Sterling by Music Man│S.U.B. Series Ray4 Bass Setup│Part 1 - Truss Rod Adjustment

[@williamdgmartin]

Brilliant video, best trus rod adjustment explanation I've seen.

[@GuitarNTabs]

Hey William :-) Thank you very much! I highly appreciate you saying that! The owner was very happy with the bass afterwards, so job well done! Let me know if you have any other questions! Have a good one & Cheers!

[@theprinceoffreshair]

william martin I pray God's protection over you and that He would guide you on His plans for you.

[@leonelkarter3826]

Pro tip : watch movies on Flixzone. Been using them for watching a lot of movies during the lockdown.

[@zahiraugust9493]

@Leonel Karter Yup, I've been using Flixzone for years myself :D

[@jaylenyousef146]

@Leonel Karter Definitely, been using flixzone for months myself :D

[@UBRLND-X]

exactly what I was looking for. perfect tutorial for anyone looking to do their own setups. nice first steps down that road. Thanks!

[@GuitarNTabs]

Thank you, I really appreciate it. Let me know if you need anything else. Cheers.

[@phoenixero5313]

Thanks for these videos, i bought a ray4 HH from guitar center (discounted) and took it to someone to adjust it, he only reduced the action but the bass was still almost unplayable, it had fret buzz everywhere. I watched all 4 videos and was able to know the neck was bended, took it to a friend who is a carpenter and explain him what we needed to do. After 4 days we put the bass together again and just adjusted the truss rod and voila! now it's playable, all the previous settings from these videos were left intact! Thank you again.

[@GuitarNTabs]

Hi! Thanks for your comment - I appreciate it! Excellent, I'm pleased to hear it all worked out! Thanks for watching, I'm glad you found the videos useful! Let me know if you need anything. Have a great day.

[@sebrouxxx]

I would like to thank you sooo much for that 4 parts video explanation. My Sub 4 is well adjusted! THX!!

[@GuitarNTabs]

You are very welcome, Seb! My pleasure! I'm very pleased to hear that you've got your Sub 4 adjusted and ready to rock! Cheers, man! Enjoy and rock on!

[@CrooKOnyx]

Thanks for the video! Saw on a different video that music man recommends putting capo on the second fret for this particular bass. Im sure it still works with the first fret but just wanted to mention it :)

[@GuitarNTabs]

Hi there, Onyx J. Thanks for watching! Sure, that's a valid method as well. Have an excellent day.

[@markquinn8812]

Put pressure on the neck so as to take pressire off the Truss rod. also you should loosen the strings each time

[@GuitarNTabs]

No need, it all worked well. The truss rod functioned well, and no mess. I've seen the "loosen the strings" discussed many times, and some does it, and other don't. If I slack the rod, then I do not loosen the strings, if I tighten the rod, then I tend to loosen things a little. Cheers.

[@caucajunman5930]

A very experienced Luthier will back off the neck adjustment screw a little before putting new tension on the neck while putting pressure on the head stock in playing position to help with neck straightening. Less chance of stripping the inner rod nut. JS

[@jeffwarne1442]

Your 4 part set up series is marvelous; thorough, systematic and imminently competent. Thank you for making time to make this available. I have just taken delivery of a brand new Ray4 exactly this model. Where do you find the specifications for string heights for the various adjustments (truss rod, bridge saddles, pick up)? The action on my unit appears too low, and the pick up too below the strings. The specification provided on Sterling's web site provide only the neck radius (given as 9.5 inches btw). Yours with thanks.

[@jeffwarne1442]

I forgot to also ask about checking the nut. You comment about going on to check the nut at the end of Part 2, but there is nothing further about this in Part 3. Have you any guidelines for checking that the nut is correctly set up? Thanks again.

[@GuitarNTabs]

Hi there, Jeff. I'm sorry for the late reply! Thank you so much, that's very kind of you and it's much appreciated! Sweet, I hope you're happy with your purchase 🎸 In regards to the specs. I had some papers with the measurements written on. I believe most of them came from Fender, their Factory Specs. I like to start out with Factory Specs. and take it from there. They are good "middle of the road" starting points. Have a look at this: support.fender.com/hc/en-us/articles/214343843-How-do-I-set-up-my-bass-guitar-properly- I seem to remember some specs. from Ernie Ball/MusicMan, but can't find them at the moment.. A good set-up is key, also for a new instrument - no player is the same. Please let me know if you need anything else. Cheers and many thanks!

[@GuitarNTabs]

@@jeffwarne1442 - Hi again! I believe I measured and the nut was fine, no need for adjustment... I like to use Feeler Gauges, when measuring nut slots (1st fret action). I will measure from fret top to string bottom. .020" is a good starting point. You can press any of the strings at the 3rd fret, and tap your finger over the 1st fret itself, and there should only be a small gap visible. Just keep in mind that larger strings need more space to ring out. Cheers.

[@jeffwarne1442]

@@GuitarNTabs Many thanks for your replies and additional info. The folks at Sterling customer service were also very helpful to provide starting specs for setting truss rod, string height and pick up height, but the info and procedures provided by your video series made it possible to accomplish fine tuning the set up according to player preference. I have subsequently tried out some other very good basses including that I just received the Ricki 4003W that I ordered 4 months ago. It's magnificent, and they've finally upgraded the bridge with saddles that are now fully adjustable! That said, for the price it should be. None the less I remain greatly impressed with the value delivered by the Sterling Ray4. The feel of the neck is wonderful.

[@GuitarNTabs]

@@jeffwarne1442 - Hi again! I'm glad my reply wasn't too late... That's great to hear! I'm sure Sterling provided some good starting points! I'm really pleased to hear that my video was of help tp you, that's excellent! Wow, congratulations, that should be one fine, fine bass!! That's great to hear, and it's really cool how one neck is different from the other! I've recently purchased a Sterling by MusicMan SUB AX3 guitar, and it's really good! I just need to do a fret level, then all will be good! Please let me know if you need anything. All the best. Cheers.

[@aronbarabas2074]

very good explanation. Thank you,

[@GuitarNTabs]

Hi Aron! :-) Thanks for your comment - I appreciate it! I'm glad that you found the video helpful! Have a good one! Cheers!

[@geemann3760]

You always back off the backlash before adding truss rod tension. Loosen first a little then add tension if strings are too high off the fretboard. Otherwise you could wreck the truss rod.

[@GuitarNTabs]

Exactly, you're right, and I didn't in this video... Thanks! Have an excellent weekend!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Man great video!! Maple likes to act up I've found myself tightening up my maple more turns then my rosewood or ebony, all stingrays too, maple likes to act up more lol

[@GuitarNTabs]

Hi there, Jeremy. Thanks for your comment and question. I haven't really experienced that, so can't be certain, but humidity and weather will also play a part here. Lovely instrument, though! Have a great day.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@GuitarNTabs thanks for the reply

[@GuitarNTabs]

@@bassimprovjams3772 - Sure, no problem at all. I recently got myself a Sterling by MusicMan SUB AX3 guitar, and I'm really pleased with it. After a decent setup and some new strings it's playing great! Years ago I bought an old OLP MM1 guitar, licensed by Ernie Ball, and that's a keeper for sure - what an instrument!

[@vladimirbustamante3692]

Excellent! I've got the same bass and I'm gonna start doing the ajustement. Could you tell me where Can I buy those tols? Thks

[@GuitarNTabs]

Hey there, Vladimir :-) Thanks for watching, and thanks for your comment - I appreciate it! The String Action Gauge should be found on almost every music/luthier store - depending on where you live :-) The same goes for the Capo and the feeler gauges. Often you're able to find those feeler gauges at local hardware/auto part stores. The wrench I used was just one I had in my toolbox - it just needs to fit the truss rod holes, in order to turn it :-) I hope this helps :-) Let me know. Have a great weekend! Cheers.

[@vladimirbustamante3692]

@@GuitarNTabs thanks for the answer! I'll keep in mind. I am gonna see your other usefull videos

[@GuitarNTabs]

You are very welcome, Vladimir :-) Thanks, I appreciate it! Let me know if you need anything! Have a great weekend. Cheers.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Go to stew mac , online they will have anything you need

[@yorgospatsis403]

Hi there and thanks for this video ! Is it normal that I need to do that 2 times per year (with the change of temperature) ?

[@GuitarNTabs]

Hello there, Yorgos. Thanks for your comment and question, it's greatly appreciated. Depending on the neck itself, and the environment (weather, etc.) that's possible.. Changes in humidity, temperature, etc. will have that effect. I hope this helps.

[@yorgospatsis403]

Sure, thanks for your reply !

[@GuitarNTabs]

@@yorgospatsis403 - You're very welcome, no problem at all. Have an excellent day.

[@andrewhowsmon6216]

What size is the allen wrench for this bass? I have the same bass and have been trying to adjust the truss, but I can't find a wrench that works. Please help!

[@GuitarNTabs]

Hey there, Andrew! Thanks for your comment and questions, I really appreciate! Actually I don't remember, but as long as you can find an allen wrench that will fit the adjustment hole, on the truss rod wheel, then you should be good to go! I just used the closest one I could find in the shop... I hope this helps - let me know what you think! Best regards.

[@riskromer9773]

7/64" works for me

[@GuitarNTabs]

@@riskromer9773 - Thanks for pitching in, Risk! All the best!

[@schniemand]

Is that relief not incredibly low for such a cheap bass? I also have a SUB and if I pluck with just a bit of force anywhere close to the neck I cannot prevent rattle at low frets even with around .040 relief.

[@Joetime90]

What size Allen key is it? Nevermind at home now, 2.5mm worked for me.

[@GuitarNTabs]

Hi! I'm glad you found a solution! As long as the allen key fits nicely, then you should be good. Have a great day. Cheers.

[@sebrouxxx]

Hie. What is the size of the Allen Key you use to adjust the SUB trussrod? Thx

[@sebrouxxx]

I found. Hex 3mm for the trussrod and Hex 1.5 mm for the saddles.

[@GuitarNTabs]

Hey Seb! Thanks for stopping by - I appreciate it :-) I'm glad that you found out! Happy adjusting, man!

[@Maxpen14]

So basically you know, a good video but too much basically and you know. Xd

[@GuitarNTabs]

Haha - what?? ;-)

[@ppsamm3275]

Basically, you say the word "basically" a bit too much - it's a verbal tic that can basically drive some folks crazy...(but appreciate the video).

[@GuitarNTabs]

@@ppsamm3275 - Thanks, I see it now... Yeah, I had a period where I did that a lot.. I'm aware of it, but thanks 😊 Have an excellent day!

[@gornlockheart]

@@GuitarNTabs basically who cares. Thanks for the video. Someone’s always gonna have something to say about a free explanation.

[@elijahparsons4530]

Good info but holy cow you can repeat yourself and become long winded.

[@GuitarNTabs]

Thank you, yeah I know.. Sometimes I just want to do things a little too thoroughly, and it gets long winded.. I'm aware of it, and I'll keep your comment in mind. Have an excellent day!

[@shanechasse2687]

Just stop saying “you know”…. If we knew we wouldn’t be watching your video

[@GuitarNTabs]

My apologoes, that was a bad habbit, at the time... Can't do much about it now...

[@shanechasse2687]

@@GuitarNTabs Lol… must be a local phrase. Thanks for sharing. Best tip of the videos was using feeler gauges to set pickup height. Not easy trying to use the string tool to get close.

[@GuitarNTabs]

@@shanechasse2687 - Haha, atleast something I picked up, at that time... Sure, I'm gald you watched it, thanks. Yeah, the feeler gauges are perfect, for all sorts of guitar adjustments - I use them every time! Have a great weekend!

[@stephenbarker4614]

Personally I think 16 thou is too high a gap, I think the likes of Fender etc recommend 12-14 thou but on my SUB Ray 5 I set it at 10 thou.