Set ups.

[73jbass]

I was just about to send my wonderful Cabernet Pearl Bongo 5HH/p back to EB for a checkup regarding a weak d string. Then I remember how we are always telling folks "set it up to factory specs first!" I discovered the pickups were about 50% closer to the strings than they should have been.Readjusted to 1/4 on the B string side,and 3/16 on the G side. The tone was back,string balance was back,and the clarity was back. How about that? I readjusted every Music Man bass I own back to factory specs. I'm a seriously happy camper now!

 

[koogie2k]

You can save yourself some $$$ and time doing exactly that. I used to be scared to touch my guitars or basses. Now I work on them myself. Good job.

 

[bassmonkeee]

My preferred setup is very far from factory spec--I like really, really high action. But, I would always recommend factory as a starting point to figure out what you like.

When I change strings, if something feels "off," I always take it to factory spec and then adjust from there. It can definitely save a lot of headaches.

 

[DrKev]

As I always say...

"It's a guitar, it's not rocket science!"

Well done!

 

[73jbass]

There is a good reason I always see" do a proper set up" It works!

 

[AnthonyD]

...it's not rocket science!"

Yuppers... EXACTLY what I was about to say!

I love doing my own set-up and dialing in exactly what I like.

 

[MrMusashi]

oh yeah.. the sweet time with the bass on the bench..
time stops, your focus narrows in, everything else disappears into the background.. its just you and the bass

i love the time spent with caring for it

MrM

ps: if we did the same thing with our mrs, we would probably have a lot more basses... lol

 

[tkarter]

I put relief into the neck on all my EBMM basses. I like flats and a higher action than most do. I adjust it to my specs and sound. Although it is still EB sound.

I won't hold the factory responsible for my sound. LOL

 

[Davecg2]

You can save yourself some $$$ and time doing exactly that. I used to be scared to touch my guitars or basses. Now I work on them myself. Good job.

Used to feel the exact same way. Didn't want to risk hurting my baby. Once you take the plunge and do it yourself it actually is a great feeling knowing you don't have to depend on someone else to make your bass sound great. There used to be an awesome pdf setup guide I think it was in the EB FAQ but can't seem to find it now.

 

[73jbass]

Played the back to spec Sterling 5's this past weekend. 2500 seat amphtheater,huge PA, and the tone coming through foh was incredible. Used the traditional single humbucker setting for the entire set. Pure heaven. I adore my Bongos,but I think the Sterlings reeled me back in.

 

[tunaman4u2]

That may actually be my bad! ha ha

Sorry 73j!

 

[73jbass]

It is a little bit. BTW,I swapped necks so now the Tobaccoburst HS 5 has the flame neck on it. Already thinking about another HS5 maybe in November.

 

[tunaman4u2]

I think a Sterling 5HS ash body, maple neck will be VERY different than my Sterling 5HH Mahogany body. Looking forward to adding one to the stable when a few checks roll in ha ha

Good luck boss!