How to Adjust and Set Up Your Bass

In this episode of “Gibson’s Guide to Guitar Setup and Maintenance,” Gibson Master Luthier Jim DeCola takes viewers through the correct process for adjusting a bass guitar. Jim covers all the different setups for the different types of players and their individual playing styles.
All bass instruments come set up to factory specs, but as Jim reminds viewers, those specs are based on what and how most players prefer to play. They’re not written in stone, and everyone’s a little different, and there’s certainly room for deviation depending on your personal preferences. Jim covers string orbit and excursion, action, and pickup adjustment. So, whether you pluck, pop, or slap, Jim’s no-nonsense, step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and can be executed with a few basic tools and some patience.