frenchtoast
New member
yet to get it set up man, but im pretty set on kc! prob in mid feb
Best place to get a bass setup?
- Thread starter frenchtoast
- Start date
There's no real diff in pricing between KC and Malcolm...
If I understand it correctly,
$40 setup = adjusting trussrod, saddle height, intonation
This will certainly help lower the action if it's high, but if the buzzing is due to an improperly cut nut, or high/low frets, then no amount of tweaking will get you real low action.
This is something pretty much any one of us can do with an allen key, some time, and plenty of patience.
$130 setup = all the above + nut filing, fret leveling
Assuming your neck is in good shape, this setup will get you your super low, dream like action.
Cutting the nut and fret leveling is something that you'd be better off leaving it in the hands of a more experienced luthier/guitar tech.
So you're essentially paying an extra $90 for the more detailed work and expertise that may (and usually is) be required for a great setup... which KC will charge you as well if you want to go the whole hog.
IMO, I'd save myself the $40 and do the basic setup myself. If that doesn't solve the problem, then I'll spend the other $90 fixing it.
If I understand it correctly,
$40 setup = adjusting trussrod, saddle height, intonation
This will certainly help lower the action if it's high, but if the buzzing is due to an improperly cut nut, or high/low frets, then no amount of tweaking will get you real low action.
This is something pretty much any one of us can do with an allen key, some time, and plenty of patience.
$130 setup = all the above + nut filing, fret leveling
Assuming your neck is in good shape, this setup will get you your super low, dream like action.
Cutting the nut and fret leveling is something that you'd be better off leaving it in the hands of a more experienced luthier/guitar tech.
So you're essentially paying an extra $90 for the more detailed work and expertise that may (and usually is) be required for a great setup... which KC will charge you as well if you want to go the whole hog.
IMO, I'd save myself the $40 and do the basic setup myself. If that doesn't solve the problem, then I'll spend the other $90 fixing it.
frenchtoast
New member
okay, time to reconsider. i want that super low action-dream to play feel. i tried tweaking the action but only got low shitty buzzing frets. plus i want it set up to 50s and tuning for half step down. Will wait for some cny moolah!
Cherns,
You are right about my service, except that I always file the nut down as well i.e. if I deem it needs to be done. Fret leveling is not always necessary to achieve a good low action though, as Kirin has already vouched for it in this thread.
Anyway,
to address Frechntoast's complaint, it seems like the truss rod is not adjusted well. Sure,a setup might seem like something anyone can do themselves, but that would be an overt simplification of what goes on in 'a' proper guitar setup. It's not always about the measurements per se, its about achieving a certain 'feel' which means knowing how the relief, nut height and saddle height work in tandem.
From my experience working with many serious players/professionals who practice hours a day, they would rather send it to a good tech who can translate what they have in mind. That's the key I feel. There are many techs and hobbyists who can achieve this and if one is so inclined to DIY, that's cool because it is a fun and fulfilling but sometimes frustrating process.
It's now up to French toast to decide what he wants.
sincerely,
KC
You are right about my service, except that I always file the nut down as well i.e. if I deem it needs to be done. Fret leveling is not always necessary to achieve a good low action though, as Kirin has already vouched for it in this thread.
Anyway,
to address Frechntoast's complaint, it seems like the truss rod is not adjusted well. Sure,a setup might seem like something anyone can do themselves, but that would be an overt simplification of what goes on in 'a' proper guitar setup. It's not always about the measurements per se, its about achieving a certain 'feel' which means knowing how the relief, nut height and saddle height work in tandem.
From my experience working with many serious players/professionals who practice hours a day, they would rather send it to a good tech who can translate what they have in mind. That's the key I feel. There are many techs and hobbyists who can achieve this and if one is so inclined to DIY, that's cool because it is a fun and fulfilling but sometimes frustrating process.
It's now up to French toast to decide what he wants.
sincerely,
KC
Hey KC, thanks for chiming in to clear things up 
I'm sure frenchtoast will be more than pleased with the results he will get from sending his bass to you for a setup.
And just for the record - I'm not plugging for anyone in particular. I have full faith in both KC's and Malcolm's work and would recommend them both above any other option available in SG at the moment.
I'm sure frenchtoast will be more than pleased with the results he will get from sending his bass to you for a setup. And just for the record - I'm not plugging for anyone in particular. I have full faith in both KC's and Malcolm's work and would recommend them both above any other option available in SG at the moment.
frenchtoast
New member
alright tks to both of you! well, i find it hard to tell if my frets are uneven. its a 10 year old fender jazz so it might be a lil "off". but i do believe its the trus rod. my necks straight but maybe not totally aligned with my body. well kc youll be expecting a call from me after cny. since you can do the filing if needed. plus youre nearer.
and i always wondered. if the action if too low, will it be harder to slap? there are some basses ive tried that have shiok low action but unslappable
and i always wondered. if the action if too low, will it be harder to slap? there are some basses ive tried that have shiok low action but unslappable
rottenramone
Active member
my personal take is, lower action = slappy. strings will hit the fretboard faster.
but i don't slap much in my playing.
but i don't slap much in my playing.
5stringwonder
Member
it's a personal thing. some slappers don't like the action too low coz it's more difficult to pop.
I have my basses setup as low as they can go. never had a problem slapping.
I have my basses setup as low as they can go. never had a problem slapping.
frenchtoast
New member
haha, must see if i need the 130 set up or not lahhh. sculy just tweak the trusrod then the problem is solved? ill prob go with kaycee, since if the frets need leveling he can do the job!
Ken
New member
Best bet is to bring the bass down to KC or Malcolm, tell them what you want and have them do it for you one time properly.
After a major set up, any minor adjustments you may be able to handle on your own for quite a bit until something drastic happens.
I do my own minor set ups, but when i want something down and proper, I prefer the professionals.
After a major set up, any minor adjustments you may be able to handle on your own for quite a bit until something drastic happens.
I do my own minor set ups, but when i want something down and proper, I prefer the professionals.
Hey dudes, i recently got a new fender jazz and i find everything good with it, finishing and stuff. just that on the 4th and 5th fret on the E string it just buzzes quite alot, and on the 4th and 5th frets on the A,D and G string its buzz-es very slightly. The rest of the frets are good.How should i address this problem? thx in advance
shinobi
New member
i think maybe, just maybe, the neck is bending backwards. probably needs some truss rod adjustment and the bridge saddles on the e needs to be raised
if thats the case i would try loosening the truss rod to see if its works. if not i'll just send it in, there could be several adjustments to be made which would be headache
if thats the case i would try loosening the truss rod to see if its works. if not i'll just send it in, there could be several adjustments to be made which would be headache
Hmmm, ok, thanks, nvr had the problem of my bass neck bending backwards, haha. But what intrigues me is that it only happens on the 4th to 5th fret, of which teh 5th fret is the worse, producing the more buzz than the 4th. And that only on the Estring is the buzz actually audible, unlike the A,D, and G string where u have to listen out for it. Any more info on this? thanks again .
shinobi
New member
the action on the other strings is probably high enough to compensate for the neck warp. you can raise the saddles, but the neck still wont be straight. you could also have found a dead note. but hey i'm not an expert, just guessing. best to have someone look at it to know for sure 
frenchtoast
New member
thanks man, yea ill bring my bass there end of the month!
shinobi
New member
wow he sounds like some kind of magician
