While I recommend you take your new CHB-1 bass to a luthier for a set up when you first receive it, here is how you can quickly set the intonation and action height for your new bass.
[row] [col span=’1/2′]1. Remove protective covers
Pick guards and pickups can have plastic covers to protect them from scratches. Remove these first
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2. Loosen Strings
Loosen the strings by turning the machine heads. Loosen them enough so that the bridge can slide freely – but is still held in place by the strings.
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3. Remove the foam from the bridge
The bridge will have foam underneath it to prevent it from scratching the guitar body during shipping. Remove the foam carefully from underneath the bridge
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4. Measure from the nut to the 12th Fret
With a tape measure, measure from the nut to the 12th Fret (the nut is the part at the top of the neck that pinches the strings in place). The 12th Fret is marked with two dots on the side of the neck binding. This should measure approximately 39cm
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5. Measure from the 12th Fret to the Bridge
Now measure from the 12th fret to the centre of the bridge. This should be the same distance (approx 39 cm). If it is not, slide the bridge to the right position. Don’t tighten the strings yet.
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6. Check the bridge is centered
Ensure that all 4 strings pass over the pole pieces on the pickup, if they don’t, slide the bridge sideways until they do.
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7. Tune in the open E string
Tune in the open E string using the tuner.
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8. Check the 12th Fret on the E String
Play the 12th fret on the E String and check that it is also tuned to E.
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9. Adjust bridge if necessary
If the fretted 12th note is flat, slide the bridge slightly towards the neck, if it is sharp, slide the bridge slightly away from the neck. Use small movements. Keep playing the 12th note until it is in tune as E.
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10. Retune the open E string
Retune the open E string.
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11. Repeat process until tuned
Repeat this process (steps 7 -10) until both the open and the fretted 12th E string are in tune.
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12. Tune the G-string
Now do the same process with the G string. When moving the bridge try keeping the E string end of the bridge in place. You can angle the bridge if necessary. Be careful to adjust it in small increments.
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13. Tune the open G and 12th Fretted G
Do this until both the open G and the 12th fretted G string are in tune.
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14. Double Check the E String
Double Check that after your adjustments the E string (open and 12th Fretted) is still in tune. Adjust the bridge if necessary.
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15. Tune in the remaining strings
Now tune in the open D and A strings.
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16. Adjust the action height if necessary
If required, you can adjust the action height by turning the adjustment screws on the bridge.
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