Service / Set Up in NJ/NY Area

[Mack]

Was hoping that someone could point me in the right direction to a service / set up place for my MK Signature bass in the NJ/NY area.

[pauldo]

Hi Mike,
Welcome to the club.  Sure someone will chime in with a recommendation for you. 
Meanwhile, check this out...
http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=311.0

It is Joey’s Set Up thread, many here do their own tweaking to keep their instruments “tuned up”.


Paul (had my frets dressed once in 35+ years)

[Mack]

Thanks, Paul.
While an excellent bass player my mechanical skills are on the other end of the spectrum. Never minded tweaking and adjusting some of my other (less expensive) basses but I really don't want to screw up my Signature Deluxe. Afraid I'll start messing with it and get it to the point of no return - if you know what I mean. I bought the Alembic used and am looking for someone that knows Alembics and can help with pickup heights and all around set up. I do hope there is someone qualified and comes highly recommended in the NJ/NY area.

[rv_bass]

Hi Mike,

Welcome!

Try New York Guitar Repair, he is an Alembic owner:

https://www.newyorkguitarrepair.com/

Best,
Rob

[Pandastylebass]

Hi Mike,

Welcome!

Try New York Guitar Repair, he is an Alembic owner:

https://www.newyorkguitarrepair.com/

Best,
Rob

I second this! Evan is the best, he is the only person I trust with mine.

[adriaan]

Mike, you won't screw up your bass. It's not like you need to remove the neck in order to adjust the trussrod. You may find Joey's fool-proof guidelines will lead to uncontrollable string rattle, or unplayable action, but once you get that far you only need to adjust in the opposite direction. All that in your own time, without a round-trip to the service guy. Just use proper quality tools of the correct sizes, and apply common sense.

[Mack]

Thanks RV and CMPanda. I'll book an appointment.

[mica]

I'll chime in a recommendation for Evan - and there's only one other service guy I recommend, and he's on the west coast.

[lbpesq]

Adriaan is correct Mike - it is almost impossible to screw up an Alembic.  One of the beauties of these instruments is the exceedingly logical and functional design.  No having to remove the neck to adjust the truss rod (like on a Fender- what were you thinkin', Leo?).  Easily adjustable bridge, adjustable nut (hardly ever seen on any other brand instruments).  Joey's post on set up is very easy for even a novice to follow and will get you at least 95% of the way to a pro set up, and all the way by the second or third time you do it.  Don't be scared or intimidated.  YOU CAN'T BREAK IT!   And I always feel a nice level of satisfaction when I do a set up myself - helps me to bond with the instrument.   

Bill, tgo

[pauldo]

 
...  One of the beauties of these instruments is the exceedingly logical and functional design.  ...

Very eloquent and so true.

That being said, a quick perusal of Evan’s site shows some VERY fair pricing.

[keith_h]

As others have said doing your own setup isn't really a difficult undertaking. The key is to not make large adjustments. 1/8 to 1/4 turn increments of the truss rods are sufficient. The only holistic part is how your individual bass will react. Some like my Brown Bass will see results immediately. Others like my fretless tend to take a while to react especially when I loosen the truss rods to add a little more bow. After a seasonal adjustment or two you will get the feel for how your bass reacts and be able to tune it in with a minimal of fuss. 

[KJCulligan]

Evan Gluck -- New York Guitar Repair in upper Manhattan.  He is very experienced, highly skilled and a wonderful guy.  He has set up and repaired many bass guitars for me and is a fine bass player himself. I recommend him without reservation.

[StefanieJones]

I go with Steve's Studio in Colonia, NJ. Steve is awesome and I've been going there since the mid 70s.

[dannobasso]

In Bergen County NJ, I use Phil D'Angelo in Fair Lawn. He did a superb job on my custom 10 string. He's also done a fret file and set up on my Skylark as well as numerous jobs on Strats, Les Pauls, neck replacements, repairs on 2 Gianinnis, shielding and set up on a 9 str. Tanatos bass, my Steinberger guitars including putting in Sustainers. He is currently doing sustainer jobs on a Strat and Selvia for me.

Not sure where you are located but this is my rec.
Hope you find satisfaction.