Need lower action

[kylierider]

I've got a 92 MM SR. I would like to get the action on the G string lower. As it is right now, the saddle is bottomed out and the string is still not low enough. Any ideas on a fix. The neck is straight and has proper relief. Anyone ever put a shim under the neck to raise it a bit to solve a similiar problem?

 

[mynan]

Anyone ever put a shim under the neck to raise it a bit to solve a similiar problem?

That's probably what you are going to have to do...

 

[oli@bass]

Yes. I changed the neck angle on a 2001 100th NAMM SR4 with a original factory shim. After that the action could be set as low as I wanted. Ask Customer Support for a set of shims, they're made of plastic material and are relatively easy to install.

 

[kylierider]

Excellent!! That makes it easy. I did not know I could get a set of factory shims. Thanks for your help.

 

[plato]

If possible, it's better to NOT use a shim.
see here:
http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/18512-pre-ernie-ball-microtilt-solution.html

 

[Baird]

Excellent!! That makes it easy. I did not know I could get a set of factory shims. Thanks for your help.

A matchbook cover or a couple of very thin guitar picks would work too.

 

[bovinehost]

If possible, it's better to NOT use a shim.

Same concept, really.

I've shimmed a neck or two over the years and always kind of figured, "Well, it works, so there must be something right about it."

*shrugs*

Jack

 

[Musicman Nut]

I've got a 92 MM SR. I would like to get the action on the G string lower. As it is right now, the saddle is bottomed out and the string is still not low enough. Any ideas on a fix. The neck is straight and has proper relief. Anyone ever put a shim under the neck to raise it a bit to solve a similiar problem?

A 20K Shim would work, I think it'll be a Pink one.DJ

 

[oli@bass]

I think if you do it this way..

A matchbook cover or a couple of very thin guitar picks would work too.

...then the following applies...

If possible, it's better to NOT use a shim.

The factory shims are very thin, very stable material, that covers the whole width of the neck pocket. And they are used to shim necks right from the factory. I've not heard any difference when using one, maybe also because the new necks are six bolt whereas the old necks with the micro tilt had only three bolts. That could make a big difference in stability when the neck is not lying flat in the neck pocket.

 

[kylierider]

I think if you do it this way..
The factory shims are very thin, very stable material, that covers the whole width of the neck pocket. And they are used to shim necks right from the factory. I've not heard any difference when using one, maybe also because the new necks are six bolt whereas the old necks with the micro tilt had only three bolts. That could make a big difference in stability when the neck is not lying flat in the neck pocket.

I believe this is what I'm going to do. I like the idea lowering the saddles. But I want to keep the bass as original as possible. I don't want to use fender parts and I don't want to trim the factory mutes. So shiming the neck seems like the ultimate solution for me at least. I have shimmed Fender necks before and have never really noticed any change in sustain. A.J. in customer service was SUPER nice and has a set of shims and a tuning key coming my way.

BTW I think EBMM customer service was the best I have ever seen. Response to my e-mail was less than an hour. Super fast, super friendly service. Thanks guys.

 

[kylierider]

I received my set of shims. There were 2 pink ones. A thin one and one a little thicker. Also provided where 2 really thin brown ones. Any idea whee to start? Or which ones are mose commonly used from the factory?

 

[oli@bass]

I have no idea, but I'd first try with the thinner one.

 

[strummer]

start with the thinner pink one

 

[kylierider]

OK..I still need some help. I put one pink shim under the neck in the back of the pocket. Although the action is a lot better. the bass seems "choked". The pitch may be to much. I need the neck to sit higher in the pocket to really solve the problem. Either that or lower the saddles and I don't want to alter the OE saddles.

So I was thinking has anybody ever tried puting three identical thickness shims in all three bolt positions to evenly raise the neck instead of putting just one on the rear bolt position? In my head this would solve my problem. Any thoughts?

 

[oli@bass]

That sounds wierd. I'd check with a good luthier.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I received my set of shims. There were 2 pink ones. A thin one and one a little thicker. Also provided where 2 really thin brown ones. Any idea whee to start? Or which ones are mose commonly used from the factory?

Pink before brown is the safest option.