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Author Topic: Intonation problem?  (Read 1219 times)

Offline dhagler

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Intonation problem?
« on: September 27, 2010, 11:51:44 PM »
I use a chromatic tuner with my bass, both with open strings and the 12th fret. Both E and A are in agreement when I tune using this method.

But...

C on the E string (8th fret) is slightly sharp when compared to C on the A string (3rd fret). In fact, all the fretted notes on the E string are slightly sharp when compared to the same note (in the same octave) played on a different string.

Thoughts? Suggestions?  ?/?

Offline dhagler

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Re: Intonation problem?
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2010, 11:54:06 PM »
Sorry, I should mention that the bass is a Fender Jazz V.  :)

Offline funkStrat_97

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Re: Intonation problem?
« Reply #2 on: September 28, 2010, 06:38:37 AM »
Are you comparing the open strings to the 12th fret harmonic or are you fretting the note?
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Offline phbrown

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Re: Intonation problem?
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2010, 11:56:17 AM »
Which tuner are you using?

Offline floaded27

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Re: Intonation problem?
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2010, 12:42:19 PM »
it may very well be an intonation problem. Tune the open E, then check the note on the 12th fret of the E string. if its sharp you may have to push the string saddle of the bridge further away, if its flat you have to move it forward. You will have to really loosen the string to relieve tension enough to get the string saddle to move. So just adjust it just a little bit, then tune the string up and try again. it might take more than one try to get it right, but of course being in tune is worth it. Also, i would make sure all the other strings arent problematic.
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Offline dhagler

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Re: Intonation problem?
« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2010, 10:54:10 PM »
Are you comparing the open strings to the 12th fret harmonic or are you fretting the note?

I am comparing the open string to the 12th fret harmonic.

Which tuner are you using?

Korg CA-30.

it may very well be an intonation problem. Tune the open E, then check the note on the 12th fret of the E string. if its sharp you may have to push the string saddle of the bridge further away, if its flat you have to move it forward. You will have to really loosen the string to relieve tension enough to get the string saddle to move. So just adjust it just a little bit, then tune the string up and try again. it might take more than one try to get it right, but of course being in tune is worth it. Also, i would make sure all the other strings arent problematic.

Thanks for the suggestion, floaded. I have been hesitant to tinker with my setup for fear of messing something up, but this might be the right opportunity to try it. And the Jazz V is not my go-to bass anymore so if I do mess something up and have to take it to my tech guy to fix, I will still be able to play on Sundays.
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