Tuning problems w/ flats?!

[Lefty P. Flats]

Hi all.

I've got a problem with my strings and wondered if this has happened to someone else. I have a MIA Fender P-Bass. I switched from rounds to flats a few years back with a set of GHS flats. No problems. I saved up and recently bought a set of Labella 760FS flats.

Since putting them on, i've had this odd tuning issue. The open strings stay in tune; I've left the bass in the case for a week or so and they have not budged. However, when I play something chromatic, it sounds like I am playing quarter-tones. Adjacent pitches are not in tune with each other. I have checked the intonation at the saddles with a strobe, tuning at the 5th and 12th fret are spot on, and the bass is set up to Fender spec.

So the question is, "Do these flats have a fundamental that I hear as "out of tune", or is this just a bad set of strings?"

Thanks,

Art

[WoodyG3]

What does your tuner tell you about the pitch at spots other than the 5th and 12th fret? That will tell you if the fundamental is on. Perhaps you are hearing some odd overtones?

[jgroh]

I am having tuning problems with my Chromes as well. I threw them on yesterday and didnt have time to adjust anything before practice last night but, if I played an octave above the note I was on, it was flat, but the open string was in tune. Could be that I need to adjust the saddles but I think its this set of Chromes to be honest.

[mcapote]

I don't have that problem but im using rotosound 77s. could be bad strings??

[Joe Z]

I've had what sounds like the same issue with flats. My tuner tells me I'm in pitch, but I swear I hear "overtones" or something. I also hear differences in volume between the strings, with both problems most noticable in the E string.

I went back to "half-rounds" and the problem mostly subsided. I should probably try another set of flats - I don't recall which ones I had this problem with...may have been DR.

I hate the way the half rounds feel - they really grab some meat off your fingers and they squeek, alot. Once you get used to flats it's tough to go back. Fact is though, the sound is the more important thing....I think!!

good luck...Joe

[Britbonic]

Couple thoughts.

When you say fender specs do you mean in terms of action, string height or saddle location?

Best way to check intonation is comparing open strings and 12th fret. Are the both the same?

Does it happen for all strings or just one? I had a set of Lakland (GHS) flats that had a bad string in the set.

Did you change gauge when you switched to La Bellas?

Could also be difference in tension causing a change in neck bow. I suppose in theory this shouldn't make a difference but may want to check and see if you need to tweak truss rod a bit. The La Bellas I tried were the stiffest strings I've ever played.

What kind of shape are frets in? Any flat or high spots?

Could also be that the strings are new and you are hearing things that you didn't before.

I've gone thru about 6 different types of strings, mostly flats on my 2 basses before finding the ones I like. Also, seems like it takes awhile for everything to settle so whenever I put new strings on, especially with different tension or gauge, I always do a rough set up and then revisit it a couple of days later.