Services
Bass Guitar Setup, Repair & Electronics
Bass setup is its own thing. If the action is too high, the bass feels like work. If it is too low, you lose clarity, sustain, and the kind of clean low end that makes a bass feel solid. The right setup is about getting the instrument comfortable without turning every note into buzz.
I work on 4-string, 5-string, and extended-range basses, including active and passive electronics. Whether you play Fender, Music Man, Lakland, Warwick, Ibanez, or something more unusual, I can help with setup, fretwork, pickup work, preamps, and hardware.
If your bass feels stiff, sounds uneven, drains batteries, or never quite intonates the way it should, bring it in and let me take a look. Book an appointment or call or text (949) 533-0959.
Bass Guitar Services
Setup & Intonation
Action, neck relief, nut slots, bridge saddle height, and intonation calibrated for clean low-end tone and comfortable playing over the full scale length.
Fretwork
Fret level, crown, and polish to eliminate high spots and fret buzz; full refrets in nickel or stainless steel when frets are worn or when upgrading material.
Electronics
Active preamp servicing and battery check, pickup height and tone optimization, passive wiring repair, pot and jack replacement, and output troubleshooting.
Hardware & Structural
Bridge saddle and hardware adjustments, nut replacement for heavier strings, headstock work, and general structural inspections.Common Bass Issues
Fret buzz at low action
A lot of bass clients want the lowest possible action, but there's a balance. Too low and frets buzz, especially in the lower positions. A careful neck relief and action setup finds that sweet spot for your playing style and string gauge.
Dead strings or uneven sustain
Dead spots on a bass can be string-related, fret-related, or in some cases a resonance issue with the neck. I test and diagnose before recommending a fix.
Intonation shift with heavy strings
Bass scale lengths mean intonation errors compound further up the neck than on a guitar. Heavier string gauges also require nut slot adjustments to intonate accurately at the nut end.
Active preamp issues
Battery drain, weak output, hum, or unexpected tone changes often point to the preamp or its connections. Active electronics are checked and serviced as part of any bass assessment.
High action after string change
Changing string gauge, especially going heavier, changes tension and can shift neck relief and nut slot clearance. A setup after a gauge change keeps everything playing correctly.
Neck dive or balance issues
This is not always a repair problem, but I can still help you think through strap button placement, hardware options, and practical ways to make the bass sit better.
Bass Guitar FAQ
Do you work on 5-string and extended-range basses?
Yes. I work on standard 4-string basses, 5-strings, and other extended-range instruments.
My active bass sounds weak or distorts. What could it be?
A battery is the first thing I check, but it can also be a pot, solder joint, jack, or preamp issue. I would rather diagnose it properly than guess.
How is a bass setup different from a guitar setup?
Bass strings pull harder, the scale is longer, and small setup changes show up differently under your hands. Relief, nut slots, action, and intonation all need a bass-specific approach.
Can you install a pickup in my bass?
Yes. I install replacement pickups and make sure the wiring and pickup height are dialed in once they are in.