Ibanez btb 405 problems

christophicus

Ok i got my ibanez btb405 and im finding a few problems,but the most annoying one is that the b string is quite loose,if i play hard fingerstle it hitts of of the fretboard loads of the time,im wondering is everyones like this or if it needs to be adjusted.

On all of the strings if i play a note the next the string will hit of the next fret up which is really annoying.

Ok here are different pctures (sorry about the quality) of my bass.

As i have previously said the nut appears too low to me although maybe its supposed to be this low also ive attempted to take a picture to show how high i have had to raise the bridge.

here is the nut



hereis the bridge



Here is the g string bridge



here is the E string bridge




here is the b string bridge




Here is the neck it doesnt look as though it is too bent.

Doctor J

Don't worry, I've never seen a new instrument which didn't need a setup after taking it out of the box. It's impossible to make any judgement at all about what you should do going on the pictures.

Try one thing. Hold the B string down on the first fret and the last fret at the same time and tell me how much clearance (if any) there is between the top of the frets and the bottom of the string.

Then read this

http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/pro1.htm

Don't fret about it being for guitar, the same principles apply. Read it all before you attempt anything though parts 2 and 4 are where I think you need to make changes on your bass, be sure you understand the concept of the set up before you try it on the instrument. If you are unsure about anything then don't attempt it on your instrument. Bring it to someone who knows what they're doing to set it up.

Zapp Brannigan

bit OT but how much the bass set you back?

christophicus

The bass cost €460,i really dont want to have to buy a new one,

Docter j Ill get back to you with some answers soon.

feylya

Sounds like you either need to adjust the truss rod or shim the neck, neither of which I think you should do at this stage. Do as the Doc says and get back to us.

christophicus

Whats shimming the neck i have not heard of that?

feylya

Basically, it's placing something in the neck joint to change the angle of the neck.

christophicus

ok I held the string down and there was vertually no clearance above the fretts.

christophicus

Ok i loosened the truss rods although i didnt use the gauge they mention in that walk through.it sounds diiferent now,i still havnt made my mind up weather its better or not ,but there is still major frett/string noise there

does anyone have any ideas?

Doctor J

Bring it to a shop/someone who is experienced at setting up. You could make things worse here, no disrespect intended. Getting it set up now by a pro will A) ensure the instrument plays well and give you an idea of what it should be set up like.

Saying "virtually no clearance" doesn't make things any clearer for me anyway. Either there is clearance or there isn't because we're dealing in mm when it comes to setups.

I thought we could have a fair shot at diagnosing the problem remotely but, honestly I think at this stage I think you need to get it looked at by someone who knows what they're looking for. Again, no disrespect intended, these are the sort of things you learn through experience.

christophicus

ok cheers for your help anyway.we probably could work it out but i dont feel like buying that specialist equiptment ,cause i not the most precise of people.

again thanks for your help.

Doctor J

No problem. Good luck with it. You've an excellent bass, I'm sure it will set up sweetly.