Electric Bass Guitar Setup
At Fret & Grain, every bass is carefully diagnosed, measured, adjusted and play-tested. Neck relief, string height, intonation and pickup height all work together to determine how a bass feels, responds and sounds.
String height is especially important on a bass. Set too low, it can cause fret buzz, unwanted rattling and restricted playing dynamics. Set too high, it can make the instrument tiring to play and affect fretting accuracy. The balance between the bass and treble sides also plays an important role in playability, tonal response and string-to-string consistency.
Pickup height is equally important. The distance between the strings and pickups affects output, tonal balance, dynamics and response, particularly across the thicker and thinner strings. We carefully balance pickup height to achieve a consistent and responsive output across the instrument.
With over two decades of experience and several thousand guitars and basses set up, we understand that every instrument has its own workmanship, construction and manufacturing tolerances. We do not simply apply the same measurements to every bass. Each instrument is assessed individually according to its construction, string gauge, tuning, playing style and the player's requirements.
We diagnose, measure, adjust, play-test and refine.
Because true craftsmanship is not about how quickly something can be done. It is about how well it is done.
ESSENTIAL SETUP - SGD150
The essential care every guitar deserves.
Whether your instrument requires routine maintenance or simply isn't performing at its best, our Essential Setup restores optimal playability, tuning stability, and overall performance.
INCLUDES:
String Installation
Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment
Action Adjustment
Nut Height Correction
Intonation Adjustment
Pickup Height Adjustment
Precision Neck Angle Optimization via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment (Bolt-On Necks Only)
General Cleaning & Dust Removal
Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins
Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack
ESSENTIAL+ SETUP - SGD250
The Essential Setup, taken further.
For players who want more than routine maintenance. Essential+ builds upon our Essential Setup with additional cleaning, conditioning, lubrication, and contact-point treatment to enhance playability, tuning stability, and overall performance.
INCLUDES:
String Installation
Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment
Action Adjustment
Nut Height Correction
Intonation Adjustment
Pickup Height Adjustment
Precision Neck Angle Optimization via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment (Bolt-On Necks Only)
General Cleaning & Dust Removal
Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins
Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack
- Lubrication of Machine Heads
- Hardware Cleaning
- Fret Polishing
- Fretboard Cleaning & Conditioning
- Cleaning & Conditioning of Electronics (Switches, Potentiometers & Output Jack)
PRECISION SETUP - SGD350
** CLIENT FAVORITE **
Enhanced care for players who expect more.
Our clients' favorite service, combining precision setup with comprehensive cleaning and conditioning to maximize tone, sustain, tuning stability, and playing comfort.
INCLUDES:
String Installation
Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment
Action Adjustment
Intonation Adjustment
Pickup Height Adjustment
Precision Neck Angle Optimization via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment (Bolt-On Necks Only)
General Cleaning & Dust Removal
Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins
Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack
Lubrication of Machine Heads
Hardware Cleaning
Fret Polishing
Fretboard Cleaning & Conditioning
Cleaning & Conditioning of Electronics (Switches, Potentiometers & Output Jack)
- Precision Nut Height Correction
- Nut Slot D-Shape Optimization
- Permanent Teflon® Nut Slot Treatment
- Bring Back the Shine: 1-Step Machine Polishing
PRECISION+ SETUP - SGD450
Enhanced care for players who expect more.
Our clients' favorite service, combining precision setup with comprehensive cleaning and conditioning to maximize tone, sustain, tuning stability, and playing comfort.
INCLUDES:
String Installation
Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment
Action Adjustment
Intonation Adjustment
Pickup Height Adjustment
Precision Neck Angle Optimization via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment (Bolt-On Necks Only)
General Cleaning & Dust Removal
Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins
Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack
Lubrication of Machine Heads
Hardware Cleaning
Fret Polishing
Fretboard Cleaning & Conditioning
Cleaning & Conditioning of Electronics (Switches, Potentiometers & Output Jack)
Precision Nut Height Correction
Nut Slot D-Shape Optimization
Permanent Teflon® Nut Slot Treatment
- 2-Step Machine Polishing (Enhanced Finish Refinement & Fine Scratch Reduction)
MASTER SETUP - SGD550
Professional performance with premium protection.
Designed for musicians who demand exceptional performance and impeccable presentation.
Combining precision setup, meticulous detailing, and advanced protective treatments, the Master Setup ensures your instrument not only performs flawlessly but also looks its absolute best.
INCLUDES:
String Installation
Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment
Action Adjustment
Intonation Adjustment
Pickup Height Adjustment
Precision Neck Angle Optimization via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment (Bolt-On Necks Only)
General Cleaning & Dust Removal
Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins
Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack
Lubrication of Machine Heads
Hardware Cleaning
Fret Polishing
Fretboard Cleaning & Conditioning
Cleaning & Conditioning of Electronics (Switches, Potentiometers & Output Jack)
Precision Nut Height Correction
Nut Slot D-Shape Optimization
Permanent Teflon® Nut Slot Treatment
- Gyeon Q²M Prep on Frets (Made in Korea)
- SONAX PROFILINE Ceramic Coating CC ONE on Frets (Made in Germany)
- Full Body Detailing & Polishing (4 Steps Machine Polishing)
- Finish Enhancement & Fine Scratch Removal
LUTHIER'S RESERVE SETUP - SGD650
The pinnacle of craftsmanship.
Crafted for discerning musicians, collectors, and professionals who demand the highest standard of workmanship.
Every instrument undergoes an extensive inspection, precision fret restoration, and meticulous hand-finishing to deliver exceptional playability, effortless tuning stability, and uncompromising performance.
INCLUDES:
String Installation
Truss Rod / Neck Relief Adjustment
Action Adjustment
Intonation Adjustment
Pickup Height Adjustment
Precision Neck Angle Optimization via Custom PETG Shim & Neck Centering Adjustment (Bolt-On Necks Only)
General Cleaning & Dust Removal
Tightening of Machine Heads & Strap Pins
Tightening of Selector Switch, Potentiometer & Output Jack
Lubrication of Machine Heads
Hardware Cleaning
Fret Polishing
Fretboard Cleaning & Conditioning
Cleaning & Conditioning of Electronics (Switches, Potentiometers & Output Jack)
Precision Nut Height Correction
Nut Slot D-Shape Optimization
Permanent Teflon® Nut Slot Treatment
Gyeon Q²M Prep on Frets (Made in Korea)
SONAX PROFILINE Ceramic Coating CC ONE on Frets (Made in Germany)
Full Body Detailing & Polishing (4 Steps Machine Polishing)
Finish Enhancement & Fine Scratch Removal
- Gluing & Securing of Loose Frets (If Required)
- Precision Fret Leveling & Crowning
- Comprehensive Multi-Point Inspection
- Final Fine-Tuning & Quality Control