Who plays with a really low action? Pics please?

[Glenn Johnson]

What size?

That would depend on where YOU want YOUR action set. Me, depending on the bass, 3/32 at the 12th fret on E sting, 5/64 on the G string. I consider that medium low. Others would say that's unplayable, either too high or too low, but I think I'm pretty much in the ballpark with the average player.

 

[THany]

“Fret sizzle (or buzz)” to me is an integral part of a good electric bass tone. I don’t try to avoid buzz. My action is less than 2mm measured at the 17th fret.

There's a spicy buzz and there's an unwanted buzz, I was talking about the last one

 

[THany]

That would depend on where YOU want YOUR action set. Me, depending on the bass, 3/32 at the 12th fret on E sting, 5/64 on the G string. I consider that medium low. Others would say that's unplayable, either too high or too low, but I think I'm pretty much in the ballpark with the average player.

Oh, sorry , I can think only in m"m

 

[groooooove]

someone else will likely link the video, but the fodera tutorial on set up is excellent. works on any basses, not just expensive ones

WITH A CAPO ON THE FIRST FRET (or just holding it down) you should measure 1/16th off of the highest fret from bottom of string to top of fret.

neck relief is important for that to work, but as far as height goes that's a great number to aim for when going "low." This string height will include some buzzing for most of us, but it can be finessed in such a way that it won't bother you.

 

[Vinny_G]

someone else will likely link the video, but the fodera tutorial on set up is excellent. works on any basses, not just expensive ones

WITH A CAPO ON THE FIRST FRET (or just holding it down) you should measure 1/16th off of the highest fret from bottom of string to top of fret.

neck relief is important for that to work, but as far as height goes that's a great number to aim for when going "low." This string height will include some buzzing for most of us, but it can be finessed in such a way that it won't bother you.

Yes, it is really good.

 

[mikewalker]

Yeah, 1/16th" ( 1.6mm ) is often quoted as being "as low as it goes" for bass "E" strings. Carvin used to guarantee rattle-free bass string action no higher than 3/32 " or 2.4 mm back in the 1970s ( I believe they say the same thing now...)

 

[jeff62]

I always have lots of action when I play. Chicks dig bass players.



I’m here all week!

 

[bbh]

I like to go as low as I can without choking a popped g string. I often play a little funk.
On lower strings, abit of fret rattle adds substance in live situation but maybe not for tracking.

 

[Ewo]

Me, I like about .008 to .010" relief at the seventh fret, and about 4/64" height at the top fret on the G and about 5/64" on the B.

IME, if the neck is too flat the action has to be higher in the upper register than the fretwork itself requires. Makes sense if you think about it. The biggest swing in the strings' vibration is in the middle of the neck. A flat neck forces you to raise the bridge saddles to avoid buzzing.

 

[THany]

I always have lots of action when I play. Chicks dig bass players.



I’m here all week!

The question was about LOW ACTIONS, but I dont want more details from you

 

[4stringfarley]

I always have lots of action when I play. Chicks dig bass players.



I’m here all week!

I always attract the p****

 

[Mike Vee]

How I set up my bass (and the “rasp” secret)



The “rasp” secret sounds like farts. Low or high action. A technique I don't care for.

a little bit sounds really good on record to accentuate certain notes - gives that nice dry 70s type sound with a bit of grit at the right times.

 

[THany]

I always attract the p****View attachment 3566428

Im a woman, and its guy's talks
Rrrrr

 

[MotorCityMinion]

a little bit sounds really good on record to accentuate certain notes - gives that nice dry 70s type sound with a bit of grit at the right times.

That's the key right there, a little bit in moderation. Vibrato and Whips are often over emphasized as well. Making that part of your tool bag is fine. Too much can get cartoony fast. Think Stevie Nicks or Dolly Parton. Almost everything done later in their careers had that vibrato in their voices.

 

[4stringfarley]

I normally set mine so the strings touch but not hold a quarter. Then I'll raise them just enough so I can go drop tuning with out rattle.

 

[THany]

someone else will likely link the video, but the fodera tutorial on set up is excellent. works on any basses, not just expensive ones

WITH A CAPO ON THE FIRST FRET (or just holding it down) you should measure 1/16th off of the highest fret from bottom of string to top of fret.

neck relief is important for that to work, but as far as height goes that's a great number to aim for when going "low." This string height will include some buzzing for most of us, but it can be finessed in such a way that it won't bother you.

Thank you sooooo much for this, its the best I habe watched so far, Im now in the pick up adjustment, but does he talk about thr nut too???
Thank you!!!!

 

[THany]

Yes, it is really good.

Thank you so much for putting the video here!! Very helpful comparing to others Ive watched.
Thankssss

 

[Oobly]

Thank you so much for putting the video here!! Very helpful comparing to others Ive watched.
Thankssss

And this right here is why I hang out on Talkbass There is often a lot of banter (and sometimes some disagreements), but good folks sharing good advice and helping out always makes me smile.

 

[rickwebb]

i set mine Entwistle-low. Cos i'm an old guy...

 

[Systolic]

When I first set up a bass, I aim for 2mm at the 12th fret and then tweak from there depending on the bass. Generally however, I stick right around that. But that's on MY Warwick basses with Fodera SS strings and an aggressive play style that favors a tiny bit of buzz. Change any of that and the number may change a little or a lot.