Intonation on a fretless

[GeneralElectric]

So I finally put a fretless neck I've had on a P-Bass but I was wondering how to set the intonation on it.

This bass is also unlined.

Any pointers?

[Mushroo]

If the bass is unlined, it almost doesn't matter! ;-)
Does it have any side dots or markers for the 12th fret?

I find it's important when intonating a fretless that I put my finger where I actually would when I'm playing. Some people like to play right on the line, others just slightly behind the line... so you need to set intonation accordingly. But you don't have any lines, so... bad advice, sorry!

[StyleOverShow]

Its a bit obvious, but I would use an electronic tuner to get the open string true and then find the harmonics at or around the 5th, 7th frets. The set the octave overtone somewhere around 12th fret.

I used an inline tuner for about a month after going fretless. My ear is much better now and I don't drift (sharp) as much as I used to. It takes some time getting used to it.

[jgroh]

Not sure it will help because it is not lined, but on Gary Willis' page he has directions on how to intonate a fretless.

[GeneralElectric]

I tried fretting right below the 12th harmonic (my first idea) and the note is crazy sharp!

This isn't my first fretless bass, but its the first time I'd be setting one up.

Right now I don't know if its my fingering, or the note really is almost an A (I tried the first string first)

My fretting technique with fretted basses has always been excellent, right up against the line at all times, and thats what made my original transition to fretless so easy, I was just playing normally.

However this bass also has a J-neck and I haven't played a fretless J in ages!

[Chasarms]

I would argue that it is MORE important to have the intonation set correctly on a fretless. Learning to play in tune is a combination of ear training and very fine muscle memory.

You don't want the tones to be in different places everytime you change the strings.

[GeneralElectric]

Should I just take this to the shop and have them do it? I usually do all my own set ups and I can't spare the $60+strings my local shop charges

[Chasarms]

It's not that hard to set.

Tune the open string with a tuner.

Play the octave harmonic. Note that there is typically a little wiggle room on the string where you can get the octave hamonic to sound, so make sure you are in the position to get the clearest, ringing harmonic.

Now, play the stopped note in that that exact finger position. It should sound in tune. If not, it is the same process as a fretted. Saddle moves towaard the nut if flat, away if sharp.

Tweak until it is correct. Make sure you retune the open string after each adjustment.

[Mushroo]

Originally Posted by Chasarms

It's not that hard to set.

Tune the open string with a tuner.

Play the octave harmonic. Note that there is typically a little wiggle room on the string where you can get the octave hamonic to sound, so make sure you are in the position to get the clearest, ringing harmonic.

Now, play the stopped note in that that exact finger position. It should sound in tune. If not, it is the same process as a fretted. Saddle moves towaard the nut if flat, away if sharp.

Tweak until it is correct. Make sure you retune the open string after each adjustment.

But wouldn't that also change the position of the harmonic, requiring an infinite series of adjustments?

I guess I am scratching my head at how you would intonate a fretless bass with no lines or position markers of any kind. How do upright bassists do it?

[lowtide]

I would take a measurement from the nut. If it's a 34" scale mark a line in chalk at 17" and intonate just the same as you would any other bass.

[GeneralElectric]

Or I could use student violin tape (I've got some lying around)

I guess what I'm doing tomorrow...