setting up bass and guitars

[jonunders]

Hi,
Can anyone recomend someone who can set up my bass who lives or works in, or within reasonable distance of Kings Lynn, Norfolk
I have had it set up twice before but having problems

Thanks in advance

Jonatrhan

[lowdowner]

Although I can't help (sorry ) I just wondered what problems you were having?

Just nosey!

[HowieBass]

I'm not sure what you need doing but if it's setting neck relief, action and intonation then they're pretty straight forward once you understand what's involved - changing strings sometimes demands that relief and intonation be adjusted so it's worth getting the hang of this if you can

[stingrayPete1977]

One mans pro setup is another mans unplayable junk

[HowieBass]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1410469791' post='2549876']
One mans pro setup is another mans unplayable junk
[/quote]

That's why I'm happy I can do my own; I set them up the way I want them

[Grangur]

I need to get up to KL to visit a customer for work. Maybe I can come over late afternoon and take a look. I'd be pleased to explain to you how it al worka too.

[skej21]

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1410471010' post='2549895']


That's why I'm happy I can do my own; I set them up the way I want them
[/quote]

+1

I don't understand people who pay for basic setups. It's like owning a car and never learning how to top up the oil and water or put petrol in. Everybody should learn how to do it! :-)

[PlungerModerno]

+1 to learning some DIY setup techniques. It helps conserve funds - and crucially - helps diagnose when something more tricky crops up (truss rod issues, fret problems, neck angle issues etc.).

No shame in seeking a second opinion. Just take it with a pinch of salt, as not all setter-uppers/techs/luthiers are equal!

[Hobbayne]

The Watton guitar and bass center is about an hours drive away.
[url="http://watton-breckland.cylex-uk.co.uk/company/norfolk-guitar---bass-centre-17279413.html"]http://watton-breckl...e-17279413.html[/url]

Edited September 12, 2014 by Hobbayne

[ern500evo]

Look up a series of videos on YouTube by John Carruthers, I think they're on Elixir strings channel, he takes you through the basics. After some persuasion from the good folks here on BC I had my first go at it, with the JC video playing on my iPad while I did it, it's very satisfying! Last one I had done professionally was awful, took it to the same guy I've used many times, not sure if he was having an off day because he's usually very good. I didn't have time to check it when I picked it up and as he'd done plenty of stuff for me before, I didn't think there was any need, but when I got it home and played it, it was a buzzing mess. That sort of convinced me I had to learn how to do it and give it a go.

[stingrayPete1977]

[quote name='ern500evo' timestamp='1410510547' post='2550121']
Look up a series of videos on YouTube by John Carruthers, I think they're on Elixir strings channel, he takes you through the basics. After some persuasion from the good folks here on BC I had my first go at it, with the JC video playing on my iPad while I did it, it's very satisfying! Last one I had done professionally was awful, took it to the same guy I've used many times, not sure if he was having an off day because he's usually very good. I didn't have time to check it when I picked it up and as he'd done plenty of stuff for me before, I didn't think there was any need, but when I got it home and played it, it was a buzzing mess. That sort of convinced me I had to learn how to do it and give it a go.
[/quote]
I like my own set up and did one for a bass ern500evo had off Ebay but I bet it wasn't exactly how you like it was it Lee?

Edited September 12, 2014 by stingrayPete1977

[ern500evo]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1410515003' post='2550200']

I like my own set up and did one for a bass ern500evo had off Ebay but I bet it wasn't exactly how you like it was it Lee?
[/quote]
Well I haven't felt the need to change anything and it plays lovely, so either I'm easily pleased or you got it spot on Pete!!

[fumps]

THis thread has kind of prompted me to get off my as*e and learn.
Something I've never needed to do before but it's a skill I definately should have

[Ross]

It's a skill well worth learning, it's easy enough if you have some basic tools.

Especially on Bass, much easier to set up than guitars in my opinion. Guitars are a pain in the arse - less margin for error.

[fumps]

[quote name='Ross' timestamp='1410523832' post='2550349']
It's a skill well worth learning, it's easy enough if you have some basic tools.

Especially on Bass, much easier to set up than guitars in my opinion. Guitars are a pain in the arse - less margin for error.
[/quote]
Yeh
I was reading this thread thinking "Why have I never bothered to learn this? " lol

[stingrayPete1977]

[quote name='ern500evo' timestamp='1410522392' post='2550310']

Well I haven't felt the need to change anything and it plays lovely, so either I'm easily pleased or you got it spot on Pete!!
[/quote]
Ah well I'm quite chuffed with that then, maybe I should start offering pro set ups

[ern500evo]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1410535131' post='2550534']

Ah well I'm quite chuffed with that then, maybe I should start offering pro set ups
[/quote]
Do it! Get yourself a little shop, I mean who wouldn't wanna visit a shop called Stingray Pete's??

[stingrayPete1977]

Well most of bass chat for a start, lol, and anyone Scottish if they have been reading that thread

[mrtcat]

+1 for John Carruthers' tutorials on YouTube. All the simple tools, gauges and measuring rules will cost you far less than a pro setup. Buy them once, learn how to do it and save yourself money from here on in.

[jonunders]

I think the way foward is to learn how to do it myself. The advise and held is much appreciated. Thank you.

[stingrayPete1977]

Often people get an arse on when anyone suggests this, you are doing the right thing any advice and there is loads of folk here who know how it all works so just shout out, we all have our own little ways but the end result is usually a playable bass

[kristinaelias]

I learned a HUGE amount about setups from a youtube channel called 'Dave's world of fun stuff', he's a bassist who films his entertaining guitar & bass setups, but be warned, Dave is strangely addictive & you may well find new sayings entering your vocabulary such as "GOOCHED!!!" & "son of a seacook". He's on Facebook too. Enjoy!

[PlungerModerno]

[quote name='kristinaelias' timestamp='1410558085' post='2550892']
I learned a HUGE amount about setups from a youtube channel called 'Dave's world of fun stuff', he's a bassist who films his entertaining guitar & bass setups, but be warned, Dave is strangely addictive & you may well find new sayings entering your vocabulary such as "GOOCHED!!!" & "son of a seacook". He's on Facebook too. Enjoy!
[/quote]

+1 for Dave and his practical approach to guitar setup & repair. He's funny and answers questions occasionally.

Check his vids out here: [url="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOXNPo7CtnzzZ9A4GyQ6Tog"]https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOXNPo7CtnzzZ9A4GyQ6Tog[/url]

[Skol303]

[quote name='kristinaelias' timestamp='1410558085' post='2550892']
I learned a HUGE amount about setups from a youtube channel called 'Dave's world of fun stuff'[/quote]

Dave is a legend

I do most basic set up stuff myself. But there are occasions when I take an instrument to a 'pro' guitar tech - I use Jack's Instrument Services in Manchester.

I always learn new things from Jack and he does a superb job. So I wouldn't totally discount hiring a professional tech - I just wouldn't use one ALL the time.

[bobbytodd]

I've always enjoyed daves videos.fun but informative