DR Tapered String Intonation Problem

TrooperFarva · #1 09-12-2007, 07:31 AM

I recently picked up a pack of DR Tapered strings for my 5 string Sadowsky. All of the strings are tapered except for the G. I've never used a set of strings like this before, the only tapered string I've used was a B, and that was only on some sets. Anyway, I set the intonation, and everything below the 12th fret seems to be fine, but moving past the 12th fret, the intonation gets worse and worse.

When I check the intonation on my Sterling, the open string , the 12th fret, and the 12th fret harmonic are just about spot on, and the 21st fret is just barely flat, it's not really noticeable, but my Peterson tuner says it's a tiny bit flat, on all the strings. On my Sadowsky, between the 12th and 15th frets, it's a little flat, 15-17, it's fine, but past 17, it gets progressively sharper. It's very noticeable on the last few frets, even by ear. I set the intonation with the open string and 12th fret, with the 12th fret and 12th fret harmonic, with th 5th fret and 17th fret, and with the 7th fret and the 19th fret. Yes, I intonated it 4 different times. But the results are the same. I've never experienced this before.

The only thing I didn't try yet, which i realize now is a little stupid, is lowering the pickups. But the pickups have been at the same height for all my other sets of strings, so would that really make a difference?

Any ideas? Thoughts? Suggestions? Thanks.

BruceWane · #2 09-13-2007, 02:14 PM

I take it these are DR Longnecks?

There have been threads here in the past regarding funky intonation and problems with a warbling, chorus-like sound..... as I recall the general conclusion was that the tapered part of the string is quite a bit longer than typical tapered strings because DR designed them with the intention of being strung through the body. When they're used with a typical top-load bridge, it puts the tapered portion of the string pretty close to the bridge pickup, which causes odd problems.

So basically, Long Necks with a top load bridge..... weirdness often happens. Not knocking DR's at all, I use them on all my stuff, but I don't use Long Necks. Tried them on my Modulus Q6 fretless, and had to yank 'em off and put on a set of Highbeams.

TrooperFarva · #3 09-13-2007, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceWane

I take it these are DR Longnecks?

There have been threads here in the past regarding funky intonation and problems with a warbling, chorus-like sound..... as I recall the general conclusion was that the tapered part of the string is quite a bit longer than typical tapered strings because DR designed them with the intention of being strung through the body. When they're used with a typical top-load bridge, it puts the tapered portion of the string pretty close to the bridge pickup, which causes odd problems.

So basically, Long Necks with a top load bridge..... weirdness often happens. Not knocking DR's at all, I use them on all my stuff, but I don't use Long Necks. Tried them on my Modulus Q6 fretless, and had to yank 'em off and put on a set of Highbeams.

Yes, these are Long Necks. It's good to hear that it's not my seeming inability to intonate an instrument. I'll get a new set of strings on my way home. Thanks.

Razoul · #4 09-13-2007, 03:08 PM

I am glad to here that I'm not the only one with DR Long Neck troubles. I put those things on my bass and now me nor any of my friends will even touch the bass.

TrooperFarva · #5 09-13-2007, 09:58 PM

Just to wrap this up, I picked up a set of MTD strings, Medium gauge, with a tapered B. I took the DRs off, put these on, did a complete setup, including intonation, and my bass rocks again. The intonation is spot on. I was also able to get my action much lower than I had it before. These MTD strings are impressive so far.