Why the setup?

[Medford Bassman]

When I got my RIC, it needed a major setup. The first one was difficult for me because I never owned a RIC before and they do setup differently. I found some info on the web that really helped.
Now I got it set nicely just how I like it.

I learned how to do setups. Saves time and money.

 

[msb]

Learning how to set up an instrument is part of learning how to play . Personal preferences vary , what is perfect for one player can be a disaster for another . It all depends on how heavy your touch is and how you play .

The factory set up is just a general one . The nuts are often cut high .

 

[grendle]

Learning how to set up an instrument is part of learning how to play . Personal preferences vary , what is perfect for one player can be a disaster for another . It all depends on how heavy your touch is and how you play .

The factory set up is just a general one . The nuts are often cut high .

+100

The majority of mfr's don't really set up their basses, and they aren't supposed to be ready to go out of the box.They should be playable, but they put them at a mid point fully expecting that the owner will have it set up to their liking.

It's like a mid priced suit, there are general sizes and then you have it altered to fit you personally. Every bass / guitar I buy immediately gets a new set of strings and a full setup.

 

[96tbird]

The last bass I bought new included a free setup (I was to pay for strings). They pulled it sealed in the box from the stock room so I could compare with the floor model. It gave it a visual inspection and test it drove it to check the electronics, then declined the setup. I know how to set a bass up and knew that I would still tweak it at home anyway, so I declined. You just can't expect a new bass to be optimized to your preference. Ever. If you are a new player, go for a pro setup first and then learn how to yourself.

 

[darkstorm]

If a instrument is given a setup at the factory, if is the main thing, its only going to be for medium action at best. Most out of box basses Ive gotten require a trussrod adjustment for straighter neck and lowering string saddles for lower action. Some have needed trussrod adjustment to remove backbow. like another said, ikts same as adjusting car seat. It would be foolish not to adjust ones car seat for better driving. Its silly not to adjust ones bass for better playing.

A setup to me also means adjusting the pickups for best sound. It never ceases to amze me how many people have no clue that adjusting the pups can improve the sound a lot.

 

[spade2you]

If you enjoy lower action, you've gotta do it yourself. A little know how can go a long way. Just don't expect miracles in turning an SX into a Fodera in terms of playability.

 

[edpal]

I think a proper setup is necessary, particularly for intonation and action, but not so sure if everybody should attempt it themselves. If you are not a "mechanical" person, leave it to someone else or have someone who is confident assist you. OR pay for it to be done. I've bought basses off guys who had been playing for years, but the intonation was quite off.
I am quite prone to living in the 12+ fret range, so having a good setup and dead-on intonation is not optional. Funny commment someone made about guitarists with terrible setups - I bought a friend a used guitar for his b-day and yes, I suspect the previous owner never played it because the bridge was setup with all the saddles straight across, which was nowhere near correct. My friend had never had an electric solid-body before, so he got a real treat, learning/watching how a proper setup is done - and the guitar now screams.

 

[Old Fart]

Few basses come from the factory with the 'set up' having been done. Some fairly expensive axes have piss poor action. The difference can be astonishing. A well set up guitar is fun and easy to play.

 

[RickenBoogie]

A good set up is not just about string height either- intonation is crucial. (to the poster on page one who said it's difficult to know what type of set-up is preferred, until they gain experience.)

 

[M.R. Ogle]

I love the "adjusting the car seat" analogy.

I can just imagine someone getting into a brand new car, and complaining that it was cramped, uncomfortable, hard to drive and they couldn't see out of it very well... because they didn't adjust the seat, steering wheel, or the mirrors.

Same deal if you grab a bass off the rack and it doesn't feel super-comfy to you right off the bat.

I also agree that learning how to do basic setups... change strings, adjust action, intonation pickup height and neck relief... should be considered part of the learning of the instrument. It ain't rocket science.

 

[spiritbass]

I second the notion for an initial setup by a pro. I don't do nuts and frets myself. Judging proper setup by price point doesn't work IME. The action at the nut on my Rick from the factory was too high on the D and G, my Squier Precision was perfect in this respect. If you don't learn to adjust the neck, pickup(s), and bridge yourself, you're either not going to be thrilled with your instrument(s) or be spending a lot on basic setup work. It's bi-annual neck adjustment time here in Missouri. Spring and Fall, the major humidity trend-shifts.

 

[James Judson]

Set ups cost around $60 - $100 bux. That tells me a tech spends about an hour doing it. Now if you buy an ax for $200 bux, how much of that $200 did the OEM spend on set up.

I know a major recording artist (8 CD's) that tells me "I have mine set up every 6 months". Maybe he's lazy or maybe he has plenty of money to pay someone else.

After 50 yrs playing instruments I do my own set ups but I know my limits and pay a Luthier frequently. My Luthier sees/finds all kinds of stuff I miss.

I used to go to my local GC and play everything in the store. Upon leaving I frequently say "everthing here" needs a set up even the $4000 guitars.

YMMV

 

[Swampman Cory]

It's more like adjusting the driver's seat when you first buy a car for your comfort.

I know others have hit on this, but that is a beautiful analogy.