Fender 1998 Bass Manual
![Fender 1998 Bass Guitar manual cover](/images/RpGCEMUohtMBqmxsFMLTXrWP/thumbs/thumb175x175.webp)
To adjust the truss rod on your 1998 Fender bass, locate the truss rod adjustment nut at the headstock. Use an appropriate hex key or wrench to make small adjustments. Turn clockwise to tighten and correct forward bow, and counterclockwise to loosen and correct back bow. Always adjust in small increments and recheck the neck relief regularly.
To clean the fretboard, use a soft cloth slightly dampened with a mixture of water and a small amount of mild dish soap. For deeper cleaning, use a specialized fretboard cleaner. Apply lemon oil sparingly to rosewood or ebony fretboards to maintain moisture, but avoid using it on maple fretboards.
Start by loosening the old strings and removing them from the tuning pegs and bridge. Insert the new string through the bridge and pull it up to the headstock, winding it around the tuning peg. Tune to pitch and ensure the string is seated properly in the nut and bridge saddle. Repeat for each string.
Check the neck relief and adjust the truss rod if necessary. Ensure the string is properly seated in the nut and bridge saddle. Inspect the frets for wear or unevenness and consider a professional fret leveling if needed. Increasing string action might also help reduce buzzing.
To set the action, adjust the saddle height at the bridge using a small screwdriver. Measure the action at the 12th fret and adjust until you reach your desired string height. Ensure the neck relief is correctly set before adjusting the action.
A 1998 Fender bass might have single-coil or split-coil pickups. To replace them, remove the pickguard or backplate, unscrew the pickups, and carefully desolder the wires. Install the new pickups by soldering the wires to the same connections and reassembling the guitar.
Store your bass in a hard case or a padded gig bag in a room with stable temperature and humidity. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. Consider using a humidifier in dry climates to prevent wood cracking.
Inspect the output jack for loose connections and check the wiring for any breaks or unsoldered joints. Test the volume and tone pots for proper function. If necessary, use a multimeter to check for continuity in the wiring.
Perform a basic maintenance check every six months, including cleaning the guitar, checking the neck relief, and inspecting the electronics. Change the strings as needed based on play frequency and style.
A hard-shell case is recommended for maximum protection during transport and storage. Look for cases specifically designed for Fender bass models to ensure a proper fit.