Fretless Bongo Setup Question

[leond]

I just purchased a fretless Bongo and I'm looking to set it up. On MusicMan's web site, the faq address setting up a fretted bass but not a fretless. So I have a couple of fretless specific questions.

1. I'm assuming on a fretless, the fretboard should be straight with no relief. Correct?

2. When measuring the string height, the faq says from the bottom of the string to the top of the fret. On a fretless, is it the same distance except to the top of the fretboard?

3. When measuring the pickup height, is it measured with the string in a resting (raised) position or pressed down at the last (or 12th) fret?

Any other fretless setup tips are welcome.

Thanks,
LeonD

 

[Black Lake]

Hi Leond

1. You may want a little relief, but the neck is almost straight.

2. The fretted string height is a good starting point (top of the finger board works for measuring the height) but you may have to go a bit lower. Get the neck relief right and then play around with the string height.

3. The string is resting and not pressed to the fingerboard.

My only other advice is to play around to achieve a balance between a very graceful string angle between the string and finger board (by adjusting the truss and the bridge saddles). You want the string to gently kiss the finger board just in front of the fingered note. How graceful of an angle depends on your playing style. Do not underestimate the effect of the truss rod, it has a big effect on the whole neck and that is why it must be set first. Otherwise, have fun with your new bass.