I just got my Stingray worked on (setup + neck adjustment) and that sh*t is incredible. It feels like a brand new instrument. The response is much, much faster and I can just fly all over the fingerboard. Such dramatic improvements literally overnight lead me to believe that I should have been getting my bass set-up like that from the get-go. Having been and still being a younger player (going on 20), lots of seemingly obvious things seem to fall under my radar, such as the importance of having my bass set-up regularly. It is now however that I realize I don't actually know how often the procedure should be done. So let me ask TB: how often should setups be done in general? And does an instrument generally need to be re-set-up after string changes every time (seems like it does, even if it's just a check, but I figure I'll throw that out there anyway)? Any other input on setups/maintenance and its benefits for playing would be much appreciated.
I would say at least once a year. http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_setup/ This has great tips and walkthoughs on setting up the bass yourself. I check my bass every few practices or so, but really it's just the intonation I check. But once a year, got a to pro - a nice setup does wonders for your playing too!
I would say atleast every time you change string...or at least check it. I know the feeling, having done a proper setup on my BTB after owning it for six years...it's a new bass. I had just gotten my Rockbass, but probably not have gone for it if I had done the setup on the BTB prior to ordering the Rockbass. That said, I immediately did a proper setup on the Rockbass, and it is a dream player, especially since I do like the smaller string spacing.
i get it done every singe time i change new strings especiall if its a different brand, etc..etc.. just change to a DR-DDT and that thing need major set-up need to straigthened the trus rods as the tension of that string is massive. a bit of tweak its all good.
Once a year sounds good. If you buy a new bass get it set up straight away, they always set the action a bit high so you don't reject it because the strings rattle.
I do my own 'setting up' which basically consists of getting the action how I like it followed by setting the intonation. Is it really worth taking it to a pro? is there a bunch of stuff i'm missing?
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