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fast rules.
Players with a light touch can get away with lower action; others need higher action to avoid
rattles. First, check tuning. Using a 6" (150 mm) ruler, measure the distance between bottom of
strings and top of the 17th fret. Adjust bridge saddles to the height according to the chart below,
then re-tune. Experiment with the height until the desired sound and feel is achieved.
Neck Radius
7.25"
9.5" to 12"
7/64" (2.8 mm)
MUSTANG PJ
15" to 17"
6/64" (2.4 mm) .610+.584+.559+.533+.127
5/64" (2 mm)
.610+.584+.559+.254
NUT HEIGHT (press 3rd fret)
Now this is personal taste and action dependent. For those of us who suffer physical issues ie
RA, stroke effects (numbness, weakness) etc this comes in handy. You can only set your action
so much adjusting your bridge saddles before experiencing fret or string buzz or hitting your
pickups. For this you will need:
Small oval jewelers file
Either a folded $1 bill or feeler gauge set to 0.218mm.
String winder
I find a small level is handy at times but not necessary.
1st press on the 3rd fret of the G string and slide the folded $1 bill (or gauge) between the string
and first fret. If the string does not touch the bill then the nut should be filed down to where the
string just touches the bill or gauge. REMEMBER you can always file a bit more if needed but
you never can replace it if you file to much. Discretion is the better part of valor in this case.
Do this for each nut groove down the line.
Keep in mind the angle of the headstock and file accordingly.
Note: Each string will need to be loosened to the point of moving far enough from it's groove as
not be hit with the file and then replaced and re-tuned to remeasure.
Mostly I do this at string replacement time and use the old strings as measurement tools. Who
cares if you hit them with the file? They are going to be tossed anway. Usually.
If any of these instructions makes you uncomfortable then take the bass to a professional.
SHIMMING
Note: I feel strongly that this should be done by a professional. For that reason I have left it out.
PICKUPS
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