Setting up a bass

[momuzik]

I got a newby question. I was at the Guitar Center yesterday and a guy brought in a brand new bass so they could "set it up".
What does that mean?

[bassthumpa]

http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_setup/

Setting up a bass is, in a nutshell, getting it to the point where it is the most playable for you.  This involves neck adjustment, string height, etc.

Although I must say... the fact that this guy took his bass to Guitar Center for a setup is kinda frightening.  LOL!

[momuzik]

http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_setup/
...Although I must say... the fact that this guy took his bass to Guitar Center for a setup is kinda frightening.  LOL!

What do you mean - kinda frightening? What's the deal with guitar center?

Seems like those adjustments would be done better by the player.

[QuietSoul]

If you know how to set up a bass according to your preferences it's okay to do so. However, it's always good to take it to a qualified luthier. Mine is Dan McCarthy and he does EXCELLENT work! As far as I know, GC isn't known for setting up basses.

[dhagler]

What do you mean - kinda frightening? What's the deal with guitar center?

Seems like those adjustments would be done better by the player.

Guitar Centers have a reputation for being not very knowledgeable about the products they sell, a reputation that some particular stores may or may not deserve.  Your mileage may vary.

If you get a good setup at the time of purchase you usually don't have to make many readjustments.  A player who knows what he or she is doing could do his or her own setup.  But some adjustments (for example, the truss rod) are extremely tricky and you could do more harm than good if you are not careful.  The same guy who did my setup changes my strings (about twice a year), and he rechecks the setup to make sure everything is still OK.

[BassbyGrace]

As far as GC, it depends.  Guess Im blessed to have some cats at the GC I go to that know what theyre doing (one is a studio bassist that tours alot).  I usually do it myself, but I thought I might take it there to see how they do.  I only deal with two guys there and they always take care of me so I thought what the heck.  He did a great job I must say.  Lower than Ive ever had it. 

[funkStrat_97]

If you know how to set up a bass according to your preferences it's okay to do so. However, it's always good to take it to a qualified luthier. Mine is Dan McCarthy and he does EXCELLENT work! As far as I know, GC isn't known for setting up basses.

You could probably set up an instruemnt as good as, if not better than, GC.  They don't do anything special that would make your instrument play like a dream unless you are lucky and get somebody that's really good at this sort of thing.