Author Topic: Action & truss rod set-ups (again) (Read 554 times)

georgie_boy · « **on:** September 24, 2006, 04:00:13 AM »

Hi
I've just re strung my 1976 Series 1 bass with new strings. I normally used 30,50,70, 90, but thought I'd like to just go up one gauge-35,55,75.95.
So far nothing needs adjusted,(I only did it this morning), but I'm letting her settle for a couple of days to see what happens. Should I expect any major changes? Is truss rod adjustment on Alembics clockwise to tighten as is usually the case? How do I lower the action if necessary-can I just turn the 2 phillips type screws, or is it more involved. Thought I'd best ask incase I do a Homer Simpson.
ALL help appreciated
Thanks
george

bigredbass · « **Reply #1 on:** September 24, 2006, 04:08:09 PM »

IF they're the same brand as your previous ones, I wouldn't look for much change. If it's from a different manufacturer you may see some change.

If I had to bet, I don't think it's going to move much if any. If the bass felt just fine, I'd leave the action alone. Especially if this bass is feeling good to you and not buzzing with these way smaller than usual strings, leave it alone. It would not take you long to research posts here to find folks really having to work hard to get the bass to settle in to these sizes.

The truss rod: Clockwise to tighten/flatten the fingerboard, the reverse to loosen/add more relief.

Adjusting the bridge height is only one part of adjusting the action, and I use it alone ONLY to fine tune out a very small remaining buzz IF it only takes a small fraction of a turn to do it. It's seldom a wholesale cure unless it was way off to begin with.

J o e y

georgie_boy · « **Reply #2 on:** September 26, 2006, 03:39:12 AM »

Hi Joey
Thanks for the advice. Strings were from the same manufacturer.
So far, she is perfect-neck still straight and action just fine, no buzzes or rattles--thats been 3 or 4 days now, so I assume that all is well.
If I did want to lower the action a fraction, is it just a case of turning the screws on top of the bridge, or do I need to loosen other screws on the bridge before doing this (like my old EB3, where you had to loosen 2 hex nuts before adjusting the height)?

Thanks again
George

jacko · « **Reply #3 on:** September 26, 2006, 04:25:43 AM »

George.
Yes it's the two Allen key nuts on top of the bridge. Chances are though, if you change the action you'll have to reset the intonation. I've been faffing for a couple of weeks trying to get an action I'm happy with on my fretless and I can tell you, a good tuner is vital.

graeme

georgie_boy · « **Reply #4 on:** September 26, 2006, 05:52:44 AM »

Hi Graeme
The Allen Keys on the Series are actually Phillips screws, but I get the message. At the moment she is great-such a BIG sound. So far I've adjusted absolutely nothing and she is sitting-----probably even better now than when I used the 30-90 gauges.
I'll check the intonation shortly, and I do have a great tuner that I bought about 25 years ago. It's a Korg GT 60X-never let me down ever.
I also re strung my Curbow bass with STATUS premium round core stainless strings in the 30-90 gauge. Tried them live yesterday and they are killers although the Series has the Elites Nickel on her which I find give more harmonics than the stainless (I may be talking crap here).
Will be trying other brands of 35-95 in the future, as I think that may be the ideal gauge for me and let you know what I think.
What make and gauge are you using, and why are you changing the action on the Rogue. I liked it when I played it, although I like a good low action, but not too low or it seems to me that the strings don't sing as they should.
Remember and look after that Epic for me now!!LOL

George

jacko · « **Reply #5 on:** September 26, 2006, 06:01:15 AM »

I've put DR Red Devils 45 - 125 on the rogue after a couple of sets of Alembic own brand. The action felt a little high so I started tweaking. Think I've got them just where I want them after last nights workshop session.
I really like the red devils against the coco bolo and they hardly show up against the purpleheart neck laminates.

Graeme

bigredbass · « **Reply #6 on:** September 26, 2006, 06:04:35 PM »

georgie, sure, if you only need just a little lowering, turn those bridge height screws about a 1/4 or 1/2 turn, if you're just ALMOST there.

J o e y

georgie_boy · « **Reply #7 on:** September 27, 2006, 02:43:53 AM »

Thanks Joey.
Just letting her settle for a bit before I think about anything. She is still fine today and seems to have settled in great. I MIGHT want to lower the action by about 1mm at the 17th fret on the E string, but that's about all. Any idea how much of a turn that would be-1/2 maybe??

Graeme-tell me about these Red Devlils!
Do they do a 35-95 gauge.
Why are you using them as opposed to the Alembic strings

Thanks guys
George

jacko · « **Reply #8 on:** September 27, 2006, 02:48:09 AM »

Sorry george, I think they only come in '45s'. I changed because they're easier to get and cheaper than Alembics. Also, I like the colours. I have the peacock blue set on the epic - the turquoise really sets off the maple nicely.

Graeme

lbpesq · « **Reply #9 on:** September 27, 2006, 07:03:46 AM »

Watch out, you guys are starting to sound like my wife picking out shoes! LOL

Bill, tgo

jacko · « **Reply #10 on:** September 27, 2006, 07:13:46 AM »

Yeah. Except we only buy new strings every 6 months, not every 6 days ;-)

Graeme

adriaan · « **Reply #11 on:** September 27, 2006, 07:34:59 AM »

You guys all married the wrong one :-D

bigredbass · « **Reply #12 on:** September 27, 2006, 11:13:13 AM »

georgie, THAT's why you want a little ruler: I can't see a ONE millimeter difference without using one.

J o e y

georgie_boy · « **Reply #13 on:** September 29, 2006, 03:36:02 AM »

new strings every 6 months???
I wish I could afford to change mine that often!
Sheer extravagence--that's what I say!
G

georgie_boy · « **Reply #14 on:** September 30, 2006, 02:38:47 AM »

oops!
Sorry about the spelling. I'm sure it's a fault with this keyboard. LOL