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:
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:

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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[zodakb]

This is so timely! I just de-fretted a cheap kit bass last weekend because the fret work was horrible. I've filled the slots with plastic and re-radiused the fretboard. Now I can give it a proper setup. Thanks!!

[davidfleuchaus]

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.

[geezerbliz]

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!)

[michaelblaney]

On a fretless the nut is usually cut lower and the necks a set more strait then a fretted bass.

[nick.raptis]

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 😍

[boomerbassmeme]

Bought a JB-40FL about a year ago and love it! Swapped out the strings for flats and a few quick tweaks to dial in the intonation on the D string was all it needed and it has been amazing!

[GERALDOuncleG]

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!

[shipsahoy]

Few things, the guitar needs to be tuned to pitch and adjustment checked before and after, every time, even from the beginning when tweaking neck relief at the outset of the setup procedure. Also keep in mind your setup will only be relative to a specific tuning pitch/tension with the strings/gauges you use, so make sure you’re doing what is appropriate for your taste and tactile sense. After nut and bridge height adjustments, string length comes next, but even though pickup height is last, make sure pickups are low enough not to affect tone adversely to successfully make it to the last step!

[musicalal]

when doing intonation adjustments on fretless basses, I find it useful to use the blade of a butter knife to accurately fret the note at the twelfth fret position. use caution to not damage the surface of the fret board or the string windings.

[Steinstra-vjwl]

Love your tech tips, Kris. Can you do a Highwood Saddles upgrade video in the future?

[mikaelchristensen]

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 ❤️

[muchammadnurwibowo]

Godsend! exactly when going to setup fretless on weekend

[retiredamericanpatriot]

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 I also am going to have to replace the jack because it looses signal when you move the plug.

[golden_smiles]

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.

[humblegeorge]

I really liked this video.Your playing was great too :>)

[upuetz]

So both sides of the pickups the same hight ? Thanks Chris

[jamesmarkham]

Lowering the strings closer to the board gives more mwah sound. Just fyi

[johnpeterson]

What gauge and type of strings did you use?

[esposoman]

One of the best investments I made was a set of radius gauges.

[BassBusMusic]

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.