setting up a stingray

[mobass]

I'm currently working on a deal for a used SR4. The thing needs a setup badly. The action is really high. This is something i'd like to learn on my own. Should I try it, or let a pro do it? Also, what lowers the action? I thought it was the truss rod, but I have a book here that says it's the saddles.

 

[Sabu]

I'm currently working on a deal for a used SR4. The thing needs a setup badly. The action is really high. This is something i'd like to learn on my own. Should I try it, or let a pro do it? Also, what lowers the action? I thought it was the truss rod, but I have a book here that says it's the saddles.

As long as you don't cut any wires or crank the truss rod too much, I think you could probably do it yourself with no problems. I actually stopped taking my basses to the music shop for setups because of the fact they screwed up my '81 StingRay...if you've ever seen pics of the strings at the bridge of a vintage 'Ray, there's a bit of an angle from the saddle to the bridge holes. So they set it up in a way that there's no angle, which really messed things up. When I asked why my bass looked strange, these rocket scientists told me, "We know these basses, and that bridge is not original". Keep in mind this shop is not an EBMM dealer. I'm a pretty peaceful guy, so instead of arguing the point, I looked on Rod's site, saw some pics of the old bridges and decided I'll just learn to set it up myself. My revenge is that store doesn't get my business anymore. I really can't stand incompetence from a business who's supposed to specialize in stuff. I'm not sure if I can direct you to any specific setup sites so I won't, but there's some good ones out there. Most "all about bass guitar"-type books usually have a decent set-up section in them, as well.

Long story short, I was really worried about messing up a vintage bass. Getting shafted by some supposed "pros" gave me the confidence to start tinkering. It's actually quite easy to set up a bass guitar, just use a few guides first. I'm sure there's plenty of much more experienced folks here that can give you specific pointers as well. So have no fear, and have fun!

BTW, from my understanding the truss rod can lower the action BUT, the real purpose of the truss rod is to maintain a slight bow in the neck to allow the strings to vibrate properly. i.e. once you get the proper bow in the neck, the action might still be high...this is where the bridge saddles come into play.

 

[roburado]

Man, ain't that the truth about "pros" screwing things up.

 

[daangroen]

I'm currently working on a deal for a used SR4. The thing needs a setup badly. The action is really high. This is something i'd like to learn on my own. Should I try it, or let a pro do it? Also, what lowers the action? I thought it was the truss rod, but I have a book here that says it's the saddles.

i got the same problem actually with my used Sterling. action way too high, makes it bad playable.

 

[nashman]

Do some Forum searches and check the FAQ Section .... there's lots in here about set-up. My advise ... keep it simple and do one adjustment at a time.

 

[mobis.fr]

setting up a stingray is really easy.
maybe you can go in a shop and look the guys over the shoulder. if it is a good shop, they explain it to you.

 

[MrMusashi]

most shops dont like people hanging over their shoulder and tapping into one of their income sources..

if you wanna learn how to do it yourself id like to recommend dan erlewines videos. they contain good information and aint boring to read

sorry for sounding like an erlewine fanboy, but i really enjoy his writings.. we all know he tries to sell stewmac stuff by sending these videos out there, but if you see past that the information is of good quality! the man hasnt had a column in guitar player for the last 17 years for no apparent reason

hth

MrM

 

[StingRayzor]

Yeah, you can do it. Just make sure you get the right tools for the job.

1. Allen wrench for bridge saddles
2. A device that will fit in trussrod wheel.
3. Small phillips screwdriver
4. A small metal ruler with at least 1/64" increments
5. Time and patience.
6. A business card or electric guitar string (about .010-.015" will do).
7. A nice guitar tuner
8. A clean well lit workspace

Then figure out why you will need these tools and how to properly use them. Check this website and the web in general for info.

Finally, slowly and patiently begin your setup work.

 

[Freddels]

The cheapest way to do it would be to send it to me. I'll set it up and make sure that it's done right. Once I'm completely satisfied that it just right, I'll send it back to you. Probably shouldn't be more than a year or two.

 

[Musicman Nut]

I'm currently working on a deal for a used SR4. The thing needs a setup badly. The action is really high. This is something i'd like to learn on my own. Should I try it, or let a pro do it? Also, what lowers the action? I thought it was the truss rod, but I have a book here that says it's the saddles.

If it's an Ernie Ball it'll take you 15 to 20 minutes max and that's also doing the intination,
If it's an 83 and back, Buy a Pizza and a 12 Pack because you'll be awhile.