Action on a MM Stingray

[hellothere]

I have a Stingray and I am taking it to get a set-up and fret board clean by a luthier next week. I was wondering what are everyones prefrences for the action on 4-string stingrays? How low can I get it without losing tone and sustain or without having noise/fret buzz?

 

[KevinM]

The standard is 3/32 on the low string at the 12th fret. Here's a link to the MusicMan FAQ section. It should tell you everything you need to know. You can even print it out and take it to your tech if needed.

could-you-tell-me-music-mans-stingray-factory-settings-for-relief-string-height-and-pickup-height | music-man-basses | faq

 

[hellothere]

Thankyou, but I was wondering if anyone has made it any lower without getting any of the negative side effects mentioned above.

 

[DTG]

My stingray 5 is lower than that. It's the lowest action I have ever played. But .... I like to play with the amp fairly loud and use a really light touch with my right hand. If I really dig in I do get a bit of fret buzz but as I said that's more to do with my control.

If your guy is good he will watch how you play, ask you about how you play and set it for you accordingly.
You can always use the trust rod wheel afterward to lower or higher the action.

 

[oli@bass]

Thankyou, but I was wondering if anyone has made it any lower without getting any of the negative side effects mentioned above.

Yes. All of mine are lower than factory setup, and I dig in pretty hard at times. It depends on the individual instrument and playing style, as well as personal sound preferences, how low you can go.

 

[KevinM]

I'm in agreement with the others. I'll adjust them as low as I can without getting buzz. As long as there's no fret contact you won't lose sustain and I don't expect the slight adjustment to affect intonation.