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Great Electric Bass Guitar Setup
While it is certainly possible to give your bass a great setup just using some basic tools and your eyeballs,
we have found that the job is considerably easier with the right tools. For best results in changing strings and
performing setups and adjustments, we recommend using the tools listed below.
• Electronic tuner
• Wire cutters
• Capo
• Set of automotive feeler gauges (.002" - .025")
• A 6" ruler (with 1/32" and 1/64" increments)
• A large Phillips screwdriver (Vintage Series basses), or the hex truss rod adjustment wrench that
accompanied your bass (modern basses)
• Mini flat-head screwdriver (Vintage Series basses), or the hex saddle height adjustment
wrench that accompanied your bass (modern basses)
TUNING
If you don't own an electronic tuner, you may want to purchase one. It will simplify many of the following
procedures. If you already have one, just plug in and turn the bass's volume control all the way up. Pluck
either an open string or the 12th fret harmonic*, to produce the clearest tone for the tuner. (*A harmonic is
a "chime-like" tone that is produced by lightly touching the exact mid point of the string at the twelfth fret
with your finger tip, and plucking the string with the other hand.)
choke the string and mute the sound. With a little practice though, you'll develop the light touch needed to
make the harmonic ring out.
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Note: If you press the string too hard, it will
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