before/after setup and playing. String action, string gauge, pickup poles set and gentle fretwork. Enjoying some slap, tapping and chords too!
Soundtrack: Ricardo Strani (Fretless Yamaha RBX)

Before setup:
45-100 strings
High Action
Exposed Pickup Polepieces

Stock pickup poles configuration
Let's set the poles down inside
the cover so the string won't touch it

Action on E string (.100)
Action on G string

Bridge needs intonation fix
and a new screw for the G string saddle
...don't ask me how it broke...

the bass need some fretwork too

so let's solve the pole's issue:
remove pickup covers...

If you plan to do this by yourself
be careful...
these particular covers are not glued
to the pickups nor are these pickups waxed

...and that's why they came out easily...
you may encounter resistance
to get the cover out on some basses,
so, again, be careful with the coils

...then all you need to do is put
a piece of cardboard between the pickup
and the cover,
so the poles will stay down inside
...and voilà!
put the covers back and it's done

recessed polepieces

now for the bridge,
replace the broken screw

Now for the frets,
let's protect the fingerboard
before leveling the frets

metal sandpaper 320

I am counting each pass through
the neck to match it equally on all frets

...as many passes as necessary
to remove dents and wear

and then, polish the frets with steel wool
in both directions

now the frets are good,
in this case there's no need to recrown

Now the fun part: the bass is restrunged
with the E string tuned to A (.100)
and one B string tuned to E (.130)
check this out...

G = .045
D = .065
A = .100
E = .130

usually it's necessary to route the nut
slots for the E and A string to accommodate
the heavier strings, but in this case
they fit perfectly

so after adjusting the truss rod, intonation
and saddles height...

here's the action on E string
(now it's .130)
and the action on G string

so let's compare before and after

BEFORE
AFTER

no more annoying 'thuds'...

Thanks for watching

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