?

 

[P. Bass]

You forgot to mention that the relief should be set as flat as possible without having the 1st fret buzz.

I first read Roger's setup techniques in a mag years ago, and use it for all of my basses. It is just right.

Do you have any idea how I can access that mag. article? It sounds like an advisable download. Thanks man.

 

[maxgroover]

Do you have any idea how I can access that mag. article? It sounds like an advisable download. Thanks man.

The following link should launch a PDF version of the article:

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&s...9UIgCRv83sPs8o3yg&sig2=HBYlWY52uVccW7ydP86OIA

 

[P. Bass]

Thanks a bunch .You just made my christmas card list!

 

[Fran Diaz]

I read that too, and I'm curious to know how hard you should pluck to check for first fret buzz. Do you pluck it as hard as the hardest notes you play or is it a more standard lighter pluck?

setup is always related to individual playing style. If you pluck hard when you're playing you should setup the bass accordingly.

 

[hybass]

For Metric People

Pickup height:

(bass fretted at the last fret)
Under the "G" string:
Neck = 6/64" 2.4 mm
Bridge = 6/64” 2.4 mm

Under the "E/B" string
Neck = 7/64" 2.8 mm
Bridge = 7/64" 2.8 mm

PJs:
P Pickup (Reverse or standard):
G String = 6/64" 2.4 mm
A String = 8/64" 3.6 mm
B String = 7/64" 2.8 mm

J pickup :
Treble = 5/64" 2 mm
Bass = 6/64" 2 mm

_________________________________________________

String Height

Hold down the first fret, measure off the top of the 12th fret (keep the ruler as level as you can.) take the reading from the bottom of the string.

4/5 string:
-"G" 5/64ths 2 mm
-"D" 5.5 /64ths 2.2 mm
-"A" 5.5 /64ths 2.2 mm
-"E" 6/64ths 2.4 mm
-"B" 6.5 /64ths 2.6 mm

 

[Demon_Hunter]

Maybe a stupid question:
But what about on a fretless?

 

[dragonbass]

Maybe a stupid question:
But what about on a fretless?

Hey Demon,

Not a stupid question....

G=4/64"
D=4.5/64"
A=4.5/64"
E=5/64"
B=5.5/64"

You can even go as low as (G) 3/64"- (B) 5/64", but I would start with the the higher, also depends on your attack.

Robert

 

[ElMon]

Ok, I finally got a suitable ruler to do this accurately, and let me say WOW, this makes a HUGE difference in feel/sound. I recently switched to flats on my PJ5, and after trying to set things by feel on my own was sad to lose that magic shop setup that this bass had when I recieved it. Now I have it again. LOVE THIS FORUM!!!

 

[marchone]

Buy a CruzTool GrooveTech Bass Player Tech Kit online. It's got everything in it.

Invalid Link Removed

 

[KJung]

Rob (dragonbass) sent me this when I started to setup my own basses. These are the measurements they use with every bass that leaves their shop. Unless specified of course!

String Height

Hold down the first fret, measure off the top of the 12th fret (keep the ruler as level as you can.) take the reading from the bottom of the string.

4/5 string..
-"G" 5/64ths
-"D" 5.5 /64ths
-"A" 5.5 /64ths
-"E" 6/64ths
-"B" 6.5 /64ths

** If you want lower action..4 - 5.5/64ths with gradual increments.

The only thing I do with mine is to slightly lower the G and D strings to more evenly follow the radius of the board. It feels great that way!