Korg GA-30 Tuner Questions.

Dregin · #1 05-20-2009, 06:07 PM

I just received my Ibanez Mikro Short Scale Bass. This is my second bass guitar and I was playing around with it and decided to see if it was in tune so i plugged it into my Korg tuner. After getting the E and A strings to light up green with no red but the D string oh boy what a problem i have with that.

It will flash green but it won't ever stick to green like the other two will and the G string isn't a problem. Is the tuner even accurate? What else can I do to ensure my bass is in tune? I have always had tuning problems so any advice on tuning would really help out.

Solarmist · #2 05-20-2009, 07:12 PM

I have the same tuner, and I like it having the 5 graduated flat settings. It's a nice accurate tuner for the price.

The higher strings will always be easier to tune (with a tuner) than the lowers partially due to having higher tension, and less string amplitude. Your D should be just about as easy as the G - are you sure there isn't another problem. You didn't try to recalibrate it did you?

NOTE: It's normal for it to go sharp (red - right of center) especially on the A string and lower [E/B], and then settle back to green in the center as the note strength weakens.

Turnaround · #3 05-20-2009, 09:18 PM

Lots of tuners seem to have problems with the lower strings. Sound the harmonic at the octave and tune with that. Often the tuners can deal with the harmonics a lot better than the open string.

Dregin · #4 05-20-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solarmist

I have the same tuner, and I like it having the 5 graduated flat settings. It's a nice accurate tuner for the price.

The higher strings will always be easier to tune (with a tuner) than the lowers partially due to having higher tension, and less string amplitude. Your D should be just about as easy as the G - are you sure there isn't another problem. You didn't try to recalibrate it did you?

NOTE: It's normal for it to go sharp (red - right of center) especially on the A string and lower [E/B], and then settle back to green in the center as the note strength weakens.

I tinkered around with the tuning keys a little because I was practicing my scales and c major sounded a little off.

Solarmist · #5 05-21-2009, 02:19 AM

Is your intonation set right? You can set it with that tuner.

Setting Intonation:
Tune the bass with the tuner - then check the 12th fret note with the 12th fret harmonic. If the fretted note is sharp of the harmonic - move the saddle back towards the bridge. If the fretted note is flat of the harmonic - move the saddle forward towards the nut.

Dregin · #6 05-21-2009, 05:40 AM

Ah ok thanks guys

konaboy · #7 05-21-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solarmist

Is your intonation set right? You can set it with that tuner.

Setting Intonation:
Tune the bass with the tuner - then check the 12th fret note with the 12th fret harmonic. If the fretted note is sharp of the harmonic - move the saddle back towards the bridge. If the fretted note is flat of the harmonic - move the saddle forward towards the nut.

can you simply play the octave on the 12th fret and use the electronic tuner to check if the note it is sharp or flat and adjust saddle accordingly? That seems easier than comparing the fretted note with the harmonic by ear - or am I missing something...?

Solarmist · #8 05-21-2009, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by konaboy

can you simply play the octave on the 12th fret and use the electronic tuner to check if the note it is sharp or flat and adjust saddle accordingly? That seems easier than comparing the fretted note with the harmonic by ear - or am I missing something...?

Who said by ear? I didn't.

I said "then check the 12th fret note with the 12th fret harmonic" ..... using the tuner. I thought you knew that

The explanation I gave is how bass setup sites tell you to set intonation.

konaboy · #9 05-22-2009, 04:05 AM

Sorry to hijack thread but one more question for Solarmist, the thing that confuses me is why compare the fretted note with the harmonic?

Why not just play the fretted 12th and check that on the tuner?

Solarmist · #10 05-22-2009, 03:47 PM

You can do it your way - it works, but it is not as accurate.

This comes straight from the Fender setup page at http://www.fender.com/support/basses.php

INTONATION (FINE TUNING)
Adjustments should be made after all of the above have been accomplished. Set the pickup selector switch (if your bass has one) in the middle position, and turn the volume and tone controls to their maximum settings. Check tuning. Check each string at the 12th fret, harmonic to fretted note (make sure you are depressing the string evenly to the fret, not the fingerboard). If sharp, lengthen the string by adjusting the saddle back. If flat, shorten the string by moving the saddle forward. Remember, basses are tempered instruments! Re-tune, play and make further adjustments as needed.

Turnaround · #11 05-22-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by konaboy

Sorry to hijack thread but one more question for Solarmist, the thing that confuses me is why compare the fretted note with the harmonic?

Why not just play the fretted 12th and check that on the tuner?

Using the fretted note assumes that your intonation is accurate. Using the harmonic ensures the string is in tune even if the intonation is off. If your bass is set up accurately, then there's no difference.