Hi, Don -
B strings are a bit tougher to intonate. If you have access to a tuner it makes it a lot easier - but I
think the reason is that since a B string vibrates at 31Hz it's pretty hard for a tuner to track. Even if your intonation was a couple of cents off that's still < a 1Hz error - pretty tough on a tuner or a practiced ear.
I have a Korg DTR-1 - a pretty high-speed tuner and still have problems getting it to track a B string consistently. I do have a suggestion, though - it seems to be a little easier for me and might be worth a try. Someone on another forum taught me this trick (thanks, Jazz Ad).
Try tuning the B at the 12th fret and comparing the 12th fret harmonic to it. That way you can let the harmonic ring (and watch the tuner) while you adjust the saddle. I've been able to get B string intonation closer this way than any other way - maybe it'll work for you. Here's how you do it -
With a tuner, tune the B string at the 12th fret. Once that's in tune, check the 12th fret harmonic against it. If the harmonic is sharp, lengthen the string (move the saddle away from the neck). If it's flat, shorten the string. I only adjust the saddle about half a turn at a time because changing string length will pull the string out of tune - so adjust the bridge saddle, retune the B at the 12th fret and repeat as necessary. You'll get it.
Smiths are set up pretty well from the factory most of the time - maybe it'd be a good idea to measure relief and see if it needs to be adjusted. Although I've never used TI flats I understand string tension is pretty low - maybe raising bridge saddles or adjusting playing technique is a better solution than adjusting neck relief.
That said, if you need to adjust the neck, loosening the trussrod adds relief - tightening it makes the neck straighter. If you face the adjustment nut you turn it counterclockwise to add relief. IMO it's not a good idea to adjust more than 1/4 turn without letting the bass sit overnight - wood doesn't change shape easily or quickly
Good luck!
allan
