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who here sets up there own basses?

#41
EddieN said:
Most frequently used tools & what I paid:

Allen wrenches - $1 for a set
Screwdriver - $1
Set of feeler gauges from an auto parts store - $4 or $5
Capo - $15 or so (but it's a good one that I use on a g#%tar for actual playing, cheaper ones oughta do well enough)
Click to expand...

This is a bit "unconventional", but I have a rather finicky MIM Fender Jazz. I found that adjusting the relief by using the low-E as a "straight-edge" was a bit clumsy. Still, I didn't want to spend $50-75 for a "precision straight-edge".

For me, I found getting a $12 aluminum drywall square, and cutting-off a 24" length of straight-edge was "just the ticket". Naturally, after cutting, you'll need to file-down the rough-edges of the cut so you don't scratch your bass...

To the list above, I'd also add a 6" ruler that measures in 64ths. You should be able to find one at Radio Shack or Home Depot / Lowes. The feeler gauges are good for relief, but I also like something to precisely measure string height.

Note: Once I got the feel for my bass, and optimized the relief & string-height combination to the limits of my fretwork, I don't bother measuring relief. I just "eye-ball" the relief and confirm what I think I see by where buzzing is: low-frets only or high frets only.
 
#42
dbcandle said:
To the list above, I'd also add a 6" ruler that measures in 64ths. You should be able to find one at Radio Shack or Home Depot / Lowes. The feeler gauges are good for relief, but I also like something to precisely measure string height.
Click to expand...

Yep, forgot that ruler but truth is I usually end up using the feeler gauges to measure string height too. I use more than one at once all stacked up. Works for me but ruler might be better for some.
 
#44
By "change" do you mean replace frets or to alter them by filing to get them level?

Either way, I would not learn how to do it on an instrument you value.

*edit* On the other hand, I've read up a bunch on fret leveling. It seems like if you take it slow, follow directions & don't get agressive, seems like it shouldn't be a big deal (that sentence was dirty). Others who've done it for the first time have repeatedly stated that it was much easier than they expected.
 
#45
I do my own set-ups. I've only been playing for about 7 years.
All you need is a good book with detailed guidelines or a friend who knows how to properly set them up and you're good to go.
Pretty simple. Definitely don't have to be a bass veteran to do it.
 
#49
I do my own work, except for fret work. I don't do electronics much nowdays because my eyes aren't as good as they used to be. But then, with good stuff you don't need to mess with soldering irons unless you're modding them.

I don't measure anything any more either. I've been playing and setting stuff up since 1976 so I know what I want my bass to feel like. It's easy. Allen keys and screwdirversd to fit, a good electric tuner are about all you need. A tuner helps, and I have used a small steel ruler. I generally use the strings as straight edges unless I'm investigating frets. A capo is very hand too- capo at the first fret then you can fret the bass at different higher frets to analyze the set up.

Another big advantage of doing your own set ups is that you learn what CAN be adjusted and what's inherent in a neck. I've seen too many people pass up great basses (or buy turkeys) becasue they didnt' know what could be adjusted on a bass that didn't play the way they wanted it to. You'll also get a better appreciation for what makes a great bass as opposed to a mediocre one.

jte
 
#50
Baird6869 said:
There are quite a few threads on TB about setting up your own bass.

I personally do everything myself unless the intonation is way out then I take it to a professional. I have no problem changing strings, adjusting bridge saddle height, truss rod adjustments, etc. though.
Click to expand...

+1 on everything. If everything is way off and it would take me a ton of time, around $30 for a setup isn't bad. If it's small stuff, I do it myself.
 
#51
Years ago I bought a long whet stone (maybe 8" long) and I've used it since to level frets. Low tech and cheap, but of course you have to carefully dress the frets afterwards. Stewart-McDonald has fret files for not too much.
 
#52
EddieN said:
By "change" do you mean replace frets or to alter them by filing to get them level?

Either way, I would not learn how to do it on an instrument you value.

*edit* On the other hand, I've read up a bunch on fret leveling. It seems like if you take it slow, follow directions & don't get agressive, seems like it shouldn't be a big deal (that sentence was dirty). Others who've done it for the first time have repeatedly stated that it was much easier than they expected.
Click to expand...

I meant replacing them...I have some instruments that a luthier gave to me, that he did not finish, since there was something wrong with them, but they have the frets. I am exploring them, trying to level the frets, make them round at the top again. I'll see if I can do something decent.
 
#54
Guilty since the early 70's.
The only thing I won't do is fret level as I've not had to learn yet.

This helps now:

StroboStomp.jpg
 
#55
I've learned in life it is rare amount of other people you can count on to get a job done right. So unless I know I need to hire someone with a skill I can't possibly learn in short time I try to do everything myself.

I had never done much with setups in the past because I played expensive instruments, and I really had not too much clue beyond the basics (intonation and action) of what could be improved. With the internet upon us, information on how to do set ups became easily available. I first tried to fix a popped buzzing fret on a classical guitar and have to admit I kind of botched it due to impatience and incompetence. In the end I did make it play much better though, just left some cosmetic issues =).

Now that I've bought a couple of SX basses, I am not scared to experiment on them. I set the relief, intonation, action, etc. on one quite nicely. It did expose a couple of buzzing fret areas that are not seated all the way however and now I will look to attempt to reseat/level them when I get some time. With these set ups working so well I will be going back and looking at some of my other expensive instruments that I now know to be set up poorly. It's really opened my eyes.
 
#56
I did my first fret leveling job on one of those SX necks with a bad batch of clear, that they sold cheap... I wasn't really worried about screwing it up. Turned out great and was easy. Take it slow and have some good lighting.

I have the local luthier do my nut jobs. (shut up)
He takes for EVER, and doesn't return messages.

I had a different local guy with a good rep make me a new saddle for my acoustic bass, and when I got it back, the piezo for the G string didn't work. Guess I now have to learn how to fix those!
Anyone? :help:
 

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