B-String Blues

MaddAnthony_59 · #1 02-20-2007, 11:42 AM

I have 3 5-String basses, and 2 of the 3 I can not get the intonation set on the Bigg Badd B-String!

I have it adjusted ALL the way to the bridge, and it's STILL a touch sharp. It's not a Big Deal, but I'm a Little OCD on stuff like that.

I've considered removing the B-Saddles, and removing some material, allowing the string to be adjusted another 1/8th inch or so. Anyone else have this problem? I have my strings at about 1/4 at the 12th, so it's not SUper Low...

pkr2 · #2 02-20-2007, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaddAnthony_59

I have 3 5-String basses, and 2 of the 3 I can not get the intonation set on the Bigg Badd B-String!

I have it adjusted ALL the way to the bridge, and it's STILL a touch sharp. It's not a Big Deal, but I'm a Little OCD on stuff like that.

I've considered removing the B-Saddles, and removing some material, allowing the string to be adjusted another 1/8th inch or so. Anyone else have this problem? I have my strings at about 1/4 at the 12th, so it's not SUper Low...

Bending the string sharply with downward thumb pressure, where it exits the nut and saddles can help the intonation. If the string "humps" too much it will be hard to intonate. Especially the B and E string.

May be worth a try.

Basshole · #3 02-20-2007, 12:01 PM

Relax, if it's just a little off it won't matter...unless you SPEND A LOT OF TIME AT THE 17th FRET OF THE B STRING.

Really man. Give the OCD a rest. Some strings will change their intonation slightly as they age...it could end up spot on. If not, and you're still having OCD issues, get another brand/guage of string - they vary in terms of intonation, and you might find one that tunes up within the range of your saddles.

lug · #4 02-20-2007, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkr2

Bending the string sharply with downward thumb pressure, where it exits the nut and saddles can help the intonation. If the string "humps" too much it will be hard to intonate. Especially the B and E string.

May be worth a try.

I second that. The bend over the edge of the saddle makes a better witness point.

lefty007 · #5 02-20-2007, 01:30 PM

Or you might want try an exposed-core B-strings. That could help.

Brass Nut · #6 02-20-2007, 01:51 PM

Try tuning your B to E at the 5th.
May balance it out to be extreemly hard to notice.
Plus, If you tune at 5th, maybe only the open B will be noticable?
Worth a try?
Just a thought is all.

MaddAnthony_59 · #7 02-21-2007, 10:50 AM

Thanks for all the Great Suggestions. Problem was solved with Pinching B & E at the bridge. It seemed to have a little arch there, and this took it down a touch. Also I did note the the E played at the 5th & 17th frets on the B-String was SPOT on!

I'm only a Little OCD. Once I have a bass setup, I don't keep going back to check it. It just bothers me that a manufacturer would let their Product go out the door with such a DEFECT!!!

Okay, maybe a little more then a Little OCD!

Thanks again, my El Cheapo Epiphone Plays like a dream now.