ROConnell Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 Just wondering if there's a book out there that anybody recommends for setting up a bass guitar? I know there is so much advice on this forums but often conflicting opinions or different methods so I just wanted to find a respected guide to give me the basics. Cheers, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 The [url="http://www.jerzydrozdbasses.com/akcndfr54jdhrei567/Ultimate_Guide_ver100.pdf"]Jerzy Drozd guide[/url] is pretty good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acidbass Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 I bought a Cruztools Bass Guitar toolkit, which came with a handy guide as well as all the necessary tools referred to therein. One of the best purchases I've made. Only thing missing are radius gauges, which can be had quite cheaply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassjim Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 I would recommend getting a cheap precision/jazz copy. Take it to bits. rebuild it. Mess with the truss rod. Mess with the bridge. Get to know these components and the limitations, if any, on the cheap bass. You may even find you improve a bass and start to experiment with what works for you. Get your hands dirty and if you break something, no biggie. At least you know how far to bend or turn something before it gets dangerous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROConnell Posted May 8, 2017 Author Share Posted May 8, 2017 [quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1494234694' post='3294115'] The [url="http://www.jerzydrozdbasses.com/akcndfr54jdhrei567/Ultimate_Guide_ver100.pdf"]Jerzy Drozd guide[/url] is pretty good. [/quote] [quote name='acidbass' timestamp='1494236314' post='3294133'] I bought a Cruztools Bass Guitar toolkit, which came with a handy guide as well as all the necessary tools referred to therein. One of the best purchases I've made. Only thing missing are radius gauges, which can be had quite cheaply. [/quote] Thanks guys! All useful! Toolkit purchase pending. [quote name='bassjim' timestamp='1494238652' post='3294151'] I would recommend getting a cheap precision/jazz copy. Take it to bits. rebuild it. Mess with the truss rod. Mess with the bridge. Get to know these components and the limitations, if any, on the cheap bass. You may even find you improve a bass and start to experiment with what works for you. Get your hands dirty and if you break something, no biggie. At least you know how far to bend or turn something before it gets dangerous. [/quote] Great idea! certainly am one for tinkering so I think this will be the first step I take before going 'live' if you like on one of my gigging basses. More advice and links appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mentalextra Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 [url="http://www.youtube.com/user/davey4557"]http://www.youtube.com/user/davey4557[/url] You can't beat a bit of Dave? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodster Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 There's a couple of videos on Fodera's YouTube talking about saddle height and truss rod measurements and adjustments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 Lakland bass set up with Carl Pedigo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIzV9462xeE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
franzbassist Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1494243369' post='3294222'] Lakland bass set up with Carl Pedigo [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIzV9462xeE"]https://www.youtube....h?v=cIzV9462xeE[/url] [/quote] Ah yes, forgot about this one - it's good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coilte Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 I found this one to be good. http://www.garywillis.com/pages/bass/bassmanual/setupmanual.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pineweasel Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 The Fender guide is concise and straightforward https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/articles/214343843-How-do-I-set-up-my-bass-guitar-properly- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skb558 Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 [quote name='mentalextra' timestamp='1494239882' post='3294171'] [url="http://www.youtube.com/user/davey4557"]http://www.youtube.com/user/davey4557[/url] You can't beat a bit of Dave? [/quote] Dave is a great man! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 The Gary Willis website has some useful stuff too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LITTLEWING Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 [quote name='bassjim' timestamp='1494238652' post='3294151'] I would recommend getting a cheap precision/jazz copy. Take it to bits. rebuild it. Mess with the truss rod. Mess with the bridge. Get to know these components and the limitations, if any, on the cheap bass. You may even find you improve a bass and start to experiment with what works for you. Get your hands dirty and if you break something, no biggie. At least you know how far to bend or turn something before it gets dangerous. [/quote] Totally. Only thing I have to say is though IMOHE, if you do follow the average set-up video, only set up on it's back up to the ballpark settings. Do the final action, relief and pups heights with the guitar in it's PLAYING position. Everything changes with gravity and magnet-pulling when it's laying flat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mentalextra Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 [quote name='skb558' timestamp='1494248271' post='3294293'] Dave is a great man! [/quote] Yes he is, a real character and highly watchable. His 'Rick' story is interesting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.G.E.N.T.E. Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 [quote name='walbassist' timestamp='1494234694' post='3294115'] The [url="http://www.jerzydrozdbasses.com/akcndfr54jdhrei567/Ultimate_Guide_ver100.pdf"]Jerzy Drozd guide[/url] is pretty good. [/quote] +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 Shouldn't this thread be pinned?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
essexbasscat Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 Guitar player repair guide by Dan Erlewine- almost a bible on the topic. Everything clearly explained. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 For a beginner to set up can I recommend the fender Haynes manual it is pretty easy to understand and has all fender measurements and specifications in it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 This is probably the best guide i've seen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te44eWXd9pc&list=PL1Ok9_VCe0qdYo4MhAE8ecP3gzyysiiMr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 [quote name='pineweasel' timestamp='1494247227' post='3294285'] The Fender guide is concise and straightforward [url="https://support.fender.com/hc/en-us/articles/214343843-How-do-I-set-up-my-bass-guitar-properly-"]https://support.fend...uitar-properly-[/url] [/quote] I use this. Also Warwick have a very similar guide. Just google either Fender or Warwaick bass guitar set up instructions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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