[header] How to set up a bass guitar [title] Examine the headstock. [step] This is the top of the guitar, where the strings are held on to the nuts for tuning. Note how the strings come off at the nut and wind around each tuner, especially how many times each wraps around. 
Lower strings, which are thicker, will wrap around fewer times. This is a good reference point for when you re-string the bass yourself to see if things are fitting properly.