https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Wed, 03 Jun 2026 22:41:39 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-298127 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:55:42 +0000 i just never got into it....]]> Bass Players Discussion blackdiamond13 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-298127 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-298126 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:54:21 +0000 Jemsite]]> Bass Players Discussion blackdiamond13 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-298126 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-258516 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:21:26 +0000
Butt I'm not too vexed about it because now it plays like a dream. Plus the fact that the D string fell so suddenly and significantly suggests to me that it might've been a bigger issue. And I guess now I'll know for next time.

Anyway thanks for the feedback guys, I'll try to give it a go myself next time, and I suppose that if I screw it up I can always bring it in at that point and have them work a little harder for my $100.]]> Bass Players Discussion cerberus https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-258516 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-258506 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:46:50 +0000
If you REALLY don't feel comfortable attempting the work on your instrument right now, then I would recommend buying a "junker" (or much cheaper) bass at some point to practice setups, repairs, etc... The closer to your main bass, the better. (mechanically and electronically that is.)

Tinkering with pawn shop specials works wonders for your confidence level when it comes to this stuff. :)

-weedhopper
http://www.weedhopper.org]]> Bass Players Discussion weedhopper https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-258506 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-258445 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:32:56 +0000
- Get new string types (not usually needed if replacing with the same type and gauge)
- Go from one environment to another (winter dry to summer humid)
- Leave it in uncontrolled storage for a long time (attic/basement)

If the neck is close to straight, with a small concave relief, then you shouldn't need to mess with the truss rod, just the height and position of the bridge saddles.

If you go to the store on a quiet day, the guitar tech may let you see what he's doing, and then you'll know for yourself.]]> Bass Players Discussion Dan Lasley https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-258445 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-258444 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:31:33 +0000 You should get setups done anytime you change string GAUGES or types, not necessarily after every string change. And when the weather changes.

Learn to do your own setups. Make SMALL adjustments to the truss rod (1/8th turn increments) and you shouldn't have a problem as long as it's moving smoothly. If it is too hard to turn with modest pressure, then stop.]]> Bass Players Discussion slejhamer https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-258444 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-258440 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 05:08:53 +0000
Another place I called was actually a professional luthier, I called him and he really seemed to know what he was talking about, however he charged over $80 for a setup. Even though I'm sure it would've been a great setup, I decided not to give him my guitar to do a setup on because I really didn't see why a shop would charge more than $50 for a setup. I finally went to a place 15 minutes out of town that charged $40 for a setup, I gave them my one guitar and it plays beautifully! I was thinking of learning how to do my own set-ups, but if I can't figure it out than I may just bring any other guitars that need setups done to them.

You should get setups done anytime you change string GAUGES or types, not necessarily after every string change. I don't know if there is a certain time but if you know how to do your own setups I would think checking relief, string height and everything every time you change strings, but I don't know for sure.

I haven't tried to do any setups on my own but the only thing that really scares me is slotting the string slots in the nut, but maybe it's less difficult than I would imagine.]]> Bass Players Discussion Steve-0 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-258440 https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-27346 Tue, 07 Aug 2007 03:30:28 +0000
The thing that struck me as odd when I brought it in was the cost. After taxes, the setup set me back just under $100. This seemed a little absurd for some adjustments that took hardly anytime to do.

So anyway, what I'm asking essentially is:
1- How often should I get my bass setup?
2- What's a reasonable price for something like that?
3- And how difficult is it to learn how to do it yourself (assuming that the only thing you know about bass maintenance is changing strings)? I took a look at the link in the last bass setup post, but I'm still not sure if its practical for me to try it. I'm afraid I'll damage the truss rod or something.]]> Bass Players Discussion cerberus https://guitarnoise.forum/bass-players-discussion/yet-another-setup-inquiry/#post-27346