How To Setup Your Bass Guitar ft. Derek Jones (Truss Rod, Radius, Action, Intonation)

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Gear and Tools used in this video:
Music Nomad Tools - amzn.to/3GvObgN
Dunlop Neck Cradle - amzn.to/3hW9Uob
TC Electronic PolyTune Clip-on Tuner - imp.i114863.ne...
Sterling by Music Man StingRay - imp.i114863.ne...
DR Strings Neon Green - imp.i114863.ne...
Markbass Little Mark Vintage D2 - guitar-center....
Markbass 4x10 Cabinet - guitar-center....
Fender Guitar Cable 18.6 foot - imp.i114863.ne...
Mogami Gold Instrument Cable 18 foot - imp.i114863.ne...
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#bassplayer #tutorial #howto

[@espiadelatierraprometida2577]

setting up your bass is one of the most important things you can learn as a musician. from changing string to intonation, to changing pick up, even changing batteries. its basic stuff that may save you in a gig. good video

[@auroraboringalice596]

Especially if you tour different climates.

[@conorkeane4665]

@@auroraboringalice596 not used to touring globally. However I noticed an intonation problem on my bass. My strings are just a little off on the 12th fret when compared to playing them open. This video helped alot, thank you 🤘👍

[@rafbass]

Can’t agree more!!!!! It’s cheaper, faster and you can get it the exact way you want!!

[@alfonsoPina]

Holy cow she is surely a natural at everything. She’s so full of life. Such an inspiration!!!

[@carpediemarts705]

She has a great father. None of this would happen without him. Her playing, all the editing and shooting, the whole studio. Good things come from kids who are loved.

[@malekmo64]

Ellen you are a great student of everything. Being with Derek is like all your school teachers but for an artist you learn far more from those experienced. You talk to everyone, including me, with a knowledge and excitement for more knowledge. Keep learning Ellen. Also the happiness radiates!!! 😊❤👍

[@fredaldridge1282]

Ellen,That was very interesting you are learning from the best in the business. I never knew how much was involved in setting up a bass. I’m sure you could learn to do the setup and repairs yourself but it’s nice to know Derek will always help you if you need it 👏👏👍👍🎸🎸

[@alanblumer7887]

Ellen, I'm so happy that you're surrounded by people who are willing and able to teach and encourage you. Even if you don't pursue music as a profession, you'll always remember how kind and supportive they have been and you'll want to live up to their example.

[@dam7ri]

You should check the action after adjusting the truss rod, then adjust the intonation. If you adjust the action after the intonation, you will have to adjust the intonation again.

[@juanpallautapulido200]

Uderstandig how your instrumest is properly set is a basic knowledge for a musician. Every instrument needs maintenece and care to perform as spected. This procedures ensures a precise tunnig good stability and a confortable playing. Is so good to see that Ellen is learning this from a pro with a good sence of humor.

[@kearnsey64]

That was really cool? Derek shreds that bass and clearly has full knowledge how to make it play perfect. You're lucky Ellen!

[@robertyoung7027]

Dude I recently sub"d your channel.. I've been playing bass since 1988 and I think it is fantastic your little girl is there and learning from Dad.. 🙏

[@toyfoxythemangletangle6306]

Ellen is awesome! She will be a super star someday. She is an inspiration to the new generation of kids who love music. Love your channel it's the best.

[@kevinbruner2637]

Thanks for making this video, I am actually still in the process of getting my old 1980’s bass setup! I got the tension about setup, it was badly curved for over ten years causing the E and A strings to buzz at the nut. Now I am wanting to lower the strings closer to the neck, or maybe the Peavey adjustment at the neck mount on the back, where the four neck bolts are! This video really helped me understand the saddle adjustments better!

[@Fretless99]

me too

[@tokingreens]

I found this channel today thank you. Just got my first bass earlier and became pretty depressed by the 34 inch scale...I have average size male hands and the distance between frets is so large. I searched for 'do you need large hands to play Bass?' and some of your videos showed up to both humiliate me and give me hope...I've been a guitar player for 45 years. Instant like and sub.

[@chuckhouck1485]

wow I never knew there was so much to setting up a bass. Awesome stuff.

[@vincentp149]

I've watched a lot of videos on the subject of setting up a Bass and this is by far the best, most informative and entertaining video I've seen!

[@la196]

A special thanks watching Derek set up demonstration for this SS Stingray. I added this SS bass (white/rosewood) to my collection when they first launched the model. Enjoyed watching the set up and specs you're using on this bass in the video for this model:) As always I'm always looking forward to what's next on your channel:)

[@la196]

I also love how you are so very good about making sure the amp is powered off before plugging or unplugging:) LOL. Great video!

[@michaelaronson5014]

So good to know that someone is there to keep the P-bass in shape!!

[@ormand.943]

P bass?

[@GAYWEEDDAD420]

​@@ormand.943 Precision bass as opposed to a jazz bass or some other variation of it

[@ormand.943]

@@GAYWEEDDAD420 but this is a stingray not a p bass

[@robertlisle4147]

Good to see Ellen learning the tech side of things too.

[@markfengchaenagcus]

Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you. Salute to parents and people raising and mentoring this amazing kid, your'e blessed Ellen!❤👏👏👏

[@pocopico7409]

Interesting! Thanks for showing us!

[@neilcrowesongs9768]

What a great improv duo! Ellen brings out the warm and happy in everyone. Great tips

[@timwindsor03]

Incredible video. Thanks for sharing. Very informative. Keep the content coming. Hope you have an awesome day. Much love and RESPECT

[@lesdgama]

Ellen is such fun! Thanks for this tutorial. Helps a huge lot. And I just love that spontaneous laugh.

[@willarellano833]

It is very satisfying pulling the plastic off a new guitar😊

[@JH-th4ct]

My favorite bass players of all time are Bootsy Collins, Les Claypool, Flea, and Ellen Alaverdyan!

[@jan-ovepedersen5764]

Great informal video Ellen, it's great to have a bass doctor as your friend 🙂

[@CodeNameV13]

Ellen has a great sense of humour and bounces off Derek. Nice tutorial.

[@pavelkratochvila6157]

Derek is a great bass guitar tuner and player, beautiful and informative stuff. We all prefer some instrument to others, thanks Ellen for nice video 👍👍

[@albertosarmiento8244]

Tremenda afinación muy buena ...me recordé de mi viejo...que oido tenia para las notas y la afinación de los instrumentos de cuerdas solo con su oído...y esta niña es increíblemente inteligente y el don que tiene para tocar este instrumento es realmente asombroso.

[@isabellec857]

Love this video , Ellen makes her guests laugh just like her. 👏

[@koenighaunstetten]

String change on my old Yamaha bass is due soon, so I will follow your excellent instructions. Ok, I knew that stuff before, but thanks to Derek I will now also check all the screws if they are tight. 😀

[@tablaninja]

Great video! I’m about to receive the same bass and will absolutely do this first! I bet those neon strings make it a lot easier to see up against the height scale!

[@garettbodel3002]

Awesome video man you guys really hit it out of the park

[@jammybilly]

Thanks for a great video! Always useful to be able to do these things for yourself.

[@chezchezchezchez]

I’m psyching myself up for getting my first bass, so I’m gonna save this video as a reference! Thanks!!

[@rickrolli7091]

Good job on the video guys. Very thorough. One thing also to remember to check at the end is the tuner mounting screws. Those can vibrate loose as well. Good job again and I look forward to your next video.

[@thelionsshare6668]

Awesome intro to the video!

[@cityslickerbass]

Such an excellent video - thank you so much. This is somethinng I've wanted to be able to do for so long. I'm going to try this on my P Bass once I've ordered the tools.

[@juliodefreitas157]

Thank you for sharing the set up of the base.🤘🤘👍

[@DustyCowdog]

The plastic peeling is similar to the urge to pop bubble wrap bubbles. I think my bass is set up correctly, but I'm a little hesitant to mess with it right now. Maybe in a few years, or so. Hahaha. Cheers!

[@robertakerman3570]

A long time ago there was a wax tablet/stylus. Kid's would peel back the plastic sheet to erase writing/drawings. Ellen might like a new clothes dryer(tons of "peel-back" plastic).

[@Ambienceville]

Cool! Interesting! Informative!) I'm waiting for every new video! Keep up the good work! All the best to you!)

[@RobinRobin-kz7qw]

Hi Ellen, ho Hovak, here we see, how GREAT is the perception of this growing girl. And honestly I must confess: When she once takes time/concentration on TEACHING what she knows, I would prefer HER instructions!!! P e a c e!!!! Robin

[@sarabenson4474]

Wow. Amazing video! Thanks for the instruction!

[@RR-RR]

Great video. Here in Central Texas, we have in my home town, a great Luthier, Math Deatherage, Deatherage Music. His preforming the same repair on my 97 4003. Started getting fret buss on the D string from the 5th to 9th fret. Weird, it played good before and after those positions. Lol. Keep on Keepin on! Bassist Unite!!!

[@robertmaloney2198]

Like that u keep and post outtakes!!

[@gary999t]

There is a tool for adjusting the Stingray truss rod. Its actually just a metal rod, but perfect size, and saves messing up your allen keys / screwdrivers or whatever else you use to poke in the truss rod adjustment wheel.

[@eliotduke1753]

Best smile ever.

[@DeeFromBrooklyn]

Great video. I feel more comfortable about tweeking my bass now😅

[@user-je8dl5dm9p]

Man those short scale Stingrays are awesome.

[@TarnishedViking.]

Ellen has a Dr. for her bass? That's so cool! They say your instrument is an extension of your body, so you find out everything Dr. D. Jones knows and dose! In time you and your instrument will grow wings. 💚🤘👍

[@eviloatmeal]

Great video! Maybe you go over this in more detail in another video, but I would have loved a bit more explanation about why we do all these adjustments. I think it would be much easier to understand and learn this stuff with a little extra context. For example "if the action is too high, that means the strings are really far away from the fretboard, and it can be more difficult to quickly press them all the way down, but if the action is too low, then when you play, the strings will touch the fretboard and make a buzzing sound".

[@moonwork742]

Thanks, helpful video; also want to learn to do this on my electric guitars. Sounded great after he was through.

[@tubatiminc66]

Dude so informative! Thank you so much!

[@charlesgrey8651]

Bloody Hey, hey ,hey, ... Awesome lookin' Bass👌💖✌

[@captainspalding6383]

So awesome that you have people around that have so much experience and are willing to teach and show you things .... love ya... Happy Holidays to you and your family...

[@ArunKumar-ir7pg]

I really love Ellen's talent. She is amazing. And she is so spintaneous and for a young lady of her age, her superb sense of humor is out of the workd .. i am from India and if you need any music related stuff from the 4:29 Indian classical side please do not hesitate to ping me. Best wishes to you Ellen and high regards to .. such a wonderful Dad.. 😂

[@davidn1562]

great Video, Ellen your Awesome

[@jackquarantillo5192]

I learned to adjust action before intonation.

[@Reyajh]

Who needs coffee... If Ellen can't put a smile on your face and make you wanna tackle the world..., well😜

[@Padraigcoelfir]

Pulling the release film off is an act of possession of the instrument. Yep, we all love that feeling. But wait until it's fully paid, lol.

[@edchobanyan]

Great video! Helps a lot✊

[@Joetime90]

Truss rod and action set-up is a must for any bass or guitar, especially those new out the store. It's not hard to do and you can do it with simple tools (I'd invest in real tools later especially if you have a bunch of basses/guitars). Heaven forbid if you get one with a dud truss off a used instrument site. When it comes to truss rod adjustment, I do it where the neck meets the body, using a .015" feeler gauge.

[@j.g.p.jr.6497]

Awesome video!

[@DVincentW]

Excellent!

[@Relaxbadkneeadventures]

Almost 200 k subscribers ooooh 👏👏👏👏

[@onion1399]

Thanks!

[@Mark06320]

Wonderful!

[@amrsalahmahmoud3034]

Thank you so much I adjust my bass same you & it’s became very well setup I really thank you so much Derick Jhon’s we’ll done 🙏🙏🙏

[@babyaldc6099]

Want to have a bass like that ,, here in Philippines.. couz small too ☺️

[@markchidester6239]

👍 Thanks for keeping the bloopers in, very fun!

[@MikeNevill3]

Hello.. I'm getting some buzzing in the wood on my bass. Up on the high frets . The action is a dec almost high.

[@DerwoodBones]

Wow first time I have ever seen anyone with the same name as i, Even the spelling, Nice to meet another Derek Jones.......

[@michaelvandeneede4074]

Thank you for this tutorial! I have had trouble figuring out how my action should be set to get the most out of my basses. My Schecter fretless never sounded so good and it also allowed me to speed up to play like Steve Harris with ease! Thank you!

[@melchorkaamino208]

nice intro tune Miss Pretty Pea sounds like Linda Ronstadt - Hurt So Bad

[@joannalewis5279]

More first takes!

[@chrisconrod9560]

So you're telling me I shouldn't use a match book cover as a feeler gauge when I'm adjusting the truss rod? I've been doing it wrong for the past 35 years! For setting the action I just set the E string as low as I can without getting a buzz when I give it a good whack with my thumb. Living in a 4-season area with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters I spend a lot of time making adjustments. It was nice to watch someone who actually knows what he's doing.

[@jamesrichardson3322]

Ellen are you going to learn how to play the Upright Double Bass ? When you start play Double Bass you should also learn how to bow. Ellen it's a good thing to play electric bass and double upright bass, I personally do. You will get more gigs in the future!! You are the future of bass playing and music, and I want you to always keep believing in yourself and let no one ever tell you can do something. You are awesome young lady.

[@PooNinja]

Can you charge the neon strings to glow or just UV-A light? Tune Test Set Tune Repeat as needed

[@Tman-ww2zm]

THANKS !!!!!!!

[@citizen762]

Boy: I dissected a frog 🐸 at school. Ellen: I dissected a bass🎸 😎 on KZbin. Boy: ☹️

[@moonwork742]

No question which is the better “life” skill learned; pretty sure froggie would agree. Bring music and art programs, jazz, classical orchestras, and glee clubs back to CA public schools and any other states that cut music from school programs.

[@scottrowe533]

Derek is a very cool and patient dude. I'm pretty sure he has at least one kid, given the way he interacts with Ellen and 'plays along' with her various flights of fancy. The world needs more people who see untapped brilliance in kids and encourage them to pursue their passions. Thank you, Mr. Derek. And thank you, Ms. Ellen. Take care and be well!

[@szrnkabela]

Cool video. Nut filing an a new bass would be a good completion.

[@larrycastro5113]

Love how you talked about chords and fifths, never knew them. Thanks 🙏🙏🙏🙏 SIR

[@DarkWolf-ip2do]

Very informative!! Thank you for sharing this lesson Little Rock Star!!🤘🤘

[@simosu11]

Kiitos!

[@JohnCranberry23]

I just bought a Maton Guitar and I peeled the pickguard plastic off, but I savored it because it also is my favorite thing to do. And I thought I was the only crazy person who loves to do that. 😂

[@everyoneknowsjeff]

Ellen should work for a NASCAR team since she likes to peal the plastic sheet so much - they use it on the windshields so thay can clean them each time they doa pitstop

[@lovesthebass]

Wow, did she just start playing "The Lesson" near the end? 😯

[@larrycastro5113]

Seen lots of tutorials of this however yours is simple to understand

[@elmeraranda7297]

lab it!!

[@Lafidadidracomalfoy]

Hi I'm new on this channel and I already love you you have a beautiful talent I play electric guitar and I would love to play bass too 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

how about a video: Ellen Rounds the Fret Ends? a little file and etc! :)

[@R1GAMBLER]

CUTE overdose! 💓 OMG!

[@kjella.amundsen6172]

Will Ellen make a video where she shows what she learned about setting up a bass guitar?

[@arottie4097]

W0W!

[@eduardoprieto5267]

Sometimes it takes a little rockers giggling to brighten my day. Can you come over and fix my broken body parts ? My shoulder keeps getting out tune and my knee is flat 🙃 😐 😩 , also my battery running low. God bless all.

[@malekmo64]

Derek, next lesson, Ellen does the tuning. See how much she learns because she watched everything you did!!!

[@mallenge]

Ellen is so sweet, it amazes me! She’s awesome! I think about The Blues Brothers: “Sell me your children! How much for the little one?”, hehehe. Congrats, Dad! Keep motivating her!

[@curtisbeesmith]

Hey Ellen I'm a newbie bass player, 1st time changing strings, I have a new set with the 4th n 3rd strings having a change of diameter close to the tuners, my new strings when reaching the tuners are the fat diameter not the smaller diameter like the originals. Should I return them or can I still use them??? Thanks By the way my new bass guitar's name is Ellen, your such an inspiration!!!

[@bernardinodasilva8571]

You are creati g a wanderful MONSTER !!!

[@samlelowitch]

I've been told to apply the capo directly *over* the first fret. Right or wrong?