💥 How to get the perfect Bass Setup! Dial in your tone and play-ability! (Metal Bass Monday EP.32!)

[@t.j.meechan682]

I agree 100 percent. A good setup can take a mediocre instrument over the top, but a $2000 instrument with a bad setup takes alot of the fun out of playing. Im not the greatest at setting up my basses, but with this video and a little practice, i have faith I'll figure it out. Have a good one Sir. Thank you!

[@RodneyMcG]

It's not nearly as daunting as it may seem, especially with all the resources out there. Plus, there's a decent tech in most towns. It's worth a good go over to make a big difference in your playing. Good luck!

[@jasonwalker9694]

I love the more unorthodox approach. Thank you for breaking this down in a unique and very helpful way.

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you got something out of it, Aaron

[@Jagdpz5]

Your video how you set up your bass gave me biggest tone fix in my life. I have struggled with getting that clanky upper midrange. I boosted around 1.5k, used some distortion but my attack was clicky and not clanky. I lowered my action and almost instantly got the tone I was looking for (those Fishmans in single coil mode helped a lot also).

[@RodneyMcG]

People who haven't tried it are always stunned at how big a difference action can make in your tone. Glad it worked out for you!

[@ickywyrmwood1993]

And thank you Rodney McG for doing the heavy lifting and teaching us. Glad to know you..

[@ickywyrmwood1993]

BIG GRATS Rob and Steven on your lessons!!!

[@riesabass]

nice and very needed episode. you're right that everyone should know how to maintain his (or hers) instrument, because no one knows what is the goal for this particular person. second thing many people are forgetting about pickups height. in fact i was experimenting in one of my guitar and one bass and didn't even noticed change in colour of the tone, because i wasn't doing it for this thing. it was just for raising volume of some strings :v but after this vid i'm gonna check it for tone too. thanks Rodney!

[@RodneyMcG]

Let me know how that works out for you.

[@riesabass]

@@RodneyMcG sure. i'm gonna check that out on thursday, both with dialing EQ on 250Hz and somewhere about 1k-1,5k HZ like you've said in the last video. i hope it's gonna help after all those years :D

[@bublok]

Some of these things you mentioned were figured out by me while fiddling with my bass :) Never tried that zero-level approach, though!

[@macathunorcent5492]

Great info on setup - it's one of the more intimidating things but also logical things about bass once you do it a few times. One of the best things I did was to disregard the manufacturer's recommended string height based on the neck radius. Just like you, slam the strings down and then adjust each string to your preferred height (for me just slightly passed buzzing). This results in the higher strings being closer to the fretboard but I find it makes it easier to fret, since you usually have less purchase on the neck when you do so.

[@RodneyMcG]

Exactly how i go after it. Mostly feel, and measurements are just a guide.

[@Powerserg-dx5kk]

You read my mind with this episode🔥 great stuff and that shout out made me lol 😎🤘

[@RodneyMcG]

You said I could shorten it, but i'm a bit of a contrarian 😂

[@swarthygiant1463]

Kind of off topic to bass but the red border on your thumbnail sometimes makes the bottom look like a “time stamp” that videos you’ve already watched have, and I’ve skipped or almost skipped watching some of your vids thinking I’d already seen them More on topic, great stuff as usual keep it up!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for the input on that, I never would have considered it.

[@swarthygiant1463]

No problem didn’t occur to me until it happened. With a ton of guitar and games channels subscribed it’s often how I sort through my home page to see what’s new or what I only got part way through

[@6567-n8y]

Thank you Very helpful!

[@sawogolec2286]

Awesome, i have to chang my strings for a first time very helpful!

[@jimmyjam42069]

Tips on singing & playing at the same time?

[@RodneyMcG]

I'll see about covering that.

[@Tiissma]

Hey ! I discover your channel since 1 month (With DD Verni Microscope) and I watch all your videos, Bass is my life and you really help me with my daily practice. Thank you for all man, Have a Heavy Good Day ! Ps : I'm French so excuse me if my English is not perfect, but your videos help me also with it !

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks a lot for checking out the channel! - Your English is great! I got to spend some time in Toulouse a few years ago, and loved it. I wish I had known French as well as you do English😂

[@Tiissma]

Haha Thanks man ! English is more easier than French, we are so complicated ! 😅 If you go to Paris, call me, I will teach you French and you can teach me Bass (And English !) 👍

[@liamjenkins82]

Picked up a brand new schecter riot yesterday. So this will be a good video for me. Cheers

[@RodneyMcG]

Nice! Congrats!

[@liamjenkins82]

@@RodneyMcG first schecter. After playing last night probably not my oast

[@liamjenkins82]

@@RodneyMcG first schecter. After playing last night probably not my oast

[@StephenBecker]

Wow, awesome! Looking forward to the lesson! On the setup thing, I've previously tried the leveling out the neck thing, and ran into a bunch of buzzy frets (especially up in the 15-20 range on my E string). I've also got an issue whereby if play the 17th fret on the G string and put a slight bend into the string, it all of a sudden jumps up as if I actually was playing on the 18th fret. For now I've got things set up whereby I have a bit of dip in the neck, and then take my saddles up high enough to eliminate buzz where it really matters for the most part. I really like to figure things out myself, so I've been hesitant to take it in and get it all professionally fixed. It might be time to suck it up and just get all of that taken care of...

[@RodneyMcG]

Some really common issues. Especially if it's a bolt on. The area near where it screws to the body can create a hump.

[@SanitysVoid]

Sometimes the bass is just junk and cannot be set up to any decent level of playability. Had a Squire P bass like that I had to send back to the seller.

[@StephenBecker]

@@SanitysVoid Yeah, mine is also a Squier bass. However, I've never had a problem getting it set up to my taste, and almost all of the issues are on notes that I never play. Intonation is perfect, and the action isn't too terribly high overall.

[@SanitysVoid]

@@StephenBecker Like Rodney says any bass can be worked on but with the one I bought it was used and the expense was not going to be worth it so after the pro at the local shop could not make it play good after I failed too it had to go back. It was a used bass.

[@klaymeister]

Wish I had this vid when i was 16 or 18. I played with horrible set up for like 8 years lol

[@RodneyMcG]

We all did! The struggle creates strength!✊

[@ickywyrmwood1993]

I am not as integrated into the scene. That is why I didnt post a link to a video. I'll jump out there a bit more and grow that crop. Excelsior!

[@RodneyMcG]

It's not mandatory 😉. I'm here rain or shine, so participate as it fits your vibe!

[@TheBeardofDOOM]

I spy a Ryzen CPU cooler. You truly are a man with great taste 👌

[@RodneyMcG]

😉🤘

[@GillRigged]

Wow. What a great introduction to bass maintenance. Thanks man!

[@RodneyMcG]

Hope it helps

[@NodakSavage]

I'm really focusing on trying to set up my action as low as possible. Now I play with a pick, I'm thinking I'd have to be much higher than you are here. My issue is I have a hard time differentiating between what is "rattle" and what is "buzz".

[@RodneyMcG]

If it sounds good to you, that's all that matters. Judge with your ear not other people's opinions. Not even mine!

[@metalfather8139]

Good information 👍

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@gggBassman67]

Damn. Missed that contest.....I'll catch up on these, good stuff Sir.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Geo!

[@jameslangford9347]

Great info and congrats to the two guys who won. I have enjoyed your channel and Lee Sklar's. discovered both of you due to this crazy corona stuff!

[@RodneyMcG]

Welcome aboard!

[@michaelroberts5801]

Any tips on string height (specs) wise. I like metal classic rock punk. Something u might recommend i know its about preference how about a starting point? Or maybe can u do a vid that. Thanks

[@RodneyMcG]

It depends completely on your playing style and desired tone. Check out the episode where I cover getting a pick tone from fingers. I talk a lot about string height, etc.

[@liamjenkins82]

Great video. I wish I was into social media I'd share the shit out of your channel. Very informative and easy to follow

[@driverbass1554]

Awesome information. I remember your earlier video about your action and incorporating EQ with it. Still looking to do that but feel it would be great to zero it out first to see exactly what I will be dealing with as far as EQ. Totally agree the bass is the connection, the extension if yourself. Took me a while to finish this one up but as always so happy I did. May not make live stream today but will definitely catch it later! Thank you so much for all you do for us!!! 💪😆👍🎸

[@driverbass1554]

It was Episode #19, Story time with Uncle Rodney at the end. 👍

[@PieCompanyGuitars]

Great program as usual... thank you for all the advice...

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for watching and offering your thoughts

[@PieCompanyGuitars]

Anytime

[@teartamother1892]

Thanks Rodney great advice.could you tell me please about adjusting the pick-ups is that done with a alan key or something else completely.sorry I haven't researched that one.when I get my set up I'm standing on the sideline asking away what there doing why there doing etc.Im just building up the confidence to do it myself which I will under supervision first time.thanks

[@RodneyMcG]

You can adjust most pickups with the screws on the sides. You won't screw things up by trying some adjustments. Go for it!

[@PieCompanyGuitars]

You can use any of the strings as a straight edge by fretting at the first fret and somewhere near the end of the fingerboard... and then look at the gap in the middle of the neck under that string

[@RodneyMcG]

That can be decent as a general guess. But all strings Flex. To get a perfect level you have to use something like a straight edge., plus you're not going to be able to zero in on a single high fret by using a string

[@PieCompanyGuitars]

I have a specific tool for finding high frets

[@PieCompanyGuitars]

The string method will absolutely get your neck straight and it will show you if you have an issue from bass to treble side because some necks have a dip in one side but not the other... it shows me just as much as any straight edge that I use. And you can check it under string load... Now the slotted fingerboard straight edge is what I like to use for really checking the neck straightness

[@PieCompanyGuitars]

The four sided fret rocker is the best way to find high frets. Works every time and shows where the high spots on each fret are...

[@elzombie5224]

In my Mug Coffee, in my screen Rodney!

[@jorgedhooo]

rodney my man you don't know how this video help me rigth now jajajaja, so thank's and keep it true

[@RodneyMcG]

I hope it helps 🤘

[@PieCompanyGuitars]

Now your talking my language....👍

[@PM-oq6ku]

Just a question: Do you set the same height on each string? Meaning, do you follow the fretboard radius? Or do you set the height on each string individually? Because you can always set the D, G lower than the rest.

[@RodneyMcG]

I do it by playability and sound

[@kostasmariolas9830]

great video ! i recently got a warwick bass (with that crazy set up options ) whenever i try to set it up real low (the way i play) the d string is buzzing is just not plays when i play the open note ! when i am fretting the string its just fine. but whenever i play it open it is acting like its just not high enough to make a sound ( i have checked the just a nut height and of course the saddles) anyk inda tip from the top of ur head?

[@RodneyMcG]

Either the nut is too low, or the 1st fret is high

[@kostasmariolas9830]

@@RodneyMcGthanks ill check it

[@ericollom7530]

Do you any sustain with action that low?

[@RodneyMcG]

If you set it up right

[@FrontyardFootballwithfourguys]

Hello Rodney, recently I changed my bass strings and I had a few complications. I had no idea which bass strings came on the bass when I bought it and I changed them to DR high beams and now the first fret buzzes out and there’s just buzz all over the fret board, I normally tune to d standard and my amp barley picks up the bass should I take my bass to have it set up at a guitar center or try to do it myself

[@RodneyMcG]

Sounds like the strings are lower in tension than the old ones. High beams are a bit loose. I would look up a bass setup video (there are tons of them) and take some time to learn and do your bass. If you can't solve it, then take it to a pro. A decent setup isn't hard and it's a good thing to learn.

[@Mud9]

I have been trying to get this setup going for a couple hours now but if I can't rid of the dead spots on spector euro. Do you know how much space is between fret and string at the low and high frets?

[@RodneyMcG]

About a credit card thickness. Remember, your technique may need to adjust too. You can't beat the hell out of the bass. Also, is it actually a dead note, or just more rattle than you are used to? Check out this today's show for more info on setup.

[@Mud9]

@@RodneyMcG hard to say what the real issue is. I'm wondering if I need to do the nut modification. All I know is that I can get the tone in some spots but not in other spots on the neck.

[@timanderson5417]

I don't know if this is all in my mind but, 2 of my basses have a zero fret, and not having to worry as much about the nut eases my mind. I've seen a company makes a nut with a zero fret on it. Anybody install one of these? If so, how do you like it?

[@RodneyMcG]

I can't let the cat out of the bag too far, but this is something I've been talking about with a company concerning a new bass design. A zero fret is something that needs to make a bigger come back. The setup ease alone is well worth it. I haven't looked into the ones that can be added. Seems like it may be a big amount of work.

[@restojon1]

I'm a fan of the zero fret too, makes a hell of a difference

[@dissolution]

Shred!!!

[@albertmarkethinkpr1325]

FIRST!

[@crusherolies8195]

you cant just 20 minute how to setup a bass. people should watch Daves World of Fun Stuff, shows how to do this all and he sets up to the manufacturers base stats. he does guitars and basses, you learn how to cut your nut, how to set up intonation, which doesnt require the harmonic. pick up distance string height all that stuff.

[@RodneyMcG]

Yes, actually I can, and just did. Because I didn't cover every possible angle of working on an instrument doesn't mean that the video is of no Value. Plus it's a basic primer and in multiple places I say when it's time to take it to a tech. Most people don't have the equipment tools or background knowledge to do all the things the guy on that channel does, and aren't looking to do it. These are things you can do yourself to get your instrument in better shape immediately.

[@crusherolies8195]

@@RodneyMcG other than filing a nut or shimming the neck and dressing frets a person can do it themselves easily. but you didnt show any of how to do any of it. just explained why those things need to be done.

[@RodneyMcG]

I couldn't disagree more. Everything I talked about is a non destructive adjustment. What you are encouraging is destructive adjustments that are not something for a novice and can make things infinitely worse. Filling a nut DOES require decent files most don't have, and can't be reversed. Filling frets also requires good tools and a bad job requires extensive and expensive work including refretting to fix. I've been working on guitars for 30 years. The most common repair I got a request for is for somebody who tried to do things like we are speaking about and screwed it up and now their instrument is nearly un playable. I would consider myself irresponsible to tell people to tackle jobs like that if they aren't experienced and potentially wreck their instrument and cause them to have to pay an extensive amount of money to get it fixed properly.

[@crusherolies8195]

@@RodneyMcG what i said is most people CANT do those "destructive" sdjustments. you are just focusing on being "right" now instead of listening to the advice. show people HOW to adjust the saddles, and they should be parallell to the face of the guitar, or how to set intonation.

[@RodneyMcG]

@@crusherolies8195 I am not focused on being right anymore than you are. you are arguing your point as well. After rereading your comment, I will say I mis read it, and that it doesn't seem you were advising people to take on nut and fret work. I mis interpreted that, and retract my follow up. My final statement on this is that when you come on my video and tell me "you can't just" that's not advice. It's a criticism and an accusation, and not one delivered well. I have used the method I showed in the video to set up literally hundreds of basses. I also say very clearly that the finer details of some of the operations weren't going to be gone into for time's sake, and mention a number of resources all over the web where extensive and in detail walkthroughs are available. You seem to have ignored that in your critique, and it renders it somewhat toothless. Perhaps in this case we are both a little guilty of not paying as much attention as was required before commenting.