In need of quick help...the fretted note at the 5th fret is out of tune, while the op

Damani311 · #1 10-24-2007, 01:40 AM

The open string can be in tune, but then the fifth fretted note will be sharp.....what do i need to do to fix this? Thanks

phat daddy · #2 10-24-2007, 02:01 AM

I believe that's the nature of any bass that doesn't have the Buzz Fieten (I don't know quite how to spell the name) system of tuning. Basses, just as do any piano-inspired instruments, have an unequally tempered tuning when tracked note-to-note. Some keys sound better on piano than others, for instance Bb sounds much better than the key of Gb due to this very concept. Some keys are more "in tune" than others because the notes aren't all completely an equal distance apart. IMO there's probably nothing wrong with your bass, it's just the temperment in which it's made.

**Rune Bivrin** · #3 10-24-2007, 02:32 AM

A professional setup might help.

Most of the time, it will be enough to adjust the bridge saddle to make sure the 12th fret is in tune. Sometimes a truss rod adjustment is needed. Sometimes the bass really sucks, and then you'll need to buy a new, better bass.

Hullaballoo · #4 10-24-2007, 02:43 AM

Is it just the 5th fret that's sharp? If it's sharp at the 12th too (and the rest)with the open string in tune, then your intonation may be wrong. Try lengthening the string (ie move the saddle towards the bridge) Sometimes tiny inaccuracies in the fret positions can lead to one being obviously sharp (or flat) while the others seem more or less correct, and getting the intonation spot-on can get rid of this effect. (I've got a bass like this) As the previous poster said, it's all a bit of a compromise really, and it's nearly impossible to get the tuning 100% all over the neck, but juggling with the string length can get you to a usable compromise.
Apologies if you've already checked the intonation - I don't mean to insult your intelligence!
Also a bad or old string can lead to stange effects like this.

Damani311 · #5 10-24-2007, 03:03 AM

I'm sure it's the intonation that's off, in addition to the nature of the guitars, since it's REALLY sharp! Appreciate the help guys