Shimming a CV Squier Bass VI using shims bought on Amazon/eBay etc.

[PaulTMA]

I've been wanting to attempt to finally get my Bass VI playable, hopefully being able to lower the bridge with no buzz, minimal floppy low E string, etc.  I have a Staytrem bridge and Labella flats on it.  Never liked how it's felt on the neck.  As a setup-allergic person, I think I might be able to slip a shim inside.  Now, Staytrem have been selling theirs in the States for years now, but I've recently notices that there appear to be some non-brand UK options available.  Obviously I've read the reviews, but does anyone have any experience wit the likes of these?

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guitar-Shims-Protection-Degree-Repairment/dp/B0C3V74M27/ref=sr_1_4?sr=8-4

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guitar-Boxwood-Wodden-Adjustment-Accessories/dp/B0DZGTH88C/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guitar-Electric-Protection-Degree-Repairment/dp/B0CD7F8BHD/ref=sr_1_8?sr=8-8

 

Prices vary, but I was considering paying more the ones with best reviews, just to avoid risk.  Unless anyone can advise otherwise.  Like I said before, I am quite setup-phobic but it would be a joyous occasion if I didn't need to pay someone else to do this for me, with the possibility of them not even getting it to my satisfaction the first time.  What do we think?

 

 

[Minininjarob]

I shimmed my P bass with half a quality business card under the first two screws (bit nearest the neck). Worked perfectly and my P bass has never sounded so good, setup was super easy after that.

All I did was loosen the strings off a lot, find the correct sized screwdriver and undid all the screws, slipped the business card in then put the screws back in. Only had to screw through a bit of cardboard which was very easy. It added a little bit of angle which was all that was needed.

Found that tip on a website somewhere, and it was free!

I took it out again to see if it was a fluke and no it wasn't....

[BigRedX]

My Squier Bass VI has a business card shim as described above on it. Works perfectly well.

 

Only thing to watch is that on mine the fit of the neck in the pocket was very snug and removing it popped off a small piece of the body finish.

 

Pity there's no equivalently easy way to make the neck wider...

[tauzero]

None of the wooden shims above.

 

I've used these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/197187183253 - you can calculate the necessary shim thickness, which is handy.

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

You don't need to spend money on premade shims. There is no practical advantage to buying them.

 

If you have a cereal box or any similar cardboard you can make dozens of shims with absolutely no negative effects.

[NancyJohnson]

Just stick a bit of cardboard in there, but make sure it's tone-cardboard.

[Gareth Hughes]

8 hours ago, NancyJohnson said:

Just stick a bit of cardboard in there, but make sure it's tone-cardboard.

Which cardboard is best for metal though?

[Sean]

21 hours ago, Jean-Luc Pickguard said:

You don't need to spend money on premade shims. There is no practical advantage to buying them.

 

If you have a cereal box or any similar cardboard you can make dozens of shims with absolutely no negative effects.

 

What cereal box cardboard is best for metal?

[Sean]

1 minute ago, Gareth Hughes said:

Which cardboard is best for metal though?

Beat me to it by seconds 🤪

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

57 minutes ago, Sean said:

 

What cereal box cardboard is best for metal?

 

This one

 

But if you use a frosties box, it'll make your bass sound GR-R-REAT!

Edited 21 hours ago by Jean-Luc Pickguard