2
ENGLISH
NECK
Ibanez basses are equipped
with adjustable truss rods.
The purpose of a truss rod
is to adjust the neck to coun-
teract string tension. There
are many reasons for truss
rod adjustments. One of the
most frequent reasons is
changing string gauges or
tuning pitch, which can affect
string tension. String tension
changes may affect the string height and cause fret buzz or incorrect notes. To
adjust the truss rod, locate the truss rod nut and adjust it by inserting the correct
wrench into the nut and tightening (clockwise) or loosening (counter clockwise) the
rod. Truss rod tension can be measured by installing a capo at the first fret, holding
the string down at the fret position where the neck joins the body. Insert a thickness
gauge between the string and the fret at the 8th fret. There should be between 0.3
mm to 0.5 mm clearance. That clearance is referred to as "neck relief." Too much
neck relief can cause the neck to have higher action in the middle of the neck
causing poor intonation and uncomfortable playability. No neck relief can cause fret
buzz.
*Appropriate care must be taken when adjusting the neck and we recommend only qualified technicians per-
form this procedure.
STRINGS
If strings become dirty, discolored, or produce a dull
sound or buzz, replace the strings with new ones. For
best results we recommend replacing one string at a
time, this will help to avoid removing all the string ten-
sion from the neck. When replacing strings with differ-
ent gauge strings, it may be necessary to adjust the
truss rod tension. (We recommend only qualified tech-
nicians perform truss rod adjustments.) Ibanez basses
are factory equipped with the following string gauges.
Please follow the instructions below for your particular
model.
The strings should be tightly wound on to the tuning
machines from top to bottom with 2 to 3 string wraps
around the post. On tuning machines where the string
ends are inserted into the posts, the string can be cut to
length in advance using a pair of string cutters.
If the tuning machines are sealed gear units, they are self-lubricating types. The
set screws for the tuning knob are adjustment screws that can be tightened with
a small Phillips (+) head screwdriver to increase the tension.
*The use of coarse strings may lead to buzzing and sound distortion. Using strings that have twists or kinks may
cause buzzing or decreased sustain. Make sure that the strings are smooth and free from any defects before
installing.
To install the string on to the bridge,
thread the new string through the
string holes located on the back of
the tailpiece and bring them up and
over the saddle. For bridges that re-
quire special installation instruc-
tions, please see the appendix at
the end of this manual.
TIGHTEN
LOOSEN
TIGHTEN
LOOSEN
TIGHTEN
LOOSEN
0,3 ~ 0,5 mm
8th FRET
MODEL
4 String Basses
5 String Basses
6 String Basses
STRING GAUGE
.045, .065, .085, .105"
.045, .065, .085, .105, .130"
.032, .045, .065, .085, .105, .130"
