strings in tune but some notes arent.

BassJunkie13 · #1 05-16-2008, 08:23 PM

Ive been having a problem with my bass. when I am jamin with my band, I play notes on around the 12th fret on the d and I sound out of tune with the band. all my strings are in tune and each person tuned with a tuner and we all checked to see if we are in tune with each other. Can it be that my strings are too old so the go out of tune in certain places? The strings are over a year old.

disasterline · #2 05-16-2008, 08:34 PM

im no expert, however it sounds like your bass' intonation is off. if you dont know how to fix that here is a link.

http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_setup/

in a nnutshell its like this (or how iv done it)
1.tune bass
2.play note on the 12th fret
4.if it is still tuned that string is fine, move on to next
5.if it is nnot tuned: if the note is to high make the string shorter by moving ur saddels. if to low move the saddel out to make string longer.
6.do to all strings

BassieMike · #3 05-16-2008, 08:50 PM

Fresh strings never hurt.
A good approximation by eye.... Nut to G saddle exactly 2x the distance from nut to 12th fret, then each string progressively longer with the E string about 1/4" (6mm) longer than the G. If they are too far out from this, then strings are probably the issue....

Tuning should match: open/(12th fret)harmonic compared to fretted at 12th fret. Open is TRUE. if fretted is flat make string shorter, if fretted is sharp make string longer.

End of story,

-mike

Parabolic Box · #4 05-16-2008, 10:14 PM

Replace the strings and get a setup done.

black_labb · #5 05-17-2008, 12:51 AM

if you have a decent ear you can do it by testing the harmonic at the 12th fret, and then play the 12th fret. if the fretted note is sharper than the harmonic, you need to increase the scale length (adjust the saddle back). once its perfect, retune the string and make sure its still there (you may need a slight adjustment after retuning it.

do that again with the other strings.

the reason this happens is when you fret the note you are slightly bending the string by pushing it onto the fret.

Solarmist · #6 05-17-2008, 11:11 PM

Its simple to check your intonation with your friends tuner. Tune the string with the tuner so the meter reads in the middle (not sharp or flat) - then check the 12th fret note against the harmonic at the 12th. If they don't read in the same place on the meter - the intonation is off. If the fretted note is sharp of the harmonic - move the saddle back. If the fretted note flat of the harmonic - move the saddle forward.

Its probably time for strings too, and I'd check them all.

StyleOverShow · #7 05-17-2008, 11:59 PM

Good info all. My MM Sterling intonation above the 14th frets, on the A and E strings is never quite right and I've had several very good techs work on it. Some anomaly in the neck or fret height maybe. Sometimes you have to work around it.

GianGian · #8 05-18-2008, 08:15 PM

Let's keep in mind that perfect intonation does not exist, on fretted instruments that is.

1954bassman · #9 05-18-2008, 08:26 PM

Beat me to it.

But obvious out of tune at the 12th fret should be fixable.

MistaMarko · #10 05-18-2008, 11:16 PM

Is it necessary to tune up the 24th frets too if you have them?

My 12th frets are perfect intune with open, and I've been working to get my 24ths intune. They're pretty much dead on, few cents give or take. It's taken forever. Am I wasting my time?

Parabolic Box · #11 05-19-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MistaMarko

Is it necessary to tune up the 24th frets too if you have them?

My 12th frets are perfect intune with open, and I've been working to get my 24ths intune. They're pretty much dead on, few cents give or take. It's taken forever. Am I wasting my time?

That depends. How often are you using +2 octave notes?

idoru · #12 05-19-2008, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MistaMarko

Is it necessary to tune up the 24th frets too if you have them?

My 12th frets are perfect intune with open, and I've been working to get my 24ths intune. They're pretty much dead on, few cents give or take. It's taken forever. Am I wasting my time?

I find that the intonation at the 24th fret exaggerates that at the 12th - so if my tuner is having trouble at the 12th fret, I can double check against the 24th to see if it is tending flat or sharp.

Within a few cents is as good as it's going to get

c-

Outlaw_son · #13 05-24-2008, 08:59 PM

69nites · #14 05-24-2008, 09:05 PM

you should set your intonation at 2 harmonics not just one.

if you can't get them both dead on you should try and get them both as close as you can.

use the 12th and the highest harmonic you have a fret for.

poor intonation can be caused by old strings, high action, a high nut, or poor fretwork.