Thumb intonation setup problem

andykciuk

andykciuk

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Hi,
I just changed the strings and tried to setup the intonation. New E string is giving me problems, it's sharp on the 12th fret, so I moved the saddle backward. The problem is that the saddle is back all the way now and that damn E string is still sharp... what will I do now?
 
andykciuk said:
Hi,
I just changed the strings and tried to setup the intonation. New E string is giving me problems, it's sharp on the 12th fret, so I moved the saddle backward. The problem is that the saddle is back all the way now and that damn E string is still sharp... what will I do now?
Click to expand...

Remove the spring. That will give you a few more millimeters.
 
That cant be right.Try it with a different string.
 
I just examined the bass again and I think I've got a more serious problem. :cry: The A string is sharp as well (a bit less than E, tho) with the saddle moved all the way backwards. The intonation is bad starting from the 5th fret on the E string and the 9th on the A string. Both D and G are OK with G being almost perfect. I took a closer look at the neck curve and it looks pretty flat on the G string edge and fairly bent on the E side, it's not too crazy though. I'll change the strings again and see what happens. I have to say that the last set was on for over a year of heavy gigging in dreadful climate (Ireland) and I didn't do absolutely no bass maintenance/setup/waxing work during this time. Any ideas what to do?

What gauge did you use?
Click to expand...
Warwick Red Label 40-100, bought 4 years ago.
 
Check the neck for twist.If you're unsure how to do it,take it to your nearest music shop & they can have a quick look for you.Also ask them if they can do your intonation.Maybe your tuner is ready to go that big studio in the sky. :)
As for the wood.Give it a sand with a green scotchbright scouring pad if it's dull &/or scratched up.Then just give it a good waxing & it should come up as good as new.
 
How did things turn out Andy?

Sounds to me like your bridge may have been too high, your saddles may have been too high or your neck had too much relief in it - possibly a combo of all three.
 
sjw1971 said:
How did things turn out Andy?

Sounds to me like your bridge may have been too high, your saddles may have been too high or your neck had too much relief in it - possibly a combo of all three.
Click to expand...

I bought new set of strings yesterday and that definitely helped.
I examined a few basses in store and it looks like you're spot on.
The bridge and the E string saddle can't be lowered, though :eek: Does it make any sense?
 
Hay Andy, first of all, always set up your bass with new strings on.
Please look for the strings how they are close to the bridge and nut. Because B and E and even A strings are thick, they are not straight over the bridge, unless you press them down with a hard object.
Always to that.
It looks like a setup problem.
Greg's right, look for a twist in the neck too.
Please come back and tell us how it goes.
 
what are you using to intonate it with. you should really use a high quaility tuner. a stobe turner of some sort would be best as you can see the smallest of adjustments more easily then with a standard tuner.
theres a lot of play in a standard tuner where you will make adjustment and not see the tuner react to it at all.
 
That is a good point Gonzosci ,I have a problem like Andy's. I use new strings to intonate, but I see the same thing with the lower strings. I had a Korg analog tuner for years......It broke and I have this Hartke 15$ digital tuner .It acts funny when I tune the lower strings.
 
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