please no wise cracks....can i use capo to lower my action....it will change my tuning ?...pro/con 's....im disabled no car live in the country impossible for me to get to good set-up man....wanna try this.....thanks
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
A capo will only lower your action if the nut is cut too high. It will change the tuning as that is what they are designed to do.
Basic setup on a bass isn't hard and doesn't take much in the way of tools. There is a sticky on it in this section.
Unless you go nuts adjusting the truss rod, it is hard to break anything when doing a setup and just about anything you get wrong can be corrected.[/QUO
My rod is maxed out....when i lower the bridge the frets buzz at 13-18 frets.You have to identify why your action is higher than you'd like, then address that issue. If this is a bass that has never been adjusted after it left the factory it may be that very basic and easy to do adjustments might totally fix the problem. Have you read through the setup threads or watched any of the videos? If you're not sure about the various adjustments here is the place to start:
ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE
A capo is most likely not the solution.
My rod is maxed out....when i lower the bridge the frets buzz at 13-18 frets.String height is regulated by raising and lowering the bridge saddles. A capo will not lower string height.
A capo can be used to hold a string down at the first fret in order to use the string as a straight edge. Push the other end of the string down at the neck/body join and measure the relief at F-8.
What do you mean by Assist truss rod ?It would be helpful to know how much relief there is in the neck right now. Otherwise the advice you receive will be general in nature as it is impossible to diagnose without data.
Assuming there is too much relief:
If the relief is not where you want it, repeat steps 1-3 until it is.
- Loosen truss rod nut.
- Assist truss rod by bending the neck into a back bow.
- Tighten truss rod nut snugly.
Physically manipulate it into back-bow. You can do it by hand, or on a bench with clamps (I'd use the bench and clamps method) . It must be done with the rod fully loose.What do you mean by Assist truss rod ?
Physically manipulate it into back-bow. You can do it by hand, or on a bench with clamps (I'd use the bench and clamps method) . It must be done with the rod fully loose.