Fretless setup...intonation advice

[billgwx]

Hello,

I've run into an intonation problem when setting up my Brice HXB-405 fretless bass. I want the "12th fret" harmonics to match the notes I play slightly behind them, so I don't have to play sharp in the lower registers. This works fine for the 3rd through 5th strings (A, E, and low B), but not the 1st or 2nd strings (G and D), where I literally cannot shorten the strings any more...the closest I can get right now is to have the harmonics match the notes I play directly underneath. I hope this explanation is clear...anyway, what can I do to buy a little more room shortening those higher strings?

Thanks!
Bill

[snyderz]

Longer intonation screws?

[J. Crawford]

New bridge?

[1958Bassman]

Originally Posted by billgwx

Hello,

I've run into an intonation problem when setting up my Brice HXB-405 fretless bass. I want the "12th fret" harmonics to match the notes I play slightly behind them, so I don't have to play sharp in the lower registers. This works fine for the 3rd through 5th strings (A, E, and low B), but not the 1st or 2nd strings (G and D), where I literally cannot shorten the strings any more...the closest I can get right now is to have the harmonics match the notes I play directly underneath. I hope this explanation is clear...anyway, what can I do to buy a little more room shortening those higher strings?

Thanks!
Bill

Worry more about the 7th and 19th fret harmonics. If they're right, and you want them to be right ON the mark- not behind, the 12th will be fine.

Why do you want the fretted note to be flat- using the edge of your finger as a guide? You should be able to play with good intonation without looking and if you need to play a different instrument, it will cause problems that may not be overcome in a hurry. If you can't set it flat enough, the bridge will have to be moved, or you'll have to remove some of the material at the back of the saddles.

[paulrider]

Originally Posted by billgwx

Hello,

I've run into an intonation problem when setting up my Brice HXB-405 fretless bass. I want the "12th fret" harmonics to match the notes I play slightly behind them, so I don't have to play sharp in the lower registers. This works fine for the 3rd through 5th strings (A, E, and low B), but not the 1st or 2nd strings (G and D), where I literally cannot shorten the strings any more...the closest I can get right now is to have the harmonics match the notes I play directly underneath. I hope this explanation is clear...anyway, what can I do to buy a little more room shortening those higher strings?

Thanks!
Bill

Bill,
Are you sure that your bridge is in the correct position? I had some intonation problems with a 60s Fender Reissure and it turned out that they placed the bridge in the wrong place. Luckily it only had to be moved a c**t hair and no holes were exposed.