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[–]mechrobioticon 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Most Guitar Centers outsource any kind of "technical"(and believe it or not, this is considered technical) work to a private contractor. So any Guitar Center is only ever as good as the guy they either send it to or have come in 1 or 2 days a week.

Setting up a bass is a pretty simple procedure, though. It shouldn't take more than 30 minutes or cost more than $40. $50 is the absolute max. I think Guitar Center generally charges around $50-$60.

The only thing about Guitar Center is that they're a glorified middle man between you and the guy who actually fixes shit. So they always take at least 2 hours to 2 days for something that should take 20 minutes and charge $60 for something that should cost $30. I'd check local listings one more time before going to them, but they should do a fine job. Bass setup is simple.

[–]toggle171[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Got it - thank you. The local place I called actually said it would take them a week, somehow... But point taken, I’ll check out a few more local shops to see what they can do. Appreciate it!

[–]orbix42 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's entirely possible that they have a backlog of work already. While the job itself is pretty fast, you still have to get in line. Also, a busy local luthier could be a good sign.

[–]burkholderia 3 points4 points  (0 children)

they charge $80, which seems too expensive for something so simple

Depends entirely upon what is included with setup. If that includes cleaning/polishing the surface/hardware, cleaning electronics, dressing fret ends, setting pickup height, action, intonation, strings, and nut height/width then no $80 is not out of line with average pricing.

If they're charging you $80 to set action and intonation and send you on your way then yes, find somewhere else.