Taken from DB's tute on how to set a bridge on a bass. Original posts here:http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=1895 - All credit to DingoBass for this - I've just put it here to make it easier to find.
Read this after http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=1873 - this is only a quick primer on how to align your bridge on a bass.
First, jam the neck in as far as it will go, clamp it and then drop the scratch plate on.(make sure your clamp is clear of the holes, as you may as well drill these when everything is set up)
This should have a fairly tight fit around the neck heel, mine did.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...2-IMG_1635.JPG
Then grab your bridge and trusty rule or tape measure, you will notice that I have got a measurement of 460mm to the out side edge of the bridge plate (measuring from the middle of the 12th fret wire). This gives you a good scale length with plenty of wiggle room and adjustment for intonation. [EDIT - lengths may vary from guitar to guitar - check that the length between the nut and the top of the 12th fret is about the same as the top of the 12th fret to about the middle of the saddles on the bridge - see http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=1873
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...m-IMG_1636.JPG
Clamp the bridge lightly and run the E and G strings through and clamp them on the headstock
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...2-IMG_1639.JPG
When you have got this sorted, you will be able to move the bridge side to side until you have the strings equally spaced along the neck.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...4-IMG_1638.JPG
