Recommendations for tools for bass setup?

[Minininjarob]

Hi all, would appreciate some input, as I am prone to buying lots of stuff I don't need, including tools!

Basically I am quite new to bass (4y) but have been into electronics and woodwork for a long time. As such setting up my own basses has been pretty easy for me, and I've set up some friends basses (free of charge) which they have been very happy about (including a Status Graphite Black Beauty which was scary, I took it completely apart and machine polished the lacquer over the carbon fibre!).

Long term I'd like to start a business doing it to help with what will be a fairly crap pension.

For a start I'd like the kit to do basic setups, also fret leveling and crowning, replacing nuts. Not full on luthier yet, baby steps first!

So what are peoples recommendations for kit that I would absolutely need, and which products are best for it? I don't mind spending money for good tools (god knows I've got so much money in specialist cycle repair tools!) but I know some cheaper options are just as good and save money.

Hopefully this might be useful for other people too.

Thanks all!

[three]

I’m not bad at set ups, though beyond that, pretty useless. I have decent hand tools to use in setting up the basses that I own (some with unusual fittings and highly specific sizes).

 

Probably the most important tool for me is an extremely accurate and reliable tuner. I use a Peterson Strobostomp HD and have been very pleased with the results. Not the cheapest tuner (!) but a very good one.

 

[80Hz]

I'm far from an expert but some of the setup tools I've acquired that have made my life a lot easier:

 

- Notched straight edge. There's a lot of debate about whether one really needs a notched straight edge versus a regular one, but I've found it to be a confidence booster when measuring neck relief versus a normal straight edge. I bought the bass scale 30-38" version from GMC Luthier Tools and have been quite happy with it (https://www.guitarbuilding.solutions/product-page/luthier-tools-dual-notched-straight-edge-guitar)

- Accurate rulers in metric and imperial (I still measure string height in 64ths out of habit) - currently enjoying my Shinwa rulers. I'm sure as a woodworker you already have that covered.

- Good triangle fret rocker (also from GMC Luthier Tools)

- Fret end dressing file. I bought an Uo-Chikyu file from Thomann: https://www.thomann.co.uk/jgp_japanese_guitar_parts_fret_end_dressing_file.htm It looks to be very similar to the StewMac dressing file, but admittedly I don't have one to compare directly. Works great.

 

Next on my shopping list is:

 

- Straight leveling beam

- Crowning file

 

I've learned a lot from watching YouTubers who do setups, in particular Dave's World of Fun Stuff and Milehouse Studios (the latter is crude and sweary, may offend depending on your disposition!)

[Minininjarob]

Milehouse studios is amazing! To me he demystifies the whole setup and mods, you can tell he used to be a joiner because of the speed he works. Really simple to follow too. 
Thanks for the recommendations, I do have some tools but very few that translate to luthier style work. Those tools you recommend aren’t expensive thankfully. 

[Silky999]

Have a look at Hellfire Tools. I have a few of their bits; files, straight edge, hammers etc. Crimson stuff is also good but slightly more expensive. Chris Alsop also does so nice hand crafted stuff. Stewmac seems to be the premium stuff but is expensive.

 

I’d get;

 

notched straight edge

crowning file - musicnomad or stew mac z file

fret end dressing file

fret rocker

fret levelling beam/file - long and short

masking tape in different widths (mask everything….don't ask how I know)

loads of different grit wet and dry sandpaper - 220 - 3000 grit

fret hammer

good set of screwdrivers

nut files - Hosco do a good set which I have or check the ones on Thomann

thin CA glue and some whip dispenser tips

work mat or some towels etc to work on

neck support/caul

allen keys - metric/imperial 

0000 steel wool

razor blades/scrapers

some fretboard cleaner/wax - I like Monty’s, both the clear fretboard food and the montepresso for dark fretboards

Something like maple Restorfinish which can cover a multitude of sanding mistakes on maple necks 

 

These would cover setups and fret levelling etc

 

Edited 7 hours ago by Silky999

[80Hz]

1 hour ago, Minininjarob said:

Milehouse studios is amazing! To me he demystifies the whole setup and mods, you can tell he used to be a joiner because of the speed he works.

 

Yeah he's definitely got a talent for making it all seem less intimidating. And absolutely right about the speed - I think Paul would have half a guitar built before I'd be done with a setup 😆

[police squad]

I have a load of Crimson guitar tools and hosco nut files

I did their 3 day fret level/ refret course. I learned lots so can do all my guitars now