On low B intonation

Nikoubis · #1 03-23-2008, 08:10 AM

I've been searching for a while and haven't found a definitive answer...

I recall reading somewhere around here that it is impossible to intonate any B string thicker than .125 on an L-2500. This has not been a problem for me so far as I have used DR sunbeams at .45 - .125 and do not plan on trying any other type of roundwounds soon.

Lately though I've been thinking of putting a nice set of flats on and wonder if I will have to go with something that has a .125 low B or face problems. TI's come in 5-string sets with a massive .136 for example.

Do I have to limit my choices to sets with a .125 low B? Has anyone used other gauges without problems? Any other general suggestions regarding flats on an L-2500?

Thanks in advance!

FidgetStone · #2 03-23-2008, 11:33 AM

I put the TI flats on my fretless L-2500 and love them. I did have to re-intonate the B string because of the giant size you mentioned. Also, I had to widen the B slot on my nut ever so slightly.

I have had the TIs on the bass since July and still love them.

Temcat · #3 03-23-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikoubis

I've been searching for a while and haven't found a definitive answer...

I recall reading somewhere around here that it is impossible to intonate any B string thicker than .125 on an L-2500

I don't think this is true. On my L-2500, I was able to intonate low B strings of gauges up to .135. However, you can encounter a few types of strings that don't seem to intonate on a L-2500 (I recall a set that didn't intonate even with the low B saddle all the way back.) This may actually be due to a poor batch, not a design peculiarity. In addition, with some strings, the low B is poorly defined on high frets, so you just cannot tell your C from C sharp.

No examples here - I just don't remember the particular string sets with which I ran into such problems.

Nikoubis · #4 03-23-2008, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FidgetStone

I put the TI flats on my fretless L-2500 and love them. I did have to re-intonate the B string because of the giant size you mentioned. Also, I had to widen the B slot on my nut ever so slightly.

I have had the TIs on the bass since July and still love them.

Glad to hear that! Given that one thing I enjoy about Sunbeams is their low tension, I thought the TI's would feel better to me than, say, Chromes. Looks like I'll have to get around to ordering a set because they are practically impossible to find locally...

Thanks for the replies so far, if anybody else has experiences and suggestions to offer, I'd be happy to hear them!