Adjusting the action

[theTHICKNESS]

Im not sure what to do now......

I've lowered the strings on my new SR5 and have adjusted the truss rod (though I have NO idea what Im doing) and I still get that .....um..."broken" sound mid way up the neck. And as far as HIGH up on the neck, ie- above the 12th fret (where I LOVE to play) it's completely USELESS.

I obviously need to have this professionally done, but I was hoping to do it my self.

I dont know what a pro can do that I can't.....I've lowered the strings.....I've adjusted the truss rod (though technically I dont know exactly where it's supposed to be...all the way to the right?? all the way to the left?? somewhere in between??), and still - nothing.....am I doomed to raising the strings back to where they were????

Besides lets say a "pro" adjusts the action to "normal" tuning and then I want to tune down a half or even a whole step will I end up back to that lovely "broken" sound??.....what's the technical term for that sound anyway?

Any pointers would be appreciated.

theTHICKNESS - technically inept

 

[basscat]

There are a few good guides on the net. I personally prefer Gary Willis' instructions and they can be found at http://www.garywillis.com. Follow his instructions. It seems like might have made too dramatic changes to the neck.

Basscat

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Ditto what basscat says.

This is how I see it (my opinion only):

First of all, there is no dial-in string height nor truss rod setting. The instrument has to be adjusted to each individual’s own playing style. IMO, the best person to do that is the player himself.

Make adjustments in the play position so gravity doesn’t enter the equation. The best way is to be seated with the instrument on your lap.

Adjust the truss rod to get the neck as straight as you can. Turn the truss wheel clockwise (as you look from the heel of the neck towards the headstock). To be on the safe side, loosen the strings between each adjustment and retune to pitch. Use a finger of your fretting hand and depress the B string at the first fret. While doing this, use the thumb of your right hand and depress the B at the 12th fret in such a way that the middle finger of that hand is pointing towards the first fret and use that finger to depress the string at the 5th or 6th fret. There should be a paper thickness gap (or even less) between the top of the fret and bottom of the string at that point. That’s the starting point for the neck.

For a comfortable feel of the strings, their height should reflect the radius of the neck. At the 17th fret, measure the height of each string between the top of the fret and the bottom of the string. Using a 6’ steel rule, aim for 3/32” on all strings consistent with no fret buzz and comfortable height. Depending on your playing style, you may be able to set them lower or may need to set them higher. Tune to pitch and check the strings all up and down the neck.

If you find the strings buzz at the first few frets only, begin adding relief to the neck by turning the truss wheel, in small amounts, counter clockwise until the buzzing goes away. There’s no need to loosen the strings for this adjustment (you’re loosening the tension). That is your truss adjustment.

I usually like my strings slightly lower than the preceding ones. After setting all strings to the same height, I lower the G ¼ turn and lower the in-between strings down proportionately to meet the G.

If you feel excessive resistance on the truss wheel, don’t proceed any further as you could permanently damage the truss rod. Take it to a tech.

After adjusting your action you should readjust the pickup. While depressing the B string at the last fret, measure the distance from the bottom of that string to the top of the pickup magnet for that string. Adjust for a distance of 4/32 inches. Do the same with the G string but, this time, aim for a distance of 3/32 inches. Final adjustment may have to be made to the G side by ear, so that the volume is even across all strings.

Easy, hey










.

 

[basscat]

Now there's one more good guide - the Rod Trussbroken guide to MM SR5 setup! Excellent!

Basscat

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Hold the phone....I was only making it up as I went along

 

[theTHICKNESS]

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply guys, but I've been busy. But I wanted to thank you both Basscat and Rod for helpin me out with your info. Im still learning all this stuff (who would have thought that PLAYING the instrument was the easy part!!? lol) and yer advice has been really helpful!!


My Bass is brand new and I will upload a picture soon!!