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John Myung Bongo 4

Help with SR4

P

priester008

Member
Joined
Oct 12, 2005
Messages
9
I need help getting the action on my SR4 straight. When I thump it sounds muffled. The growl seems to be non existent and there is fret noise on several spots on the neck. I can't take it to the music stores here because they have never even seen a Stingray and I wouldn't trust their duct tape and hammer antics. I know nothing about setting the action or anything else on the bass besides changing strings. I know my bass is bad ass and I really think I'm missing out on the sound it should be producing. If you can help please do. I've also included some pics.
 
priester008 said:
I need help getting the action on my SR4 straight. When I thump it sounds muffled. The growl seems to be non existent and there is fret noise on several spots on the neck. I can't take it to the music stores here because they have never even seen a Stingray and I wouldn't trust their duct tape and hammer antics. I know nothing about setting the action or anything else on the bass besides changing strings. I know my bass is bad ass and I really think I'm missing out on the sound it should be producing. If you can help please do. I've also included some pics.
Click to expand...
Put your finger on the first and last fret, and check the distance between the fret and the string at about the 11th-12th fret. A business card should just slide into that gap. If it can't, the neck is too straight. Turn the spoke wheel towards the top of the bass one spoke. Check again, and let settle for a day. Additionally, it may be your EQ settings. Don't boost the bass too much and don't cut the mids. For me, flat pretty much nails the tone, especially if you play near the bridge.
 
priester008 said:
I need help getting the action on my SR4 straight. When I thump it sounds muffled. The growl seems to be non existent and there is fret noise on several spots on the neck. I can't take it to the music stores here because they have never even seen a Stingray and I wouldn't trust their duct tape and hammer antics. I know nothing about setting the action or anything else on the bass besides changing strings. I know my bass is bad ass and I really think I'm missing out on the sound it should be producing. If you can help please do. I've also included some pics.
Click to expand...
Also, from your photo I notice that you play really near the neck. I do that too when I want a round blossoming tone, but you'll get less of that snarl...at least that's what happens with me. Try playing closer to the pickup and bridge and see if that helps.
 
Playing near the neck also doesnt let you get away with as low action without buzz. Playing near the pickup will probably benefit you greatly.
 
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