Intonation issue on E string

[Electrophonic]

I've adjusted the intonation on one of my (new) p basses and have found a (for me) new issue: instead of having to move the E string saddle back from the A string saddle I have to move it forward.

G, D and A are perfect in tune on both open strings, 12th fret and other frets. The saddles line up normally back from each other. But the E string saddle doesn't. I have to adjust it just a bit higher than the A sting saddle to be perfect in tune on both open strings, 12th fret and other frets.

This may be a stupid issue, but I've never discovered it before on my other basses.

Should I just leave it and play, or do I have an adjust issue here?

[berwick63]

I wouldn't call it a "Stupid issue" but it's definitely a common issue. Sometimes string don't intonate the exact way as the previous set. I don't think you should worry about it. Intonate it so its right, not so it's "where it was"

[Marton]

If the bass intonates well, what's the problem ?

[SMILEYSIXX]

Happens on my jazz. My E string saddle is in almost the same spot as my G. It's weird, but it's intonated and it works.

[berwick63]

Originally Posted by Marton

If the bass intonates well, what's the problem ?

Exactly my point. The location of the saddle in relation to where it was on your last set of strings has nothing to do with it. As long as the string intonates correctly, thats all that matters

However, make sure you have a good witness point where the string breaks over the saddle. really push it down on either side so it lays nice and flat over the top of the saddle. That will definitely throw off intonation.

[kb9wyz]

I had this happen in reverse, recently. I was thinking that it my have something to do with the gauges of the strings. Can anyone vouch for this or is it from something else entirely?

[testing1two]

it's probably an issue with the string. If it sounds ok and the intonation is holding then play it knowing that you'll probably need to re-intonate next time you change strings.

[calebbarton]

Make sure you push down on the string @ the saddle so it sits flush against it. If it breaks weird over the saddle it can cause weird intonation problems.

[Electrophonic]

Thanks guys. I was a bit confused here. I did change the strings, but still the same gauge of strings. The string also breaks well over the saddle. Oh well, it works and stays in tune and intonated.

[allexcosta]

It's not an issue...

You need to adjust intonation every time you change strings, even if they are same gauge, model and brand...

Although not common, having the saddles in an odd pattern is perfectly possible.

[JTE]

Gauge isn't the primary variable that determines the intonation. It's really the mass of the string. Using different alloys, and different ratios of wrap wire to core wire sizes will affect the mass so even absolutely identical gauges can vary a lot in where they need to be set for intonation.

Before you get too concerned, do exactly what calebbarton says. Push down on the strings right where they come off the saddle to the neck. That creates a good "witness point". The heavier strings tend to arc over the saddle rather than break cleanly over it and that moves the witness point back, causing the saddle to have to be located closer to the neck than with a good witness point at the leading edge of the saddle.

Try it and see if that solves the problem.

John

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Also, make sure the string is not "Twisted"...

Loosen the string so the ball end can move freely in the bridge, if the string is "twisted" the ball end will turn. Even if it is a couple of times it will effect the strings overall performance.

[Zooberwerx]

Another thumbs up for setting witness points....at both the bridge and nut (very important!). Also, keep in mind that tapered strings will require the bridge saddle to be advanced forward, moreso than conventional wraps.

Riis