Chances are if you’ve got a question regarding Overwater basses, it’s been asked before. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and the answers.

The strings are buzzing on the bottom 3 or 4 frets near the nut what’s wrong with my bass?

The neck of your bass is to straight, or even has a backward bow. This can be caused by lower string tension (by fitting a lighter gauge than previously), or a climatic or temperature change. To correct this the truss rod tension needs to be reduced this is done by accessing the truss rod nut under the cover on the headstock, and taking care to use the correct size allan key; turning the nut anti-clockwise, a little at a time, until the bass plays cleanly.
I’ve put medium gauge strings on my bass and the action has gone how do I get it down again?

This indicates a reverse situation to above; the truss rod requires tightening to straighten the neck a little. *Note; the neck should always have a very slight concave bow.
What do the tone controls and pull pot on the volume do?

Progress and Perception series basses have 3 band EQ; treble, mid, bass (nearest the bridge), plus volume and pan (pick-up blend) controls. The pull switch on the volume control activates a bright boost (6db @ 5KHz).
How do I get a really good slap bass sound?

Set the pan pot full on to the front pick-up, pull out the volume so you have the 6db + at 5Khz. Turn the bass pot up to just above, the mid range put off completely and the treble pot to full this gives our basses a very usable slap sound.
What do I use to clean my bass?

The best polish to use is a light, non wax furniture polish (such as Pledge) and a soft cloth.
What should I use to treat the finger board when I change the strings?

A light, raw wood treatment oil such as Teak Oil or Lemon Oil can be used to clean and feed rosewood and ebony fingerboards (maple fingerboards should be cleaned with polish as above). Take care to scrupulously wipe all excess oil off the fingerboard and frets!
How often should I change the battery?

The circuit in your bass is designed to work perfectly until the battery runs down from 9 to 6 volts. The first sign of low voltage is a slightly distortion of the signal from the bass prompting a battery change. With average use, it is probably advisable to change the battery about every 3 months.
I’ve changed the strings on my bass and the intonation is a little out how do adjust the bridge to get it right?

Intonation is the term we use to describe adjusting the string lengths of the bass to compensate for the natural tendency for notes to sharpen when fretted. To check intonation; play a string open and again the octave position at the 12th fret. If the octave note sounds sharp (higher) – the string needs to be lengthened by moving the saddle back. If flat the shorten the string by moving the saddle position forward slightly.
How long is the warranty on my Overwater bass? 

All UK built basses are covered by a 3 year limited warranty (workmanship and materials) and we will always try to solve any issues that arise. Overwater by Tanglewood instruments are covered by standard Tanglewood limited warranty via you local dealer.

Where should I take my instrument if I have a problem with it?

Your first point of contact should be either the dealer you bought the bass from, or directly with Overwater. If the problem is a minor one, it may be able to be dealt with locally. If it needs to be returned to us, this can be arranged after prior agreement.

Which Overwater instruments are available left hand?

All UK Overwater instruments are available left handed, usually at no extra cost. Limited models in the Overwater by Tanglewood are also available left handed.

What strings type and gauge did my bass come with new?

Unless requested otherwise; original set-up is done with light gauge nickel Overwater strings (including Overwater By Tanglewood basses).

If I want to custom order a bass with Bartolini or another brand of pick-ups and electronics can it be done?

Yes – Although we fit our own design pick-ups and electronics as standard; you can specify any electronic/hardware combination that suits you – subject to availability, cost and our agreement to suitability.

Where should I order spare parts for my Overwater bass?

Directly from Overwater, or via an authorised Overwater dealer.

Can my old Overwater bass be refurbished?

Yes – We service and sometimes completely refurbish many older basses. Some parts for very old instruments are no longer available (particularly electronic parts); but we always attempt to offer a suitable alternative. 
We also offer an upgrade service for more recent electronics and hardware.

Can Overwater basses be ordered in different finishes and colours? 

Yes – Progress, Perception and Evolution series basses as standard come with a natural satin finish; but can be specified in high gloss lacquer or in translucent tints (over suitable woods), or solid colours.

J Series are finished in high gloss lacquer as standard, with a choice of tints, sunbursts and solid colours. Metallic and Candy finishes available to special order.

How do I go about getting an insurance quote for my current instrument?

Write to, or e-mail Overwater, stating the model and style of your bass, together with any custom upgrades (a photograph is always useful) and we will provide you with a written quotation of replacement value by return.

If I order a custom bass, how long will delivery be?

Because we are a fairly small manufacturer, this can depend on the length of our order-book at the time of ordering and complexity of your specification; but usually custom orders can be delivered in between 8 and 12 weeks – although at times this delivery period can be shorter. Check at the time of ordering for a more accurate estimate.

Is a bolt on neck or a through neck instrument better for me?

This is personal choice – with an electric bass guitar neither is definitively better or worse; but each have different properties: Essentially a through neck instrument has a greater harmonic response and are slightly less forgiving and require a little more accurate playing style, where as bolt on neck basses have a greater emphasis on the fundamental.

Can I adjust the output level of my bass?

Yes in most cases – the Overwater 2 and 3 band EQ (used on Progress, Perception, Evolution and some Aspiration series basses, have individual gain pre-sets related to each pick-up, located between the volume and pan controls on the circuit board. Care should be taken not to boost the output gain to far, as this can cause the pre-amp stage of your amplifier or mixing desk to distort. 
 
J Series basses with Custom ‘East’ Retro circuits have an overall gain control located on the main board.

How can I tell what year my Overwater bass was made?

Serial number, model information and date of manufacture can be found on the underside of the control cavity cover plate – except J series basses, where the serial number is located on the back of the head stock (the first two digits denote the year of manufacture).

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