Help assessing action height

[zelig.audio]

(This is kind of a continuation of the thread 'Advice on what to do with my life (buying a 5-string Fender or not)'
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/ad...-5-string-fender-or-not.1660394/post-28688030, but since I’m kind of changing the subject, I thought I’d ask a more focused question here. I’m quoting verbatim what I wrote, so no need to go there)

I bought this Lakland Skyline DJ-5 and I’m a little uneasy about the string action. It’s higher than what I’m used to, but I don’t know if it’s a low-B thing. The neck isn’t that bowed (I don’t have an Allen key that fits in the truss rod pocket to change it (the ones I have are too long, so they don’t get into the slot)) and the saddles are pretty low, but still it looks somewhat high. It’s not that bad to play, but it’s definitely higher than what I’m used to and is not an awesome playing experience. What do you all say? Is it all a matter of a good setup or does it look like it requires something else?

 

[Discount Bassy]

The B string break angle needs to be set AKA pushing the string down with you thumb on the playing side of the saddle. Do it for all of the strings and also across the nut. This is a new string thing to do every swap.

 

[MotorCityMinion]

The B string break angle needs to be set AKA pushing the string down with you thumb on the playing side of the saddle. Do it for all of the strings and also across the nut. This is a new string thing to do every swap.

In 45 years of messing with basses, I've never done that. Not saying it wont help in your scenario.

Make sure your b-string fits in the nut slot.

 

[zelig.audio]

The B string break angle needs to be set AKA pushing the string down with you thumb on the playing side of the saddle. Do it for all of the strings and also across the nut. This is a new string thing to do every swap.

In 45 years of messing with basses, I've never done that. Not saying it wont help in your scenario.

Make sure your b-string fits in the nut slot.

But in you guys’ opinion, if the break point thing doesn’t work or isn’t enough, what could be the issue? What could make a bass become like that if the neck is straight and the saddles are already low?

 

[J Wilson]

It looks high, but it's impossible to give you a good answer off a few pictures.

IF you don't do complete setups yourself, I'd have it seen to by a professional.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Too much relief
Witness point not set at saddle / nut (causing the visible curve up from the saddle, due in part to the low break angle over the saddle)
higher than necessary nut slot
B string not seated fully in nut slot

Neck near straight and none of the above?
Neck shim.

 

[Discount Bassy]

It is time for measurements. If you don't have the tools or savvy to do a full setup, you need to acquire them or consult with someone who does.

 

[DrBnz]

True.... your witness points don't look like they're set. Note the gentle bow over the saddle. Do all the simple / free things first. Do the same for the nut side. Get the right tools and do a setup on it.

But your saddles do look low. Can't see it but I'd bet your "G" is bottomed out. I'd consider a shim for the neck. It'll get your saddles up a little.

 

[djmay]

You need to check neck relief first. Press 1st fret and last fret down. There should about the thicknes of a business card, gap at the 7th fret.

 

[Five or Six]

Grind an allen wrench down so it fits, easy! Second, the neck may need a shim? Won't know anything until the neck can be adjusted right. Some one said are the strings in the bottom of the nut? Good point. If all proper setup can't be done, get some help with that.

 

[JohnnyChatter]

So… with more pictures we can tell you more but not the problem without touching it. From your pictures the action looks high. I always adjust my saddles first in this scenario. If you get a picture of the full neck from side profile, than the same picture with your finger on the 12th fret and a picture of the strings sitting in the nut I bet people could help more. If your neck is strait then you lower the saddles. If that doesn’t work there’s other option but require an eye by someone who knows what they are doing… not that that couldn’t be you. There’s a ton of you tube videos that teach how to set up and then it’s practice after that. I like my action pretty low.

 

[FronTowardEnemy]

It needs a shim. Those saddles need to be brought up more so you have some room to drop them to get the action to where you like.

 

[rickdog]

Do all the simple / free things first.

ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE

Learning to do your own setup makes it "simple / free" - plus it will always be set up the way you want. If you're totally new to doing this, consider seeking out a reputable tech who will do it and explain it while you watch.

Laklands are nice instruments (I don't have one, but the one I played was sweet), it should set up really well.

 

[aprod]

The B string break angle needs to be set AKA pushing the string down with you thumb on the playing side of the saddle. Do it for all of the strings and also across the nut. This is a new string thing to do every swap.

That has nothing to do with the action. OP needs a setup.

 

[waynobass]

It looks alright to me. Maybe try just getting used to it. But you do need an allen wrench that fits!

I can't believe a Lakland would need a neck shim. This is not a Fender.

Also please post a pic of the entire bass so we can admire it.

 

[zelig.audio]

@aprod and the others, if it’s not action, what would that be?

My main question: what could make a bass become like that? If it’s really a shim that it needs, what would make it become a bass that needs one? It doesn’t seem like one of the moving parts.

@waynobass @JohnnyChatter and @rickydog, I’ll post some pictures later today.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

@aprod and the others, if it’s not action, what would that be?

My main question: what could make a bass become like that? If it’s really a shim that it needs, what would make it become a bass that needs one? It doesn’t seem like one of the moving parts.

@waynobass @JohnnyChatter and @rickydog, I’ll post some pictures later today.

Was it like this out of the box, or did you replace strings?
Did you check items I and others listed? All of these items are standard setup items.

 

[Topkat13]

Take it to guitar.

 

[zelig.audio]

I forgot to say that I usually do simple setups. If it’s a matter of neck relief, intonation and saddle height, I’m fairly used to doing it myself. The thing is that this time it didn’t look like this would solve the problem. That’s why I’m asking here while I wait for the correct Allen keys to arrive through the mail.

Was it like this out of the box, or did you replace strings?
Did you check items I and others listed? All of these items are standard setup items.

It came like this. I didn’t change any strings. If I had bought from a store, I’d take it there. But I got it from a guy in a town close to where I live and when I got it I felt the action was high but it seemed like it just needed a setup, so I decided to get it, kind of trusting that a Lakland wouldn’t have any major issues.

 

[lowplaces]

I forgot to say that I usually do simple setups. If it’s a matter of neck relief, intonation and saddle height, I’m fairly used to doing it myself. The thing is that this time it didn’t look like this would solve the problem. That’s why I’m asking here while I wait for the correct Allen keys to arrive through the mail.

It came like this. I didn’t change any strings. If I had bought from a store, I’d take it there. But I got it from a guy in a town close to where I live and when I got it I felt the action was high but it seemed like it just needed a setup, so I decided to get it, kind of trusting that a Lakland wouldn’t have any major issues.

Did you set the witness points and check the relief as recommended yet ?