E string not in tune throughout neck

[JPMo]

So im new to basses, i got my first a few months ago but i have a problem. My bass seems to get out of tune quite frequently, I had a set-up done when i first bought it, but i don't think it was done properly. My E string can be tuned open or at the 12 fret but not both (i usually just leave it in tune open which results in an E sharp at the 12 fret) All the other strings stay in tune throughout the neck. What could be the issue?

[brekfustuvluzer]

that's because your intonation is out. use an allen wrench or screwdriver and adjust the saddle for your e string. tune the string open and then play the twelfth fret. if the high octave is sharp, move the saddle back and if the high octave is flat, move the saddle towards the neck. or just have a professional do a set up.

[JPMo]

Ok thanks alot! Thats what i get for paying $15 for a setup

[Testing_123]

It's strange that the setup you had when you bought the bass didn't address this -- a fundamental part of any setup (be it $0.15 or $15 or $150) is an intonation adjustment...

Did you buy the bass from a store? They ought to have included a setup as part of the purchase price.

Regardless -- there is much joy and satisfaction to be gained (and $ to be saved!) by learning to do basic adjustments, changing strings, cleaning, and setups on your own instruments. Lots of great info and support to be found here on TB and elsewhere.

Cheers.

[Fuzzbass]

Originally Posted by JPMo

Ok thanks alot! Thats what i get for paying $15 for a setup

The possibility exists that the string is bad, but as noted, it's more likely that the intonation is off. The thicker strings (especially B and E) are more difficult to intonate than the thinner ones.

And $15 sounds like a guitar shop setup. Those tend to be rushed, so I'm not surprised that it's not completely accurate. Maybe they'll address it for free if you bring it to their attention (shrug).

[groooooove]

Originally Posted by Fuzzbass

The possibility exists that the string is bad, but as noted, it's more likely that the intonation is off. The thicker strings (especially B and E) are more difficult to intonate than the thinner ones.

And $15 sounds like a guitar shop setup. Those tend to be rushed, so I'm not surprised that it's not completely accurate. Maybe they'll address it for free if you bring it to their attention (shrug).

+1, that sounds like the kind of setups you'd get from sam ash.

to over generalize, small shops give better setups. if you can get in touch with a local luthier or someone who does setups in-home, you'll probably get a much better setup.

you could also intonate the bass yourself.

[JPMo]

I actually got my bass online from guitar center (gasp!) because the stores didn't have an affinity jazz bass and the setup was actually at a small local shop down the road from me, I probably wont be going back but I am going to try and do this myself now though since i am somewhat more comfortable with the bass

[JPMo]

Just fixed it! thanks for the replies

[walterw]

Originally Posted by JPMo

Just fixed it! thanks for the replies

how?

also, when you get it where it should be, press down on the string on both sides at the nut and the saddle, so that it doesn't curve anymore but goes in a dead-straight line from the nut to the saddle. this will improve both the action and the intonation.

[JPMo]

Originally Posted by walterw

how?

also, when you get it where it should be, press down on the string on both sides at the nut and the saddle, so that it doesn't curve anymore but goes in a dead-straight line from the nut to the saddle. this will improve both the action and the intonation.

I just adjusted the intonation the way one of the guys on this thread described and thanks for the tip