Funky Dunky Posted October 8, 2013 Share Posted October 8, 2013 Okay, so it came yesterday, bought from Andertons. It's a great sounding bass and I love the pickup configuration. Great range of tones. Looks awesome in the silverburst. But here's the thing.... The neck isn't to my liking. It's a bit thicker than is comfortable for my gimpety hands. When I initially tried one out, I thought, ah, it'll be fine when I drop the action a bit. So I dropped the action just a tad, and it buzzes and flaps horribly. The action is lower, but by no means low. I also hate the stock strings - they're too 'zingy' and a gauge up from ideal. Sadly I'm a novice and don't rightly know what gauge these are, or what to replace them with. All I know is I want them a bit smoother and thinner than the ones that came with it. Given the neck situation, I've half a mind to exchange it. But here's the thing......took the dog a walk, and when I came back in, my Mrs cheerfully announced that she'd given the packaging to her auntie, who very kindly took it to the fooking council tip for disposal. Now, while Andertons have a 30 day exchange policy, they do not accept returns unless they are in the manufacturer's original packaging. So I'm up the bloody creek, sans paddle. My questions are thus: Given my ridiculously vague description of the strings, can anyone recommend a different type of string (smoother - would it be flatwounds?) to try? And would a pro set-up help in any way to lower the action but do so without the buzzy flappiness? Finally, does anyone have a Squier bass box kicking about? Lol Look before you leap. Know a bass inside out before you buy it, especially if buying online. These are the painful lessons I have learned in the last 24 hours. That, and tell your missus that, under pain of death, she must NOT throw out the fecking box your bass came in. I feel like a bloody fool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassman Sam Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 I would get it setup by a pro, I'm sure that will sort you out. The right set of strings and a good setup makes the world of difference. If not, shoot yourself. [size=4] [/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocco Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 I agree with Sam. I don't think I've ever been happy with a bass straight out of the box, especially ones that are anything to do with fender. It'll all be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funky Dunky Posted October 9, 2013 Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 I've emailed Andertons to see about an exchange, but not optimistic. Failing that I'll just get a set up and try to adjust to the C-shaped neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 (edited) a neck reprofile could be done too given you like the sound and look of it? Edited October 9, 2013 by andydye Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funky Dunky Posted October 9, 2013 Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 [quote name='andydye' timestamp='1381313609' post='2237288'] a neck reprofile could be done too given you like the sound and look of it? [/quote] Tell me more......what does this procedure involve, and what kind of money are we looking at? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 [quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1381324649' post='2237580'] Tell me more......what does this procedure involve, and what kind of money are we looking at? [/quote] it probably involves a luthier type person shaving the back of the neck in order to change it's shape? unless you fancy attacking it with a rasp and sander before refinishing it? I reckon someone on here would be able to advise in a much more useful way than I who've never seen it done or done it I just know it's possible... Costs, not a clue matey, certainly way cheaper if you try it yourself but I guess there's the flip side of 'if it goes wrong how much to put it right!' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jus Lukin Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 (edited) - Edited February 19, 2022 by Jus Lukin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throwoff Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 (edited) Set up - Get a pro set up, you say you 'dropped the action'? I guess you lowered the bridge saddles? I would almost promise the truss rod needs a tweek and the buzzing will stop. Strings - [url="http://www.fender.com/squier/series/artist/squier-troy-sanders-jaguar-bass-rosewood-fingerboard-silverburst/"]http://www.fender.co...rd-silverburst/[/url] Fender 7250M Nickel Plated Steel .045 to .105 strings. If you want thinner I would suggest .040 to .095/.100 if you find them too zingy then probably best to go for a straight set of Nickel strings, they tend to have a bit more thump and not as much zing as steel core or steel wrapped strings. I am sure loads of folks will chime in with string recommendations but frankly you can't go far wrong with Ernie Ball or Roto's [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/p/912579/ernie-ball-2835-4-string-nickel-wound-40-95-long-scale-bass-guitar-strings-40-95-extra-slinky/"]http://www.stringsdi...5-extra-slinky/[/url] [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/p/912290/rotosound-sm66-swing-bass-stainless-steel-roundwound-bass-guitar-strings-40-100-long-scale/"]http://www.stringsdi...100-long-scale/[/url] You say you want smoother? I am guessing that the strings feel uncomfortable under your fingers, this is NORMAL for a novice! You have not built up the tough finger tips that come with regular practice, one would guess from your choice of bass you like rock and generally (although I am sure someone will be along with a list of rock stars who use flats!) for rock round wounds are the way to go. Persevere with it and you will soon forget the pain! Edited October 9, 2013 by throwoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funky Dunky Posted October 9, 2013 Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 Excellent guys, some great advice there, thank you. I will take it to Strung Out Guitars in Glasgow and have it set up and decent strings put to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funky Dunky Posted October 9, 2013 Author Share Posted October 9, 2013 [quote name='throwoff' timestamp='1381332579' post='2237768'] [url="http://www.fender.com/squier/series/artist/squier-troy-sanders-jaguar-bass-rosewood-fingerboard-silverburst/"]http://www.fender.co...rd-silverburst/[/url] Fender 7250M Nickel Plated Steel .045 to .105 strings. If you want thinner I would suggest .040 to .095/.100 if you find them too zingy then probably best to go for a straight set of Nickel strings, they tend to have a bit more thump and not as much zing as steel core or steel wrapped strings. I am sure loads of folks will chime in with string recommendations but frankly you can't go far wrong with Ernie Ball or Roto's [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/p/912579/ernie-ball-2835-4-string-nickel-wound-40-95-long-scale-bass-guitar-strings-40-95-extra-slinky/"]http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/p/912579/ernie-ball-2835-4-string-nickel-wound-40-95-long-scale-bass-guitar-strings-40-95-extra-slinky/[/url] [url="http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/p/912290/rotosound-sm66-swing-bass-stainless-steel-roundwound-bass-guitar-strings-40-100-long-scale/"]http://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/p/912290/rotosound-sm66-swing-bass-stainless-steel-roundwound-bass-guitar-strings-40-100-long-scale/[/url] You say you want smoother? I am guessing that the strings feel uncomfortable under your fingers, this is NORMAL for a novice! You have not built up the tough finger tips that come with regular practice, one would guess from your choice of bass you like rock and generally (although I am sure someone will be along with a list of rock stars who use flats!) for rock round wounds are the way to go. Persevere with it and you will soon forget the pain! [/quote] I've only been playing for a year, but had no such problems with an old Jim Deacon I been learning on. No pain on the old bass or the new, just the feel of the strings is weird. I will happily try 0.45 gauge nickel strings though, and thanks very much for solving the mystery of the stock strings, that's really helpful in my quest to improve the playability :-) Really glad I joined this forum - the help and advice is invaluable to me as a beginner :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_S Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 Just my 2p, but I'd always go with the measurements to find out what's on there before believing the website - I check stock strings with vernier callipers as I take them off and replace them (first job as soon as it's a keeper) just to see if they're worth putting away as emergency spares, and in the case of Fender/Squier they've rarely been what's on the website. 40,60,80,100 and 45,65,80,100 seem to be common. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throwoff Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 [quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1381333492' post='2237792'] I've only been playing for a year, but had no such problems with an old Jim Deacon I been learning on. No pain on the old bass or the new, just the feel of the strings is weird. I will happily try 0.45 gauge nickel strings though, and thanks very much for solving the mystery of the stock strings, that's really helpful in my quest to improve the playability :-) Really glad I joined this forum - the help and advice is invaluable to me as a beginner :-) [/quote] In that case I would guess it is the steel core you are finding uncomfortable, I prefer steel core but they are normally a little harsher on the hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edster Posted October 9, 2013 Share Posted October 9, 2013 All my basses have had a pro set up and the differences made have been enormous. The guy who does it knows exactly what I like and they are so much easier to play when they're set up properly. I'd get a set up done first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funky Dunky Posted October 11, 2013 Author Share Posted October 11, 2013 Edster, any idea where to go for a setup in Glasgow? I only know Strung Out do it for £65 but that's not including your new strings. £80-£85 seems a bit steep to me, but I don't know how that compares to other places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willyf87 Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Maybe a local basschatter could help you out? I do all my set ups myself, it'll save you a fortune to learn how to do the basic stuff, just have a little practice on a cheap bass (if you have one). I can agree with most people on the set up front, truss rod tweak, sort out the saddle height/intonation and pick up height and you will be away. Once I worked out how I like my basses, I do more or less the same to all of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyratm Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 [quote name='Funky Dunky' timestamp='1381456577' post='2239468'] Edster, any idea where to go for a setup in Glasgow? I only know Strung Out do it for £65 but that's not including your new strings. £80-£85 seems a bit steep to me, but I don't know how that compares to other places. [/quote] If you're willing to travel to Aberdeen, Give Rich (Ou7shined) on here a shout. Great setup and he'll be able to look at the neck what not. My bass has a thicker neck than my lakland but still insanely (if not more) comfortable to play - he made the neck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregBass Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Try the series of demos starting with: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te44eWXd9pc They should guide you through a proper setup, doing it all yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jezzaboy Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 (edited) Hey Funky It`s really not that difficult to do a basic set up. I do my own and they are okay for me. Have a look at the Fender website or the ya tube above and take your time. No offence to Strung out but I would not pay that for a set up. It`s a brand new bass so there shouldn`t be too much wrong with it. Regarding strings, the factory ones are .45 to .105. I would get a set of these D`Addario`s as they are round wound but are not too rough feeling and are the gauge below yours. I played flats for a few years and these feel ok to me. If you need more help, send me a pm. [url="http://www.guitar.co.uk/strings/bass/4-string-sets/d-addario-exl190-nickel-wound-bass-custom-light-40-100-long-scale.html"]http://www.guitar.co...long-scale.html[/url] Edited October 11, 2013 by jezzaboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Protium Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 My Squier VMJ required a fret level and full set up before it was playable to my liking, fortunately the shop (yes a shop... remember them?!) I bought it from did it for free Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funky Dunky Posted October 11, 2013 Author Share Posted October 11, 2013 Hey, thanks to everyone for the advice and links, I'm still swithering over sending it back to Andertons and swapping it for a VMPJ - the combination of pups is really appealling to me. After speaking with one of the sales team, they are willing to exchange it provided I can package it safely and it returns to them in pristine nick. Finding a way to do this is another matter entirely! And as for shipping, UPS want £35 but Parcelforce want £15, however Andertons want £20 for....well I don't know, but they want £20 off me. The next issue is buying another bass without trying it out first. This was foolish of me of course, and never again would I buy online unless the merchant was within a couple of hours' driving time. Maybe I should keep the Troy, set it up myself with the aid of the video posted and whack a lighter set of strings on it. I will continue to 'mullet' over and let you know. Many thanks again :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Foxen Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 Being Fender style, necks are compatible with all the others, so cna swap necks easy enough. Also the steel core isn't the thing about the strings, they are all steel core, its the windings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Posted October 11, 2013 Share Posted October 11, 2013 I'm reliably informed by one of your fellow Weegies that Iain at Kenny's Music is a good person go to for a set-up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Funky Dunky Posted October 11, 2013 Author Share Posted October 11, 2013 By any chance are you reliably informed how much he charges? :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Posted October 12, 2013 Share Posted October 12, 2013 I'm not, but you're probably looking at betwen £30 and £60 depending on how much work needs doing - though as it's new I'd have thought it'll be at the lower end of that (plus strings if you want to change them). Best thing to do is give them a call or take the bass in and they should be able to give you a ballpark price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.jpg.7e18f76540598a8efc0e6ca9be453059.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.