Fender P Bass Assembly and Setup

[@samboliah3691]

Eight year's later, my cell phone has a "block caller" option. Well done, Dave.

[@robertmzauner7363]

Dave your video's are never boring. You crack me up and give a lot of knowledge out at the same time. Thanks

[@matalmike]

Thanks. I got one with the jacked/ramped up frets in the higher register, never addressed that and don't want to. She's beat up and retired from the road but I play her all the time at home. Never played another P-bass that sounds like her.

[@hmariusb]

I don't want to sound like a quibbler here, but in my opinion both the truss rod and the string height adjustment should really be done with the bass in playing position. The weight of the neck from the bass lying down or the weight of the bass with the neck in a cradle will affect the measurements. For an accurate truss rod adjustment (on a fender) put a capo right on top of the first fret wire. Put the bass in playing position. Press the E-string down right where the neck meets the body and then use a feeler gauge 0.015" over the 7th fret between the string and the fret wire. If the truss rod is too tight the feeler gauge will lift the string. If it's too loose there will be a gap between the feeler gauge and the string. To loosen the truss rod turn the allen wrench counter clockwise and visa versa.

[@Cruiseangel72]

Dave you are one of the Greats. You make it look so simple! I enjoy your videos. I have learned so much. Thanks.

[@eegoog]

After watching many videos, I started tinkering with one of my guitars. First thing I did was get the simple green, strings and linseed oil.

[@neilmoran9988]

when Christ was a cowboy!!!!!!!! Thats also why I watch, that and learned so much about my gear. I thank you Dave really appreciate you taking the time to make these videos.

[@1066Shane]

Great stuff Dave love the way you put things across, PMSL keep the great stuff coming.

[@videonut28]

Yet, another great, informative, video, Dave. Thank you for sharing your skills!

[@mit7771]

@0252a You are right. It does affect intonation, but it's rather minuscule, and generally not a big deal. But if, say the intonation was ever so slightly sharp , and you raised the action, it would make a diffrence. The note would be noticably sharp, compared to the open string. I ran into that problem last night setting up an Ibanez.

[@phlips01]

Awesome, I just learned so much. I just bought a used MM P-bass and I actually think I can set it up my self now. Thanks Dave

[@reedhead1]

Does StewMac sell those glasses?

[@andrepereira744]

I always thought you check the strings radius from below not on top,to put them at same distance from the fretboard. There's a right way or this is another"personal taste"thing?

[@tonydecicco9728]

Invaluable! I'm about to do major surgery (by hand) on a beloved old Indonesian Squire with a severe body split, moving the neck and all electronics to a paint damaged but intact China Squire P body taken from an ebay parts axe. Wish me luck, and ty for the linseed oil tip.

[@tonydecicco9728]

I've had an Affinity Indonesian Squire P (bought for $80.00 unused) forever; great neck, PUPs and a replacement Swcrft jack, that got knocked over and cracked in the back from bridge to headstock 4 yrs ago. (then played a 4 hr set with it) I got it superglued and gigged a lot, buy now it's done.

[@tonydecicco9728]

P bass rebuild is done, and there's no way I could have done it without this video. Thank you, Dave.

[@ZiGy14]

I learn a lot from watching your videos,thanks man.

[@MrVirusSnake]

it will affect it slightly since the angle of the strings from the nut to the bridge changed thus making SLIGHTLY shorter/longer the string

[@Phaidrus]

How exactly do you set the pup height? Do they sit level on the body of the bass or are they sloping outwards? On my 2008 AmStd P-Bass the E-A pup is quite sloping outwards, the D-G pup less so.

[@44numskull]

I love a P bass with a little bit of overdrive mixed in with the clean sound. Snarlage!

[@michaelroberts5801]

Hey Dave can you do a vd on just measurements like specs on string height and neck relief only... love your work thanks

[@elquemassabedelucha9841]

thanks a lot but ;my english is bad a got a qwestion : the ground wired is under the bridge?

[@WildWildWeasel]

Hey I'm looking to get a P-bass with that purplish color, can you tell me the name if it please? Thanks! :3

[@J8D2]

Midnight blue?

[@ErnieLeblanc]

Happy New Year, Dave, And I Thank You for This Really Thorough and Well Done Video of... "Gett'-In'Eit'Done'Right!" "Subscribed!!" - You're Welcome, Dave

[@charlesmeyer253]

You know what's funny, I've got the same P Bass in the same color that was also missing a tone knob and had stripped pickup screws and bad sponges underneath. What year is this one? I think we may have a conspiracy on our hands lol

[@sfmag1]

Hey Dave,Greetings and Stuff! My experience with "P" style pickups is that the "E" string always completely out powers the other strings in terms of volume, ergo, the lowering of the pickup to reduce this effect and make the instrument sound more even. How does one deal with that if the pickup is supposed to be set at a fixed distance as per "specs"? I know one can turn down the bass control on the amp but that sort of robs a lot of power from the amplifier. Also,is there a place where all the numbers and details about setup are a available for perusal and reference?Tanks.

[@OneArmedScissor259]

I'm still not sure how to adjust the neck. I know to eyeball it from the nut against the bridge but I'm not sure I'm doing it right. Any tips?

[@OneArmedScissor259]

Thanks! Happy holidays brother!

[@NapoleanXV]

Is there an advantage to using foam under the pickups rather than springs?

[@mit7771]

Love the new Glasses Dave! I am cracking up here!

[@matalmike]

Hey Dave, does that radius apply to all P-basses and all vintages. I own a 78 P-Bass and I don't think the radius is 10".

[@DeathFromAbove1981]

Dave's dropping knowledge. Nice one.

[@krisUSA111]

I`m very close to Addison IL haha and Sprayway is still alive and running like never before lol!Cheers Dave!

[@backbrainmedia]

I put new Aguilar pickups in my p-bass (they rock btw) but I just used the foam from the original pickups. I ended up ripping the foam a little bit so one of the pickups sits a little funny, just enough to bug the crap out of me. Gooooooched!

[@justinmacosky9083]

Okay! I need some help! There is a video that ended with you in a parts store or warehouse… What video was that???

[@engineer6250]

Dave, great video as always. There are caller ID apps you can get for a mobile phone that will block spam callers.

[@thomastrull7536]

Thanks Dave, Great job, Really handy tips! love your work

[@desertdoggz]

I have a similar bass. It did not have a ground wire underneath the bridge. How should I ground it?

[@LestonDr]

What was the foam you were talking about when you were messing with the pickups?

[@backbrainmedia]

Hey Dave, What kind of foam are you using? You think the high density stuff I buy for my air conditioner will work?

[@ziggassedup]

Thanks Dave...I'm having a good one....It goes great with a beer.

[@SeverinoSE]

Thanks for the friend request! Love your videos! They're very interesting and entertaining at the same time. :)

[@Mr797204]

my bass has some springs around the screws does that infect the sound ?

[@ThatBassistonRadio]

you should review the Peavey millenium 4 ac bxp bass.

[@Stratboy999]

Great stuff. Look forward to seeing the next instalment

[@MrFuzzwuzzle]

Personally I would put a black scratch plate with matching dark chrome knobs with some fancy colour matching tops from qparts, think it would make the whole bass pop :)

[@simonbass1203]

Hi Dave, I'm installing some Passive EMG-PHZ Pickups on a Fender American Standard Precision Bass Guitar what should the pickup height be?

[@MarcHatchE7]

sweet looking bass.

[@Songwriter4God]

@davey4557 Ok, I have a question I've had since I found out why P basses are called "Precision" basses, if they can make P basses in perfect tune when you play why can't they make a P guitar? Thanks!

[@YTPartyTonight]

Q: Fender P bass fretboard radius? A: The radius depends on which year or era the bass was made in. It could be 7.25" or 9.5" or 10".

[@Jpw824]

The bass in the video is 10”

[@tidepoolbay]

Dave, Thank you for all of your insight!

[@CBD670]

Squire Affinity basses have that, I'd look those up on a site and see what they call it.

[@allghilliedup21]

Hey Dave, I tried intonation setup but when I moved the bridge pieces forward or back, the open strings would sound sharp but the 12th fretted note would sound in tune...is that fine or is there something I'm doing wrong?

[@Explorer766]

I work in Addison IL. Lots of factories there.

[@Headwind-1]

Whats the battle of the P basses called Dave? I want see that one. Ged

[@papawheelie920]

Dave did your new "glasses" come with shoe mirrors? Mine did !!

[@Whitestingray81]

You sure it's a 10" radius, Dave? Fender lists it at 9.5". Maybe they were 10" before the latest upgrades in 2009.

[@bordinco90]

If you don't mind me asking did you get a good deal on it?

[@TRJBASS]

what's your opinion of Leo Quan Badass Bridge ?

[@vxidastronaut]

Won't it affect the intonation though? The higher/lower the action, the more/less you have to bend the string to meet the fret, so changing the action would sharpen/flatten you down the neck. Half a turn I would argue is probably imperceptible by man or machine so my point is moot in this case whether I'm right or not.

[@Songwriter4God]

This is Made In Japan, right? And, since my last comment wasn't answered I'm gonna ask again, how cheap was it exactly? Like a couple hundred? Less? Thanks.

[@ThatBassistonRadio]

@BassPlayerBedwell ive played it a little bit when i was at GC it was a nice bass especially for the price

[@InterspeciesErotica7]

@davey4557 -Thanks for the explanation for the 1/2" hole underneath the pickguard. I hate that damn hole and pickguards!

[@H3lloSE]

i love the sound of the rain :)

[@gabelossusthe4th]

every time you move the bridge piece (saddle) either forward or backward, the string goes out of tune. tune the open string to pitch.

[@geetar4yerears]

Hiya Dave! We use Sprayway products in our business. They make great metal cleaning products as well. I'll try to find our suppliers name from our purchaser if you need more DNA removing goods! I believe they aren't far from you. They just don't sell it in retail stores. :-)

[@jnf91]

SprayAway is still in business. I still buy their #50 glass cleaner, which is available at the auto parts store I work in.

[@akpunxrockin]

love the vids, i have learned alot from watching your stuff

[@mit7771]

Also, I picked up this weird bass a couple weeks ago. It's a no name. Got it at a yardsale for $10. It's a P-bass style, blue, and it is an odd radius. 15". No joke.

[@ed801975]

Sweet Mexibass! That thing needs some chrome knobs.

[@182Bolg182]

thats a beauty bass. good steal

[@patricknicolucci5073]

yes sprayway is still in business Dave

[@2009mryoda]

Just seen this video and know it's old, but you can still get that cleaner maybe you have who knows lol amazon and a few places i have seen in canada sell it, but i am in UK so don't know how easy it would be for you to get :-)

[@thomasmarcotte270]

I saw the camera angle in the thumbnail and knew it was Dave!

[@dexter12322222222222]

amazing bass man..

[@eddiecarlcalhoun]

What language were you speaking during that video?????

[@3rduncle]

@0252a You were right the first time!

[@GorGor636]

damn i wish you could fix up my 1996 p bass. it needs a good dna removal and theres buzz i cant get rid of even by turning the truss rod

[@DavidLee-no9uc]

What no demonstration of installing the Truss rod?...Hummm..I don't know about you?

[@handgunner1911]

Mexican fenders are real.the thing is do you want a fender made by Mexicans south of the border or a fender made by Mexicans north of the border.some Mexican basses from mexico are really well made.i own usa and mexico and I like them both.

[@wr3ncher]

illuminated one I have a squier made in Indonesia... it was crap until This American set it up. much like the sound isn't in the guitar... the quality isn't in the country, it's in the hands that last touched it.

[@handgunner1911]

believe me im not knocking what anyone has you play what you like andwhat you can afford.you can make a squier play and sound real good with a little money.its a good instrument for a beginner as long as you have it set up to play.you dont want something that is difficult to play etc

[@wr3ncher]

illuminated one I take no offense. trust me I wish I had money to take a $1000 guitar and mod it to holy hell. just pointing out that with a little vision and elbow grease you can take a $80 turd and turn it into something that keeps up with the big boy toys.

[@handgunner1911]

thats right.actually i have many fenders several american jazz basses a couple lakland jazz basses a fender p bass and mexi 5 string jazz all modded out.i have an aguilar preamp bartiloni pick ups and a bad ass bridge. its nice for being an inexpensive bass if you want quality and cant afford an american the japanese fenders are very nice i love them anyway good luck to you brother i admire what your doing

[@ronreedy6189]

I hate add's... but anyway , I'm voting for Merkley he's our best choice in Oregon. I sure hope this video is as helpful.

[@santanamauricio]

In Australia we have the "No Call Register" you register your number and no business can call you, except for charities. there is a fine for those that do call. I've been on it for years.

[@hmariusb]

What color is the body?

[@hmariusb]

+rjohnston411 Funny guy :)

[@Jackwell1029384756]

just a tip to make your videos a bit smoother, not nessicarily for this vid but in general, adjust the camera position before you start filming, we allways jump in with you shaking the camera around hahaha

[@mta415]

you can't adjust the pickup height and angle without them...

[@GloryIan]

@0252a Actually, you were right the first time.

[@MrStu9459]

Hey Dave... Thanks for the thumbs up in your DNA removal Vid. Im ur Buddy too!! Cheers

[@kobayashimaruaikiken]

7.25" for vintage and 9.5" for modern fender basses, no?

[@jonviall5566]

NICE DAVE !!

[@DislocatedCardiganV1]

I get many stupid phone calls too. You can have incoming business calls locked out (I did) get on to your provider mate, you pay for that shit already. The phone still rings, but the lines is killed when you pick up. Still a pain in the backside though. Great vid as per usual.

[@chenks54]

use a bread knife or some other serrated edged knife to cut foam - it's a lot easier!

[@indianjjy]

classic !!!!

[@Bluebuthappy182]

That spam button on your phone would be a killer app for any phone

[@eddiecarlcalhoun]

What kind of speed were you on that day...LOL...

[@fc7896]

Sprayway is still in biz, Dave...

[@daveyspider]

dave your nuts but thats thats the way i like people ha ha keep up the GREAT vids bro.

[@jerryrobertson7300]

Dig the vids

[@aleksandrsmasharo5628]

bro nice idea about spam button, i will try to make it for u :D

[@Songwriter4God]

@davey4557 Aww. So how much was it? Or are you just not answering? :P

[@jamesnewland3195]

Is papa wheelie aka Jason newsted from Metallica I bet I is

[@cskeise]

💙👊😎

[@ericcoombs]

Haha nice dave

[@bassmentality]

3 minutes of Ads before these videos run. this is time wasting! yeh nice shot of your elbows Dave! The 2 routed holes are not positioning holes. They are what we call in the business "Spoilers". Fender chose those holes to help secure the after sales market Dave. In the old days a fender body looked great painted and bare!. Now Fender ruin the tone by taking out wood and now it's harder to sell a copy of a fender if it is spoiled with holes. Like putting dye in Diesel fuel! If we see those holes we know exactly where they were made!