Q. What are the factory setup specifications?
Truss Rod
These operations are effected by turning the truss rod
adjustment nut clockwise to decrease forward bow, or
counter-clockwise, to increase forward bow. The amount of
forward bow, sometimes called, "relief" is typically measured in
.001"s. Our necks are designed to work well with about .008"
relief (about the thickness of an average business card). To
measure this we use an 18" straight edge, touching at the 1st
and 12th frets, resting along side the A (5-string basses) or D
string (4-string basses). The distance between the straight edge
and the 6th fret is the amount of forward bow. If your playing
style requires a higher action you may also need a little more
relief. The deepest relief we've seen on a working bassist's
instrument is .015".
String Height - Action
After you adjust your relief you must adjust your string
height. This is done by turning the tiny set-screws on the
bridge saddles. The measurement is taken at the 12th fret and is
the distance from the top (or crown)of the 12th fret to the
bottom of the string. Our instruments are set in the factory at
(5/64" under the G-string) (5.5/64 under the E-string) (6/64
under the B-string). One should use all the above measurements
as a starting point and adjust the heights to your individual
playing style. Once you have your action set correctly, any
changes to the way your bass feels is probably due to humidity
changes. A good set-up should address the way your instrument
has changed. In most cases this should be a slight truss rod
adjustment.