Author Topic: Going Low (Read 485 times)

godoze · « **on:** November 17, 2004, 05:53:40 AM »

I am trying to lower the action on my Epic. I've got the neck adjusted and have been playing with the bridge but it seems that i'm stuck with about 3/16 at the 12th fret. any lower and we start buzzing.

anyone able to go lower ?

keavin · « **Reply #1 on:** November 17, 2004, 07:13:44 AM »

you might wanna give another twist to one (or both) of your rods.

rogertvr · « **Reply #2 on:** November 17, 2004, 07:55:53 AM »

I've just measured The Dragon's Wing - that's at about 0.9mm at the 12th fret - that's about 1/32 if my maths is correct. In fact, the bridge is flat on the base plate. It doesn't squeak or rattle but it does require a very light touch to play it.

Rog

mica · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2004, 09:36:29 AM »

Always adjust both truss rods an equal amount. The only person allowed to make individual rod adjustments is our dear James, and that's usually to correct another person's error in adjusting one rod only.

That being said, if the strings are pulling more forward bow to the neck than you'd like, then tightening the truss rods is in order to conter that pull. You'll have to adjust the bridge height and intonation after the truss rod adjustment.

David Houck · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2004, 10:13:27 AM »

Boy have I been breaking the rules!

godoze · « **Reply #5 on:** November 17, 2004, 10:22:43 AM »

This is the first bass I've owned with dual rods; what exactly is the = theory behind this =

effclef · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2004, 02:20:26 PM »

With two rods, you can correct for twist in the neck - you can make the G string side tension different from the E string side.

EffClef

godoze · « **Reply #7 on:** November 18, 2004, 11:02:50 AM »

so i am thinking i will tweak the neck a bit more, lower the bridge and pickups and then adjust the nut if needed.

bsee · « **Reply #8 on:** November 18, 2004, 12:21:46 PM »

You might want to measure the bow in the neck to get an idea of where you are and where you're going. Take a straight edge and rest it on the first and 24th frets then see how much space you have between the ruler and the 12th. I am not sure what optimal is, but it will give you an idea of how you're doing with regard to bow. If you end up knowing what you like, you'll find it much easier to repeat in future setups. If you have another bass that has action you like, you can measure it and then try to transfer the settings over. Measuring makes the adjsutment scientific rather than a seat-of-the-pants thing.

rogertvr · « **Reply #9 on:** November 19, 2004, 02:07:42 AM »

Alternatively, lie the instrument on its back, and fret the string at the 1st and 24th frets, and use the bottom of the string as the straight edge. That's what I do as I haven't got a steel ruler that's long enough.

Rog

mica · « **Reply #10 on:** November 19, 2004, 08:47:09 AM »

You really want to measure anything related to playing in as close to playing position as possible. Even slight pressure from a neck rest or the peghead being on a flat surface will make the measurement less reliable.

James uses the method you describe, Roger, only he does it while sitting down and playing, looking down at the string.

Don, you've got a good plan for setting the action to where you want it. Joey's instructions are the best for setup. Study them well and practice the adjustments. Just like playing, adjusting does take practice to master so be patient with yourself as you are learning.

A word of caution on nut adjustments. Only chage the nut if you have a fret buzz on an open string only - one that goes away once you fret. And do loosen the center anchor screw first else you will bend the baseplate and I'll know you don't read directions when you order a replacemnt

rogertvr · « **Reply #11 on:** November 19, 2004, 09:32:01 AM »

I should have clarified where I lay the instrument down. I lie it on a nice soft fluffy duvet on a bed, so that it sinks into the duvet, with the headstock hanging over the edge of the bed. I have found this to be the best method for me.

What Mica is saying is quite correct - the smallest pressure on the neck makes a difference. All other adjustments to the instrument I make whilst standing up with it on a strap over my shoulder - as that's how I usually play it.

godoze · « **Reply #12 on:** November 19, 2004, 09:38:48 AM »

Thanks everyone ! I am going to start sunday after I get back from the guitar show.

I'll report my results.

rogertvr · « **Reply #13 on:** November 19, 2004, 09:51:36 AM »

I can't speak for anyone else in the Club, but I couldn't get The Dragon's Wing as low as it is now in one go. I've kept chipping away at it (and my playing technique) over the last seven or so months since I've owned it. Of course, when I first got it, I dropped the bridge on to the base plate to see if it would play - it wouldn't! But now, seven months on, that's the point I've got it to. It's as much to do with me as it is to do with the way the instrument is set-up.

Patience is a virtue and Rome wasn't built in a day!

bsee · « **Reply #14 on:** November 19, 2004, 10:51:23 AM »

It's true that the lighter your touch, the lower you can go. The buzzing isn't always the instrument's fault.