New member of the family: Envy Green 'ray (and a setup question)

[JonBass]

Hi All,

First thanks again for the comments and insights (I posted a few days ago regarding suggestions for an upright player). Well the local store had several basses shipped from their warehouse and I went down to look at them. Turns out two of the three were 5-strings, and I wanted a 4-stringer. That left only the Envy Green guitar, but, after seeing it, it didn't take long to make up my mind, hence I am now offically part of the Stingray family.

It's a beautiful instrument, with a black and gold headstock, and oyster oyster pick guard. The thing sounds *great*, by the way. It was brand new, still in the box shipped from the factory, so it's as new as new gets. I'll try to get a picture of it up here soon.

I have a setup question. The action is incredible, in that it is low and fast, but I have a heavy touch (always have) on the electric. I am noticing a buzz in the lower register (first few frets), especially on the E-string when I lay into it. When sighting down the neck it is straight as an arrow (almost not bend at all).

From what I gather the solution is to relax the truss rod a bit, e.g., by turning the truss rod "nut" at the base of the neck counterclockwise by about 1/4 turn to introduce a little more relief in the neck then and re-checking the action. Can someone (possible an Ernie Ball rep) please verify that this procedure is correct. Should I lower the string tension. e.g., by detuning a whole step or so, before doing this? ALso, any tips for convenient items around the house that just happen to fit the truss rod nut?

No instructions came with the instrument, beyond a single yellow page describing how to change the battery (and it was brand new out of the box). Is this normal.

Thank you all again. It's great to be part of the family!

-JonBass

[jongitarz]

There is no need to de-tune when adjusting the truss rod. It sounds like you are on the right track. Good Luck!

[TSanders]

we want pics!!

[rulyøngo]

Congratulations!!! Pictures please!!!

[Morrow]

Congrats on the Envy green...I was hoping you would go for that one -there won't be too many of those around .I love the look of those.Jonbass , there is a lot to be said for playing electric with a lighter touch. It may take some work , but you can play much faster, cleaner and with more dynamics if you ease back on electric. I play upright as well but my touch on electric is very light.

[mike not fat]

From what I gather the solution is to relax the truss rod a bit, e.g., by turning the truss rod "nut" at the base of the neck counterclockwise by about 1/4 turn to introduce a little more relief in the neck then and re-checking the action. Can someone (possible an Ernie Ball rep) please verify that this procedure is correct. Should I lower the string tension. e.g., by detuning a whole step or so, before doing this? ALso, any tips for convenient items around the house that just happen to fit the truss rod nut?

You're right. That's exactly what i did a few days ago on the Bongo i bought. The trussrod weel is really easy to use. After relaxing the neck you can lower a bit the strings, so you keep that low and fast action you love.

Enjoy your instrument, and if you can post some pics !

MNF

[Moondog]

ALso, any tips for convenient items around the house that just happen to fit the truss rod nut?

I use a small allen wrench (a small screwdriver will work too)
Enjoy your new Ray

[bovinehost]

I have used an ink pen, a screwdriver for eyeglasses and allen wrenches to turn the truss wheel adjustment. Whatever's handy and whatever fits!

[jongitarz]

Here at the factory, we just cut the tip off a small screwdriver....Works great