I went to tweak my bass today, and for some reason forgot exactly how to check the intonation. I'll probably remember by tomorrow, but could someone refresh me in case i don't? Thank you kindly.

Regards

Davo

Davo, tune with a tuner. Check each string open and at the octave. If string is sharp or flat at the octave, intonation needs correction.

ok, sorry if I seem stupid but I am new at this bass game, could you go a little more in depth as to how to do this? thanks in advance....

Originally posted by TJBass
ok, sorry if I seem stupid but I am new at this bass game, could you go a little more in depth as to how to do this? thanks in advance....

T.J., Fender has a super instructional on the net. look under the the search words "Fender set up" in the archives. If you don't find what you're looking for, I'm sure someone on the board knows the url, and will volunteer info.
Believe me, a picture is worth more than a thousand words when it comes to setup.

1. tune the string open with the tuner

note that the harmonic at the 12th fret is in tune. this is a function of string physics - if the string is in tune open, the harmonic will be in tune too.

2. fret the string at the 12th fret. if it is sharp, move the bridge saddle back a bit, if it is flat, move the saddle forward.

repeat until harmonic and 12th fret note are the same (in tune).

so altering the saddle position sets the intonation, will changing the saddle height or string height throw off the intonation? thanks again for clearing this up a bit more for me.

Yes, ever so slightly. If you revise your action you should redo your intonation too.

And if you play high on the neck frequently, also intonate to the 19th fret.