Make Your Sh*tty Bass Play Like a DREAM (5 Steps)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ธ.ค. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 845

  • @BassBuzz
    @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว +309

    I hope this vid helps you nail your first setup! If you’re an experienced setter-upper (?), please share your favorite tips you wish you’d known as a n00b to help out the bass fam. 🎸

    • @faker6968
      @faker6968 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      If you are lazy you can just look down the at the neck from the headstock and see if there is curve and adjust until you get it right

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว +26

      I always had SO much trouble "sighting" the neck like that. I know some people can do it though.

    • @cactustactics
      @cactustactics ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Not exactly a tip, but the way I remember the intonation thing is that when you fret a string up the neck, you're making it shorter and that's why you get a higher pitch. So if your intonation's out and the notes are too high, the string is too short!

    • @williampurcell4858
      @williampurcell4858 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @BRETT I would agree for those who are not gigging musicians because if you're rehearsing 1-2x weekly, practicing on your own 5-7x a week, and gigging 1-2x monthly, it's a good idea to set up your bass once every 3-4 months. At that point, it gets pretty expensive.
      I'll also say that if you do learn to do it on your own, it's pretty easy. You basically just need the correct allen wrenches and proper measuring tools

    • @williampurcell4858
      @williampurcell4858 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      This video series is all you need th-cam.com/video/te44eWXd9pc/w-d-xo.html this is how I learned to set up my own bass -- recommend setting it up to default specs the first time and then tweak from there to see what you like

  • @lmgmounted76
    @lmgmounted76 ปีที่แล้ว +868

    Man, you really are the bass dad we all need.

    • @SxSxG666
      @SxSxG666 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Clear bass of daddy issues.

    • @doknox
      @doknox ปีที่แล้ว +10

      As a bass, drum and guitar tech I can tell you none of this stuff is hard. Takes repetition just like learning to play. Eventually its burned into your brain and you will become a thousand lazy musicians hero and you'll never have to worry about a band members instrument being less than gig/studio ready again! You'll also never have to pay to have work done again either. It's a win win win situation.

    • @ewetoo
      @ewetoo ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks bass dad!

    • @TheElderOwl
      @TheElderOwl ปีที่แล้ว +6

      just don´t let him go to buy cigarrettes

    • @lizziewalker9374
      @lizziewalker9374 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Amen to that, bass Dad!

  • @ugifr9538
    @ugifr9538 ปีที่แล้ว +980

    babe wake up bassbuzz just uploaded the exact vid that I need

    • @lewis5568-c9l
      @lewis5568-c9l ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Fr tho

    • @capatap7091
      @capatap7091 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      like i didn't even know my bass came with alan wrenches till i watched this 😭

    • @KCHTOfficial
      @KCHTOfficial ปีที่แล้ว

      innit

    • @UncleYOURUNCLEUNCLE
      @UncleYOURUNCLEUNCLE ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Holy shit, first bass player with a girlfriend

    • @SMAAAASHTV
      @SMAAAASHTV ปีที่แล้ว

      Tobias: "I'm looking for something that says 'Dad likes Bass'".
      Clerk: "You mean 'Bass Daddy'"?

  • @AnaGabriela-kk4bf
    @AnaGabriela-kk4bf ปีที่แล้ว +374

    I got a bass for Christmas, a squier precision bass. I’m self taught and I always thought that maybe my technique was bad and that’s why sometimes the notes buzz, but after doing all these steps that you mentioned there is little to no buzz at all. Thanks for these tips, really helpful!!

    • @doknox
      @doknox ปีที่แล้ว +13

      I think a little buzz on bass is neccessary honestly at least on the low string. Just a preference I guess.🤷‍♂️

    • @TexasEdition
      @TexasEdition ปีที่แล้ว +4

      A bass should have a touch of buzz. That's how you get the grind.

    • @TexasEdition
      @TexasEdition ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It's a Squier... not a squire.

    • @anewplasticidea
      @anewplasticidea ปีที่แล้ว +1

      omg i did too! twinz hahaha

    • @MaximusChivus
      @MaximusChivus 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

      ​@@TexasEdition Dude shut up

  • @ZaryaMain
    @ZaryaMain ปีที่แล้ว +103

    Learning to do my own setups was a total game changer. I spent a lot of years playing basses that were NOT ideally setup because I didn't have resources to learn and I was afraid to mess around and learn the hard way. Thanks to TH-cam and videos like this my instruments have been much more playable for years now.

    • @SteelyGlow
      @SteelyGlow ปีที่แล้ว +2

      AFAIK, the setup routine costs under $100 at guitar workshop, and you really need to do it only when you change the caliber of the strings.
      So it's not necessary to play the instrument set up poorly, actually

  • @tmonet2373
    @tmonet2373 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    As a semi-new bass player whos just rediscovering the love of the instrument, I really appreciate these videos. They have helped me tremendously through these past few months of knocking off the rust and helping build some confidence that I can do something other than breathe and exist. So thank you and keep up the great work

  • @michalkbass
    @michalkbass ปีที่แล้ว +310

    From my experience:
    1. Lower the string height a bit (too high and it's hard to play, too low and it buzzes)
    2. Brush lightly and polish the neck (the original finish is often sticky)
    3. Invest in good strings (most factory ones on cheap basses are shit)
    4. Tune the bass properly, adjust the saddle as needed
    5. Play a lot and revisit the setup in a few weeks
    Cheers!

    • @mykelfam6984
      @mykelfam6984 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      What separates good strings from bad strings?

    • @roachdoggjr155
      @roachdoggjr155 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@mykelfam6984 build quality, feel, and sound
      it does actually make a difference
      i recommend dr hi beams

    • @drew-shourd
      @drew-shourd ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mykelfam6984 $$$$$

    • @CapitaineBleuten
      @CapitaineBleuten 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Wdym polish the neck, like with sandpaper??

    • @soundman1402
      @soundman1402 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I picked up a Sire Marcus Miller bass off the rack at a store. I'd never played one before. The fretboard and neck all had a glossy finish, and I didn't realize until then how much I dislike a glossy finish on the neck! Makes my hand stick if there's any moisture at all. I have a Sandberg with a slim-profile neck that's a smooth satin finish, and is the fastest neck I've played on any bass. My Yamaha BroadBass 735a came with black matte paint on the neck, but over time from playing it, it's becoming glossy and is slowing me down. I'm gonna need to buff it with some super-fine steel wool or something, I think, to rough it up again.

  • @AndreaP_N7
    @AndreaP_N7 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I've had my bass a little over a month, and did my first ever truss rod adjustment a few days ago to eliminate some fret buzz. As I was retuning my strings, I noticed that my pickups were a little loose, so I mentally congratulated Ibanez on their *excellent* quality control and tightened the screws down.
    When I played it the next day, I noticed that not only was the fret buzz gone, but my bass just overall sounded better, too. Mellower, but more ring-y. More sustain, you might say. What an amazing truss rod adjustment I had done 😃
    Now I know that the improved sound was actually due to me lowering the pickups.😅 I'm so glad Josh posted this video and I never told that embarrassing story on the internet.

  • @pabloguitar6360
    @pabloguitar6360 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    These tutorials you make are A+. Little or no movie director background music, fun and funny, snappy and we don't need to see your beloved dog. But most of all, talent as an educator and of course bassist. thanks

  • @HandbrakeBiscuit
    @HandbrakeBiscuit ปีที่แล้ว +233

    Special note for owners of Rickenbacker basses (such as 4001, 4003):
    1) If your truss rod needs adjusting, it's a nightmare due to the awful design
    2) If your bridge needs adjusting for string height, it's a nightmare due to the awful design
    3) If your nut needs adjusting, no special issues except for this being a job for a pro anyway
    4) If your intonation needs adjusting, it's a nightmare due to the awful design
    5) If your pickup height needs adjusting, it's just like any other bass. As long as you've removed that plastic pickup cover over the bridge pickup, the removal of which is a nightmare, due to the awful design...

    • @michalkbass
      @michalkbass ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Hahaha, I guess you're not very happy with the Rick!

    • @HandbrakeBiscuit
      @HandbrakeBiscuit ปีที่แล้ว +43

      ​@@michalkbass You guess correctly! I have a walnut 4003. It's turned out to be a 'don't meet your heroes' experience. There are build quality issues with it as well.
      My Fender jazz bass was half the price and is twice as good...

    • @michalkbass
      @michalkbass ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@HandbrakeBiscuit Sorry to hear that. I guess I'll keep my Pbass then...

    • @TexasEdition
      @TexasEdition ปีที่แล้ว +26

      Spot the fuck on.... my 4003 has been a nightmare... due to the awful design.

    • @DElkan
      @DElkan ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I am also a ricky owner who had to deal with its poor qualities. Setup was a pain, but it plays great now, and the strange neck contouring feels like home to me. I just wish the sound was as versatile as a jazz! In every single gig I've played, I always reach for it over the ricky. Maybe when I finally play with a hard rock band, the rick can shine.
      ...and then I'll have to worry about it walking away on me or somebody spilling a beer on it.

  • @markej4801
    @markej4801 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    Finally a lesson that explains the whole process of a setup, not only the how, but the why as well and what expectations you may have once each step is performed! Thanks from an absolute beginner.

  • @jacobtorres5542
    @jacobtorres5542 ปีที่แล้ว +84

    I watched 3/4 of the way when I realized I don't have a bass...

    • @TerminallySerious
      @TerminallySerious 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

      😂🔥 the gods of bass are calling you.

    • @Dumbnickname
      @Dumbnickname 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      same here

  • @jpofgwynedd3878
    @jpofgwynedd3878 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I just bought a bass ukulele, worked out the tuning is the same as a guitar and found your videos.
    Every time I watch and play along with one, I end up almost transported with joy at how accessible you make it all.
    I've been wrestling with guitars for 25 years, and yours are the first videos about stringed instruments which truly resonate with me - to such an extent that I've even worked out that I've actually been fitting some fairly intense basslines in my 6 string playing, and although I've only been playing the U-bass the inside of two weeks (at this datestamp), I'm so much further along with my little bass than I could've dreamed; you've also helped to finally unlock looking for alternative notes and counter-riffs, and I'm even rapidly progressing with Tabs!
    I progressed so far in the first week, that my local music advisor has invited me to play the bass in their Uke Group - and I've already written/conceived TWO different simple (and obviously simple and naive) basslines for our next full rehearsal!
    ...and anyone thinking that this sort of thing can only happen up to a certain age needs to think again.
    I'm 61.
    My FORTY year old self would be jealous of this.
    My TWENTY year old self would think I'm one of the coolest old farts on the planet.
    You're part of me discovering myself, and rediscovering life and all that stuff - like one of those corny movies.
    Hell, yeah, I'm subscribed, and I'm glad to 'meet' you.
    Thank you so very much.

  • @telecasterbear
    @telecasterbear ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I have always loved doing setups. Being a lad of low funds back in the mid 70s, learning to make my budget pieces play as well as possible was very necessary.

  • @lookingatcrap
    @lookingatcrap ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Never condescending always pleasant always helpful never feels and never feels self serving . Favorite bass channel

  • @AnnickEudes
    @AnnickEudes ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This video actually saved my pbass. I was going to sell it for half the price out of frustration...all it needed was a trust rod adjustment. Safe and easy thanks ❤

  • @rolandwheeler4842
    @rolandwheeler4842 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Josh, you are the BEST! Just picked up a 1991 Fender Prodigy bass yesterday. Everything was so far off I think a kid got in there and messed with it. Your step-by-step process (and humor to keep it interesting) got the bass where it needs to be after maybe an hour. Absolutely awesome!!!!

  • @neknarqo
    @neknarqo ปีที่แล้ว +8

    This video came just in time for my first "in the box" Squier (before, I only played a used one, which was already set up for a music store's display shelf). Following the Josh's steps really made a night-and-day difference for what an out-of-the-box bass feels like to play. Thanks, Josh.

  • @julianthesmooshyhusky8976
    @julianthesmooshyhusky8976 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    In my time selling basses I was blown away how much better a lot of squires were set up than MiM fenders. Some of those things had high enough action for hippies to slack line on

  • @AnnaKissed36
    @AnnaKissed36 หลายเดือนก่อน

    54 year old beginner here. Just did my set-up for the first time, thanks to this video. Pretty pleased with myself, too. That Squire is a high-end bass compared to mine, haha.

  • @samlelowitch
    @samlelowitch 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Really good video. Most other videos on the subject of bass setup tend to be overwhelming or intimidating. This, by contrast, eliminates all the extra nonsense and confines the discussion to the essentials. Great job!

  • @matts5248
    @matts5248 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Hey Josh - I just want to thank you for this video. I recently had my bass set up by a local shop ('cos I was afraid of the truss rod), but I wasn't happy with the job. Instead of going back and forth with the shop, I FINALLY overcame my fear of truss rod adjustments (thanks to you) and, following your awesome guide, was able to get my bass very comfortable to play. Your step by step instructions were super easy to follow. Thank you again SO much!

  • @jackx4311
    @jackx4311 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This has to be one of the most helpful tutorials I've found on my journey into the lower frequency world (and I've dug deep!). It covers everything I need to know, and having spent a couple of years struggling to play a guitar with an awful set-up in the past, before giving up on guitars for the next 50 years, this is going to save me so much grief when my new (second hand) cheapish bass arrives next week.
    My sincere thanks from across the Big Pond, BB!

  • @LaNwamNi
    @LaNwamNi ปีที่แล้ว +55

    Another good test for the nut height is to use a tuner. First of all, make sure the bass is properly intoned at the octave/12th fret. Once you are happy with that, then hold down the note at the first fret. You will probably find that it's a little sharp if the nut is set too high (it's almost like you're bending the string just to fret it). Setting it right makes it so much easier to play as well as making it sound sweet. It isn't too hard to do this yourself with a set of nut files if you can afford them. Just remember there's no turning back if you go too far (well, there's a couple of fixes that can work, or buy a new nut; a good excuse for an upgrade).

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Cool test!

    • @shawnpeters3141
      @shawnpeters3141 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you! I followed Josh's instructions and had the open strings and 12th frets perfectly in sync but my first few frets were sharp. Now I know why and am ordering nut files.

  • @leejackowsky7835
    @leejackowsky7835 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I remember when I started playing, grooving out my LTD with a B string to make it a BEAD bass, and then when I went back to E had all these issues until I swapped the nut. Still never knew the card trick until now, wondering how many other of my axes have this issue.
    After 20 years and an arsenal of different styles, you literally covered every BASS. Thank you and it looks like I have to repeat this process 17 times now!

  • @EyehartToys
    @EyehartToys ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've been playing for 5 months, took my bass in for a setup and string change (it was part of the set-up) after watching this video. No one tells you that new bass strings sound like twangy lap steel guitar. So for any other newbies who haven't changed strings or got a set-up: DO IT but be warned, your strings are gonna sound weird.
    Josh, as always thank you for educating us and being passionate! 4 months post-Bass-to-Badass course and I know without a doubt that BassBuzz was the best starting point for my playing!

    • @Will-xf3qe
      @Will-xf3qe 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Once you learn how to slap you'll appreciate the sound of brand new strings

  • @heftyjo2893
    @heftyjo2893 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    If you are adjusting the truss rod and it doesn't want to turn it can be easier if you loosen all the strings at the tuners and then adjust the truss rod. Just remember to tune everything back up again before checking the string height. Loosing the string can also help with adjust the saddles without scratching the bridge up. Yes, it tedious to constantly tune over and over, but sometimes them the shakes.

    • @ebx100
      @ebx100 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My Ibanez SR655E truss rod wouldn't turn easily, and it was set close to correct anyway, so I just skipped that step. But sometime I'll try loosing the strings and see if that helps. Thanks!

  • @mrvercetti13
    @mrvercetti13 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I've been a bass player for 30 years and I have one bass, a Fender Jazz Bass, and I love how easy you make things, its very understandable that even a brand new bass player can really get to the next level of bass playing thanks to you! Love what you do and hope you continue being awesome!

  • @tastyteddybear9927
    @tastyteddybear9927 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Instructions unclear... I dropped the bass and now my grandma is breakdancing

  • @nateross14
    @nateross14 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I set up my $79 Glarry Jazz Bass and spent a little time sanding the neck and fret edges, reshaping the dorky looking head, and now it plays and sounds as good as some expensive Fender Jazz Basses. It was my first bass and the one I learned to play on l. it has a particularly sound I love and I wouldn't trade it for a real Jazz Bass.

  • @freizeitchaot
    @freizeitchaot 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    I have no clue why I thought eating soup through this video is a good idea. Almost spilled some of it laughing multiple times.

  • @shanecabbage2187
    @shanecabbage2187 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Such a great video. It's time to finally check the bow of my neck. I've been afraid to touch it, but you have given me courage.

  • @Canon85mm
    @Canon85mm ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Thank you, Josh, for making our days better with your videos 😎

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Thanks for watching!

  • @bryankelly6255
    @bryankelly6255 ปีที่แล้ว

    This video changed my life. For real....BassBuzz alum here and the improvement in my sound was more dramatic than months of obsessing on technique. I no longer fear the truss...but still the reaper.

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad the setup helped so much Bryan!

  • @everready19373
    @everready19373 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I pulled a 70's Global bass out of the trash about two years ago. I watched a lot of YT videos about how to set it up. I had to take off all of the crappy paint that was on it, shim the neck, move the bridge down, replace the tuners, profile the frets. I put a set of flats on it and it sound pretty darn good, IMHO. I've also built a bass from an Amazon kit, I like it a lot, it has flats too.

  • @bretthines1020
    @bretthines1020 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    My CARVIN came from factory (17 years ago) in pretty good shape but the truss rod needed adjustment. Thank God I had a buddy who knew how! This video will help a lot maintaining my guitar. I’m really grateful for your channel, Josh! I re-watch and practice to a BB video about 6-7 times a week. Jamming.

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks Brett!

  • @tawmifm
    @tawmifm ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you for this. Setup was always super scary for me and I basically never touched anything. This was the first resource anyone has ever made that makes it actually easy to understand and doable lmao

  • @mikestory2272
    @mikestory2272 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I starting learning bass in 2004 (still learning) my co-workers at the time taught me about setups and different ways to do it and string changes. They didn't explain to me people usually dont learn that early on so I was surprised to learn that some folks are afraid to maintain their own instrument. I was doing my own setups before I could play a major scale.
    So fast forward 6 months and I was playing with another bass player. Been playing for about 10 years and clowned me for my cheap bass. We tried each others and he was surprised that mine sounded better and felt better. Not because mine was a better instrument. He didn't know setups were a thing.
    If the Fretted note is Flat move the saddle Forward towards the Frets.

  • @sandratrarambeloson6840
    @sandratrarambeloson6840 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I just bought my first bass a week ago and i just discovered yesterday it was buzzing only when pressing the first fret. I was too scared to touch the truss rod so only went on the bridge adjustment. It removed the buzz but action became to high, so i finally decided to adjust the truss rod and readjust the bridge subsequently. Now its so much easier to play.

  • @invin7215
    @invin7215 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    In 2008 I adjusted my truss rod and crashed the economy. Never again.

    • @miscfiles
      @miscfiles 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      We had a similar problem in the UK when we adjusted our (Liz) Truss rod...

    • @sbentsen2714
      @sbentsen2714 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      😂😂😂

    • @chuckberry8852
      @chuckberry8852 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@miscfilesI pooped my pants when I turned mine too tight. It was shitty man.

    • @martinbeagley4481
      @martinbeagley4481 22 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@miscfiles did you loosen to the left or tighten to the right? 🤣🤣🤣

  • @mouthbreatherinc5597
    @mouthbreatherinc5597 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Tried to set up my new p bass. Did everything as described in online tutorials. Got action really low. Played and sounded alright (I play with fingers). A couple of months later I brought the bass to a Luthier. Asked him to make the best setup possible. One week later I got the bass back with much higher action. It played and sounded incredible. Luthier magic.

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah low action is pretty limiting IMO. All about that tasty medium action.

  • @Faifstarr
    @Faifstarr 8 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I tried everything you said, in the end i found it was a nut issue. Took it to a professional. She was very helpful and cleaned everything up after helping.

  • @ajburdett882
    @ajburdett882 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +514

    Well c'mon now... a squire precision is hardly a shitty bass

    • @zeedy1011
      @zeedy1011 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

      But still a cheap one.

    • @ajburdett882
      @ajburdett882 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +54

      @@zeedy1011 There are far cheaper ones out there than genuine Fenders, even if it is just a squire

    • @zeedy1011
      @zeedy1011 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

      @@ajburdett882 of course, but still, a squire is a budget bass.

    • @ajburdett882
      @ajburdett882 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +39

      ​@@zeedy1011And if the title of the video said "Budget Bass" I wouldn't have made the comment

    • @josephzado2377
      @josephzado2377 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

      I'm still lost on this. In the 2000s we all hated Squires, so what happened? The quality certainly didn't improve. I think everyone just got nostalgic.

  • @rathork
    @rathork 12 วันที่ผ่านมา

    This is by far the best bass guitar setup tutorial I've seen by now, thank you so much! Now my bass finally does not rattle anymore and I did not have to spend 150 bucks to get rid of that nasty fret buzz! Thanks!!

  • @wadehamlett913
    @wadehamlett913 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I recognized “Higher and Higher” at 1:40 instantly because of your fantastic course 🙏

  • @MichaelBLive
    @MichaelBLive ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Excellent. You have taken control of your own bass playing comfort. And showed everyone!

  • @ThrashRebel
    @ThrashRebel ปีที่แล้ว +1

    At first, I didn’t realize this video was only about adjustments. I thought it had to do with modding.
    About two decades ago, I bought a Fender (Japan) Jazz Bass.
    About fiver years ago, I switched out the pickups for JBE noiseless pickups (great pickups, by the way) and the bridge for a Babicz FCH-4 (great bridge).
    It plays much better than a stock Fender American Standard J Bass.
    I’m getting ready to switch out the nut for a “TUSQ” nut (by necessity, because the original nut cracked).
    I mod almost all of my guitars (save for my 1971 Yamaha SA50).
    I have a Squier Affinity Tele that I modded and it is awesome.

  • @tetsusiega2
    @tetsusiega2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just wanted to say that you’re one of my favorite bass channels. I used it when I first started, and I still use it to see what else you have to say, as well as forward it to my beginning friends.

  • @blearnsbass
    @blearnsbass ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've learned a lot from your videos, but this one might be the best one yet!
    I bought a new bass that I absolutely love, but the E string was buzzing, and the B string buzzed a little as well. Checking the B string, it was also a bit flat at the 12th fret. I followed the steps in the video, and by raising the bridge height on B and E, and changing the string length on the B, I got rid of the buzzing!
    The bass feels amazing to play now, and I'm happy I didn't need to take it in for a setup.

  • @XXIII_89
    @XXIII_89 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I hate it when adjusting my truss rod causes economic downturn... 😢

  • @henryeowens
    @henryeowens ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Best setup walkthrough I’ve seen. Thanks for making it clear.

  • @robinollyn6151
    @robinollyn6151 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Tampered with my bridge and I was super impressed, my bass plays much better than before and I guess I'm saving about R2000 because I was hell bent on buying a new bass. Thank God and Thank you for making this video.❤️

  • @sentimenta1664
    @sentimenta1664 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    yooooo the turquoise jazz is my exact bass model! made me smile to see it in a video haha

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Nice! It's a killer bass.

    • @sentimenta1664
      @sentimenta1664 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@BassBuzz for sure. it was my first (and only, so far) and i couldn't be happier about it!

    • @corb9459
      @corb9459 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      And the cheap one is my only model🥺😭 haven’t watched vid yet I hope it’s good things

  • @djijspeakerguy4628
    @djijspeakerguy4628 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Note: on some Gibson/Epiphone bass bridges, such as on a thunderbird bass, the entire bridge is slid over 3 large flat head screws. These screws are designed to move the entire bridge up or down, like a pickup, when turned. Adjust these up or down to control the action. The intonation screws on this style bridge are flat heads on the opposite side of the bridge as on the bass shown in the video, right under where the strings are.
    Also, on some basses, the truss rod adjustment point will be located behind a screw-on cover on the headstock, or in the case of some Ibanez models, a cover that slides open. This video focused more on Fender/Squier style basses, which are more commonly used.

  • @lordsp
    @lordsp 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I got the exact same Jazz Bass in same colour since 2017. I can't believe the buzzing wasn't me. I'm going to fix the bass this weekend on Stream and see how far I can get it.
    Thank you very much for the amazing help!

  • @lordoftheelements2112
    @lordoftheelements2112 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is my favorite video of yours so far! It was worth stopping my house cleaning just to watch once it was suggested by TH-cam. Well, back to work I guess, then I can get to perfecting my bass!

  • @metalheadblues
    @metalheadblues ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I gave my tech sum bud and watched him do all these steps in an hour. It does really make a huge difference.

  • @60degreelobwedge82
    @60degreelobwedge82 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love watching setup videos because everyone does them slightly different. Its more an art than a science.

  • @tikimike33
    @tikimike33 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks!

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for the support! 🤘

  • @rodrigocampos1302
    @rodrigocampos1302 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I just got my first bass yesterday, i was a little sad because the sound was very rattly and didnt know if i suck to much or the bass was not good (Ibanez grs200). I had to turn bass and treble down to avoid an anoying poping sound if a plucked the strings too hard, and muted notes sound bad.
    I did all of the steps in this video and now the bass sounds completly different, even with bass and treble at max there is no pop or rattle.
    Thank you very much ❤

  • @burningheart2909
    @burningheart2909 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm starting with a Squire bass, and gave it a full tune-up. The strings are low, no buzz, and is a dream to play. It's a good starter bass for the light price tag, will be ugrading as I learn. Cheers! ☕️

  • @howardsharp6089
    @howardsharp6089 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Wow, what a difference. I was getting a lot of buzz on my E and A strings, especially when I dropped a half step, as one does when one loves Alice In Chains. Setting up was easier than I expected, and the bass sounds much better.

    • @calincampbell5637
      @calincampbell5637 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow that's interesting. So would that mean they play in E-flat standard?

  • @cpt.joemccoffee2291
    @cpt.joemccoffee2291 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you, thank you, thank you for this incredible video. I would have needed this 30 years ago. 😂 I was always amazed when others played their bass guitar with ease and my fingers cramped up.
    As my son wanted a drum kit for Christmas, I got my old bass guitar out of the attic. I was amazed at how good a condition it was in. I put on new strings and set up the bass according to your tutorial and I couldn't believe it. THE BASS NOW PLAYS SO GREAT!!! Now, after 30 years, I'm playing again with pleasure, even if I'm a bit "rusty".

  • @VideoGameStoryTime
    @VideoGameStoryTime ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3:23 *Cries in vintage style* 😅😅😅 I took her to a local guitar shop when she was new to get her set up checked, the guy was visibly panicking when he realised he was going to have to take the neck off.

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว

      Such a pain!

  • @ELMEMEROXD-t1t
    @ELMEMEROXD-t1t ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Josh, I followed every step carefully and now both of my basses play like a dream -a 4 string Fender PJ and a 6 string Ibanez-. I can't believe how simple it was and how well it turned out, just like a pro (and you also saved me a lot of money!) Thank you so much and greetings from Argentina!

  • @gp3829
    @gp3829 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Gio is correct when he describes how a Bass feels when you pick it up, hold it and then start playing. I was once offered the chance of a Fender Precision by a Pro. It felt like is was alive in my hands, just fantastic to play and I realised that my £250.00 P/J Bass copy was not quite as good as I always thought.

  • @mikedolan6176
    @mikedolan6176 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Grabbed a sqire p bass for $150, used (but barely ever touched). Set that baby up and man, this thing feels like an $800 bass! Saved few bucks and it's now my workhorse

  • @franklinden3497
    @franklinden3497 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is a Fantastic Video that covers all the Bass adjustment mysteries You MUST know!!

  • @IiOnna222
    @IiOnna222 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The intonation part changed my whole view on tuning. No wonder my bass sounded ok open but bad when I played... Thank you!

  • @firstthessalonian6889
    @firstthessalonian6889 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for helping to turn my convexed unintonated buzzy mess of an axe into a sterling stingray bass. I am a 20 year guitarist finally discovering the world of bass, and am having loads of fun learning the bass lines to the songs I already know on guitar. Dark necessities, Another one bites the dust, God of thunder, N.I.B., Carousel, the list goes on, they are finally hitting right after following the steps in your video. Liked and subbed.

  • @VaporizedKerbal
    @VaporizedKerbal ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks so much for this video. I bought my first bass about 9 months ago, and the music store said they set it up, but I don't think they tried very hard. I also recently switched to thicker 50-120 D'Addario strings and I've been having a lot of buzz for a while. Took me quite a while but it's feeling so much better and I was able to completely eliminate all buzz and get the tuning right for all the frets. You've been so helpful so far as I've been learning. I watched several of your videos to get started, and tried a couple other people's too, but you just make the best bass videos on the platform, no contest.

    • @NodakSavage
      @NodakSavage 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @vaporizedkerbal do you play in E standard or do you drop tune? I use those same strings but play D standard and Drop C

    • @VaporizedKerbal
      @VaporizedKerbal 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@NodakSavage I just do E standard usually but very occasionally I do drop D. I don't like how loose the string gets though so I try to avoid that

  • @octo3167
    @octo3167 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Can't believe you didn't mention "righty tighty lefty loosey" mnemonic regarding truss rod adjustment. Sounds dumb but it truly works :)

    • @jphvnet
      @jphvnet ปีที่แล้ว +3

      But to mnemonic rule something is missing: from which point of view?

    • @brettwilloughby2981
      @brettwilloughby2981 ปีที่แล้ว

      All well and good.....unless you have a Pedulla. With a hankering to be different, these go in the opposite direction.

    • @sususmongus2514
      @sususmongus2514 ปีที่แล้ว

      ⁠@@jphvneteventually you don’t think about the pov

  • @fcormier
    @fcormier ปีที่แล้ว

    I did most of the stuff at the start of the pandemic and it really helped my Yamaha BB-350 that I neglected for a long time.

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Nice! I wanna try those basses out more, they seem solid.

    • @fcormier
      @fcormier ปีที่แล้ว

      @@BassBuzz When I bought mine in 1995, it felt like more solid than a MIM Squier Jazz Bass for the same price and it sounded better at the time (probably the strings on the Squier I tried were old or cheap).

  • @BlackJackLopez
    @BlackJackLopez ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video, and it solved a couple of doubts I had about string-to-pickup distance. I watched a couple of vids on this issue, and they NEVER actually tell you about it. Sadly, my terror about messing with the truss rod remains, but this encourages me to at least try it sometime. I played my bass for a whole darn year, factory setup, and when I regained the use of my hands, I decided to beat the fear of tuning it myself. My second source of doubt and cowardice is also, intonation. I've had a couple of tuning issues lately, so I fear the dreaded moment of saying goodbye to my beloved strings is near. I guess it's the right time to be bold and neurotically dip into a well deserved setup...

  • @MysticMindAnalysis
    @MysticMindAnalysis ปีที่แล้ว +5

    This is great information. I'm very anxious about tampering with my bass setup in case I get it wrong, making it sound rubbish, and then can't revert back to what I had before.

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Pretty hard to mess it up, unless you set it all on fire or throw it off a building.

    • @MysticMindAnalysis
      @MysticMindAnalysis ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BassBuzz Thank you for the reassurance! Now to go and find those alan keys...

  • @SLqB11
    @SLqB11 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank You man. Playing for 20 years and still take my bass to shop to get it set up...

  • @karlhuf9496
    @karlhuf9496 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So VERY helpful and informative while being entertaining at the same time, thank you! Got my first bass/first electric guitar this week and out of the box it has a terrible buzz but even after reading what I could I was still uneasy to start doing adjustments beyond just tuning. I feel much more confident on how to approach this now. BassBuzz, count me as a fan (and subscribed)!

  • @_Peremalfait
    @_Peremalfait ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks, what a great resource your channel is. I did the truss rod check just now and discovered my bass needs to be tightened a bit. And now I know how easy it is to do that.

  • @mattroe2375
    @mattroe2375 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Do you think you ever might do a video on fretless bass? Advantages, disadvantages, why someone might choose it over fretted?

  • @gozzawick
    @gozzawick ปีที่แล้ว

    Ive been using a homemade 3 string bass and its amazing the difference setting it up properly makes.

  • @badoeno
    @badoeno 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If I had known all this before I bought my first bass 20 years ago, I might have had second thoughts about buying a cheap instrument. I was lucky and worked things out by trial and error including adjusting the truss rod.
    Moving a step up now and better equipped to make a used 5 string work like one of those high end basses (which I can't afford...)

  • @jakemoody82
    @jakemoody82 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ive played guitar for 20 years. About a year ago I had this unusual feeling drawing me to the bass. I bought a Jackson Spectra JS2 and a fender rumble bass amp. Ive been playing it and learning and have realized that i actually love playing bass so much more than guitar. All these years playing guitar and I had no idea what I was missing. Your videos have been helpful in setting it up. I don't think you touched on pickup adjustments though.

  • @doknox
    @doknox ปีที่แล้ว

    I have 89 dollar glarry bass that I refinished, upgraded the pickups, did some fret and neck work along with a bone nut and a setup. Plays and sounds amazing! The only thing I wanna do still which is preference based is shave the neck a bit more flat. Only cost about 170 altogether. I also have an ibanez gio bass and it was flawless out of the box besides action and intonation. It was only 229. My advice is buy cheap guitars and basses to practice modding and setups on. The worst thing that can happen is you lose a hundred bucks or so. If you use caution and follow some simple steps properly you could gain a lot of useful skills that save a ton of money and have amazing playing instruments for far less than half the cost of the name brand stuff.

  • @michaeloberly6129
    @michaeloberly6129 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Incredibly thorough and helpful guide, Josh. Thank you. I have always taken my guitars to a good tech, because good techs are magicians, but I’ll run your tests here on my bass to check the setup.

  • @AmeliaLikesPalta
    @AmeliaLikesPalta ปีที่แล้ว +1

    FINALLY SOMEONE THAT EXPLAINS IT, Thank you Josh

  • @horseradish4046
    @horseradish4046 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    excellent video, been playing for years and still learned a few new things

  • @siniganggang96
    @siniganggang96 ปีที่แล้ว

    I paid a luthier to setup my bass and my god, it made a world of difference. Its so much more playable and plays like a dream

  • @6onice691
    @6onice691 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Im waiting for my first bass to come in 2-3 weeks and I took forever to decide on one because of some of these reasons. I figured it was a setup/string quality issue.
    Ill be revisiting this video when it comes in. Hell yea. Subscribed.

  • @rizzo_grt
    @rizzo_grt 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That shirt is awesome! Went to a Glenn Hughes concert last year and the very first song he played was Stormbringer. What an album!

  • @DrumRollTonyReacts
    @DrumRollTonyReacts ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Quality instruction 👏👏

  • @eshelly4205
    @eshelly4205 ปีที่แล้ว

    I went on a cruise and there was a blues band playing. The bass player was amazing. He was playing this cheap beat up squire bass. But he was amazing. I asked him about it and he says it was his first bass and he loved it so much he never bought another one.

  • @ghosthouse6672
    @ghosthouse6672 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’m running a USA fender bullet bass deluxe I picked up for 400 when I was 18.. I’ve never purchased another bass, before that I went through at least 3 jazz basses

  • @evangreenart
    @evangreenart 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for this video! I bought a Danelectro Longhorn bass from Sam Ash, like, 14 years ago and never messed with it. Finally took it to a local tech a year ago who made some adjustments to it, but I still have a little trouble staying in tune. It’s got a wood bridge, which can make adjustments difficult. But I see professionals using this bass and it goes for $600-$700 online (not cheap), so maybe I just need to make ALL the adjustments you mention in this video. Recorded with it recently, and it sounds amazing, I just want to make sure it’s all set up properly.

  • @Farewelltokingz
    @Farewelltokingz ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Something to add though is that in genres like rock or metal where a bit of fret clank is okay, lowering action will help you get an aggressive tone without you beating the hell out of the thing. Chris Squire was good about that if you listen to his isolated tracks.

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yep, same with Steve Harris, nice low action so he can get CLACK without having to pluck super hard.

  • @mikaeliby387
    @mikaeliby387 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Adjusting and remaking the string slots is definately a pro-precision task. Lowering/hightening the WHOLE nut is not difficult at all however, and mostly that is what needs to be done (especially on a newer cheap instrument). What I do is I simply snap it off the neck - sometimes it is glued, sometimes not, but with a neat knife or small flat screwdriver it is easy either way. Then simply sand the under side down and put it back for testing. A precious little at a time, until it feels and sounds good. Then I refit it with just a tiny drop of superglue so it wont slip. And if it is too low ( or if I went a bit hard with the filing down :) ), then I put a fitting thin piece of material under the nut.

  • @QuantumLeapCosplay
    @QuantumLeapCosplay ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Josh! David Heacock here.
    Seeing you wear that Rush shirt filled a brotha’s soul with glee!! Hee-hee-HEE!!!

  • @FredMarcoty
    @FredMarcoty ปีที่แล้ว

    Maybe the most useful TH-cam Video I've seen so far. Everything is not 100% exact, but it helped me a lot to turn my 100 euros Jack'n'Dany Jazz Bass into a complete monster. OK... some work on the frets, ok new pick ups... don't care, it's part of the game.

  • @travisreed5965
    @travisreed5965 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Outstanding !!! 10 out of 10 and 9 out of 10 doctors agree with me
    Well Done ,
    Cheers

    • @BassBuzz
      @BassBuzz  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Travis!

  • @The_Rubber_Duck420
    @The_Rubber_Duck420 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Thank you for this. You helped me so much

  • @simduino
    @simduino ปีที่แล้ว

    I really like the way you show how to set up a bass with simple tools, no special string height measurement tools and sorts.
    I play bass for 40 years now and I always did setups myself so by now I'm able to setup a bass without measuring, just by ear, touch and sight.
    Even though a standard way of setup is good, it all depends highly on the used strings and your personal playing style. I prefer a lower action because I don't play slap or pluck, fingerstyle only. I also prefer stiffer strings on a fretless because it makes playing easier and you can go with an even lower action. I also do nut work myself as I build basses too.
    One thing I should mention is that even if you have setup your bass perfectly, it still sounds cr**p... try other strings before anything else. I've had some basses that just didn't sound good at all, until I used different strings that made them sing. Patience is indeed a virtue.