How To Set Up a Fretless Bass | Guitar Tech Tips | Ep. 90 | Thomann
Some setup steps can be confusing on fretless basses. How to set the intonation, nut height, etc.
It’s easier than you might think. Enjoy this weeks Guitar Tech Tips!
The setup steps I referred to in this video:
-Neck relief setup: https://youtu.be/1kEiYJ1kvIM
-Nut setup: https://youtu.be/Z-uxEydowio
-Bridge saddles: https://youtu.be/6_SUpMcB118
-Intonation: https://youtu.be/77NGb0rg8cI
Even though I show these steps mostly on guitars, don’t worry. You have to do the same thing on basses too.
Full Guitar Tech Tips Playlist:
Gear used: http://tho.mn/0hl2y
Recorded and mixed with Universal Audio: http://tho.mn/uadx1
Monitors optimised through Sonarworks: http://tho.mn/sonar
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
0:48 1st step | Neck setup
1:53 2nd step | Nut setup check
2:32 3rd step | Bridge setup
3:39 4th step | Intonation setup
4:07 5th step | Pickup height adjustment
4:38 Time for a test ride
5:12 Outtakes
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#Set #Fretless #Bass #Guitar #Tech #Tips #Thomann
Originally posted by UCtvgPVBJ_r1vjN4mRuHCbog at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh3Slntg1W8
Always adjust bridge first, which affect buzz above 12 fret, as the angle between strings and fingerboard affect the neck curvature. But vice versa, neck curvature doesn't affect buzz above 12 fret, so it should go last.
where is the growl, the singing, the „Mwah“? Why you play on that fretless like you would play on a fretted? You forgot the „special features“ of a fretless in comparison to a fretted.
So when do you cover how to set it up?
What gauge and type of strings did you use?
The description of setting intonation, the reason I came here, is useless if the fretless bass doesn't have fret markers. 🙁
Is this guy related to Christopher Walken?
My fretless bass is arriving tomorrow, and I’m searching for some tech tips, your tips are very useful for my case, I play fretted bass and you mentioned some small differences between them, very helpful. Thanks!
Question regarding intonation, since the 12th position marker is made of two dots, and I should 'fret' it exactly on the marker, where is the exact point then?
I just bought a project 5 string fretless that was returned for string buzz. I believe with a truss and height adjustment it will be fine…..P.S. I also am going to have to replace the jack because it looses signal when you move the plug.
Intonation: a luthier gave me a very good tip for intonating a fretless. Take an Allen key/wrench and press it down on the string above the 12th fret line or marker on the side of the neck. Then check the tuning against the open string or harmonic. It is failsafe, acurate and has worked well for me.
Neck setup –0:50
An ideal neck relief for low action is a slight bow where the middle of the neck is slightly lower.
Hold the bass in playing position.
E string – “fret” the string at the 1st and 17th fret markings. In the middle, approximately at the 7th fret marking, the space between the string and the neck should be a fraction of a mm.
Adjust the truss rod as necessary.
Repeat for each string.
Nut setup:
Fret at the 2nd fret line.
0.5mm is on the higher side
Bridge saddles:
Outer strings first.
Base adjustment on its sound (absence of buzz, adequate sustain)
Middle strings next.
Use a radius gauge or your eye.
Intonation:
Play the 1st harmonic (12th fret) and then “fret” the string with your nail at the 12th fret line.
Adjust string length at the saddle.
Pickup height:
Push down E string at the highest fret marking. Aim for 2-3mm distance between bottom of string and each pickup.
Retouching and maintain fretless fingerboard… Super Glue.. Epoxy especially with those fret filler strips
Setting the intonation by using your finger creates uneven intonation and intonation problems all across the neck. Each finger has different "intonation point" due to bone/flesh and press ratio, and point of pressure varies in certain positions. Not to mention, that luthier's fingertip can be much different than bassist's. To properly set the intonation you should use consistent tool, such as an edge of credit card that is put directly on 12th "fret" marker. It creates a consistent system you can rely on.
I really liked this video.Your playing was great too :>)
Step 1 learn the bass
mate, this is hell of terrible sound of fretless. and actually, third MarcMul. i've heard witch sounds like this. so sad. But adjusting tips realy great, good work. take care!
On a fretless the nut is usually cut lower and the necks a set more strait then a fretted bass.
I would use the radius gauge under the strings at the bridge. Have the two middles strings set up high and adjust them down until they touch the gauge. You want the bottoms of the strings to match the neck radius (but it probably doesn't really make much of a difference!)
Hello : I have a Jaco Pastorius Fender Jazz Fretless Bass made in the USA. I have had it for 3 years this month ( June ) and have played it pretty much everyday unless something comes up. Meaning I have played it to death. Now my Bass Strings Rattles and sounds like their hitting the neck or pickups but its not. So I put New Strings on it this week but now they sound even worse. What's you thoughts on this ??? Thanks and Great Video. Terry
I have a Godin fretless bass
What if the acoustic bass has a Piezo system , how do you achieve a perfect setup?
The first thing I ever bought from Thomann was an acoustic fretless bass!
It had a very brutal flaw, but I was to inexperienced to call support.
The scale/intonation at the (acoustic) bridge was nowhere near what the side markers would suggest.
What followed was a learning trip for me learning all about scale lengths, printing out a fret template according to my best measurements, and drawing fret markers on the fretboard binding.
Hell, for 150 I learned a lot, the bass still plays fine to this day ????
???? Promo-SM.
One of the best investments I made was a set of radius gauges.
Love your tech tips, Kris. Can you do a Highwood Saddles upgrade video in the future?
I usually go for lowest fret and highest fret as a measurement. If it buzzes then it's too low. Especially when the neck is adjusted, then I go for pickup height. But overall this is extremely important for a good sound, thank you ❤️
What do u mean @2:25 ? Thanks
Godsend! exactly when going to setup fretless on weekend