Intonation problem!

Lionaudio · #1 07-26-2007, 09:25 PM

I've run into a problem with my ASAT 4 string that i can't seem to solve.. my intonation on the lower frets is getting way off.. even when my open and 12th are correct.. i've read that this may mean i need a new nut, and i have no idea where to buy one for my ASAT, or how to install one either.. anyone have any tips?

**Chef** · #2 07-27-2007, 07:15 AM

Try lowering your pickups.
Your strings at the first few frets should be "about a business card thickness off the frets." If they're higher than that, pressing down to fret them can throw intonation off.
A good setup by someone who knows what they're doing-and maybe this is you, I dunno-should take care of this.

sunbeast · #3 07-27-2007, 11:51 AM

I agree with Chef about lowering the pickups- I had intonation problems with both my L2500 and my L2000e when I first got them because I'm used to putting the pickups as high as possible on my basses. G&L pickups seem to have a higher magnetism than any other pickups I've ever used, so if they are too close to the strings they will pull them sharp...The pull will be stronger the higher you play up the fretboard, as you are pushing the string closer to the pickups. If you set your intonation in this environment, the 12th fret will appear to be in tune, when it is in fact flat- so your lower notes will also be slightly flat.

In short- lower those hot mofos!

As far as the nut, the perfect nut is one whose height resembles the height of a fret, so the distance between the open string and the first fret should be similar to the distance between the fretted first position note and the second fret. The majority of basses have nuts that are significantly higher than this, but it would have to be pretty darn high to really be able to hear the effect that it has on intonation (at least to my ears!)...you could also try setting intonation using the first and thirteenth frets and then see how far off the open note is...

Karl

Lionaudio · #4 07-27-2007, 03:15 PM

thanks to both of you for the advice..i will try this as soon as i can. i have a show tonight with no time to try to do a set up at all.. i'll let ya know if i still have the problem afterward. thanks
~!!

Lionaudio · #5 07-31-2007, 10:40 PM

ok i've tried lowering the pickups beyond what i even see as a reasonable height and i'm still sharp on 1-11.. my 12th fret still appears to be intonated.. i didn't mention that i also play in d standard.. (all strings downtuned a whole step).. and i use regular gauge hybrid slinkys.. i've being adjusting the relief.. I normally play with an insane amount of relief and very very high action.. to the point where bass players freak out and wonder how i don't have carpal tunnel.. but anyway.. the neck is pretty much straight now, and my action is alot lower than i'm used to and the pickups are down.. anymore suggestions?

In short- lower those hot mofos!
Karl[/quote]

**Chef** · #6 08-01-2007, 06:07 AM

Lower them all the way and see what happens...and do your setup in passive mode.

spideyjg · #7 08-01-2007, 09:31 AM

Ummmmm you have adjusted the saddles via the intonation screws right?

I always dial them in on the bench, then fine tune them with the bass sitting up and fretting notes on the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 10th frets to ensure they are dead on.

If you have an iron grip you will cause the the string to go slightly sharp. Tweak as needed.

Jim

Lionaudio · #8 08-02-2007, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spideyjg

Ummmmm you have adjusted the saddles via the intonation screws right?

I always dial them in on the bench, then fine tune them with the bass sitting up and fretting notes on the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 10th frets to ensure they are dead on.

If you have an iron grip you will cause the the string to go slightly sharp. Tweak as needed.

Jim

yeah i've adjusted my saddles.. the pickups are sunk in as low as possible.. my two high strings are fine on frets 1-12, it's just my d and g strings that are screwed up.. my truss rod is tightened with almost no relief so that my strings are the "correct" distance from the neck at the first fret.. it's still driving me crazy.. is it possible that my neck is warped?

Lionaudio · #9 08-02-2007, 07:32 PM

oh and one other thing.. the 12th fret and higher on my two lowest strings are all intonated perfectly.. normally it is the higher frets that i have a tough time intonating.. it's like it all went in reverse

sunbeast · #10 08-03-2007, 10:08 AM

Hmmmm- could be the nut, I suppose...are the strings pretty well seated on the saddles? No weird bends in the strings at all?