Make Your Sh*tty Bass Play Like a DREAM (5 Steps)

Can a simple bass setup make a cheapo bass sound as good as a $1000 axe?

In this video I’ll show you how to set up your bass with a dummy-proof step-by-step method. (just TRY and screw this up, I dare you)

You’ll save a ton of money doing this yourself, and all you have to do is waltz through the five bass set-up steps I show you in the video:

*1. Adjust Your Trussrod*
This gives the neck the right amount of bow for buzz free playing.

*2. Set Your Bridge Saddle Height*
Get the strings the right distance from the fretboard so they’re easy to play (still with no buzzing).

*3. Check the Nut*
Measure to find out if you need professional help (the bass, not you personally).

*4. Tune Up Intonation*
Get your notes in tune ALL over the neck.

*5. Pickup Height*
Dial in solid volume without distortion.

Chapters:
0:00 How to Setup Your Bass
1:30 Step 1: Trussrod
5:00 Step 2: Bridge
8:21 Step 3: Nut
9:47 Step 4: Intonation
12:21 Step 5: Pickups
14:57 Can Gio Tell?

#BassSetup #BassBuzz

[BassBuzz]

I hope this vid helps you nail your first setup! If you’re an experienced setter-upper (?), please share your favorite tips you wish you’d known as a n00b to help out the bass fam. 🎸

[lmgmounted]

Man, you really are the bass dad we all need.

[ugifr]

babe wake up bassbuzz just uploaded the exact vid that I need

[AnaGabriela-kkbf]

I got a bass for Christmas, a squier precision bass. I’m self taught and I always thought that maybe my technique was bad and that’s why sometimes the notes buzz, but after doing all these steps that you mentioned there is little to no buzz at all. Thanks for these tips, really helpful!!

[ZaryaMain]

Learning to do my own setups was a total game changer. I spent a lot of years playing basses that were NOT ideally setup because I didn't have resources to learn and I was afraid to mess around and learn the hard way. Thanks to YouTube and videos like this my instruments have been much more playable for years now.

[michalkbass]

From my experience:

1. Lower the string height a bit (too high and it's hard to play, too low and it buzzes)
2. Brush lightly and polish the neck (the original finish is often sticky)
3. Invest in good strings (most factory ones on cheap basses are shit)
4. Tune the bass properly, adjust the saddle as needed
5. Play a lot and revisit the setup in a few weeks

Cheers!

[markej]

Finally a lesson that explains the whole process of a setup, not only the how, but the why as well and what expectations you may have once each step is performed! Thanks from an absolute beginner.

[HandbrakeBiscuit]

Special note for owners of Rickenbacker basses (such as 4001, 4003):
1) If your truss rod needs adjusting, it's a nightmare due to the awful design
2) If your bridge needs adjusting for string height, it's a nightmare due to the awful design
3) If your nut needs adjusting, no special issues except for this being a job for a pro anyway
4) If your intonation needs adjusting, it's a nightmare due to the awful design
5) If your pickup height needs adjusting, it's just like any other bass. As long as you've removed that plastic pickup cover over the bridge pickup, the removal of which is a nightmare, due to the awful design...

[jacobtorres]

I watched 3/4 of the way when I realized I don't have a bass...

[neknarqo]

This video came just in time for my first "in the box" Squier (before, I only played a used one, which was already set up for a music store's display shelf). Following the Josh's steps really made a night-and-day difference for what an out-of-the-box bass feels like to play. Thanks, Josh.

[AndreaP_N]

I've had my bass a little over a month, and did my first ever truss rod adjustment a few days ago to eliminate some fret buzz. As I was retuning my strings, I noticed that my pickups were a little loose, so I mentally congratulated Ibanez on their *excellent* quality control and tightened the screws down.

When I played it the next day, I noticed that not only was the fret buzz gone, but my bass just overall sounded better, too. Mellower, but more ring-y. More sustain, you might say. What an amazing truss rod adjustment I had done 😃

Now I know that the improved sound was actually due to me lowering the pickups.😅 I'm so glad Josh posted this video and I never told that embarrassing story on the internet.

[telecasterbear]

I have always loved doing setups. Being a lad of low funds back in the mid 70s, learning to make my budget pieces play as well as possible was very necessary.

[jpofgwynedd]

I just bought a bass ukulele, worked out the tuning is the same as a guitar and found your videos.
Every time I watch and play along with one, I end up almost transported with joy at how accessible you make it all.
I've been wrestling with guitars for 25 years, and yours are the first videos about stringed instruments which truly resonate with me - to such an extent that I've even worked out that I've actually been fitting some fairly intense basslines in my 6 string playing, and although I've only been playing the U-bass the inside of two weeks (at this datestamp), I'm so much further along with my little bass than I could've dreamed; you've also helped to finally unlock looking for alternative notes and counter-riffs, and I'm even rapidly progressing with Tabs!
I progressed so far in the first week, that my local music advisor has invited me to play the bass in their Uke Group - and I've already written/conceived TWO different simple (and obviously simple and naive) basslines for our next full rehearsal!
...and anyone thinking that this sort of thing can only happen up to a certain age needs to think again.
I'm 61.
My FORTY year old self would be jealous of this.
My TWENTY year old self would think I'm one of the coolest old farts on the planet.
You're part of me discovering myself, and rediscovering life and all that stuff - like one of those corny movies.
Hell, yeah, I'm subscribed, and I'm glad to 'meet' you.
Thank you so very much.

[matts]

Hey Josh - I just want to thank you for this video. I recently had my bass set up by a local shop ('cos I was afraid of the truss rod), but I wasn't happy with the job. Instead of going back and forth with the shop, I FINALLY overcame my fear of truss rod adjustments (thanks to you) and, following your awesome guide, was able to get my bass very comfortable to play. Your step by step instructions were super easy to follow. Thank you again SO much!

[ajburdett]

Well c'mon now... a squire precision is hardly a shitty bass

[pabloguitar]

These tutorials you make are A+. Little or no movie director background music, fun and funny, snappy and we don't need to see your beloved dog. But most of all, talent as an educator and of course bassist. thanks

[mrvercetti]

I've been a bass player for 30 years and I have one bass, a Fender Jazz Bass, and I love how easy you make things, its very understandable that even a brand new bass player can really get to the next level of bass playing thanks to you! Love what you do and hope you continue being awesome!

[shanecabbage]

Such a great video. It's time to finally check the bow of my neck. I've been afraid to touch it, but you have given me courage.

[LaNwamNi]

Another good test for the nut height is to use a tuner. First of all, make sure the bass is properly intoned at the octave/12th fret. Once you are happy with that, then hold down the note at the first fret. You will probably find that it's a little sharp if the nut is set too high (it's almost like you're bending the string just to fret it). Setting it right makes it so much easier to play as well as making it sound sweet. It isn't too hard to do this yourself with a set of nut files if you can afford them. Just remember there's no turning back if you go too far (well, there's a couple of fixes that can work, or buy a new nut; a good excuse for an upgrade).

[julianthesmooshyhusky]

In my time selling basses I was blown away how much better a lot of squires were set up than MiM fenders. Some of those things had high enough action for hippies to slack line on