Out of tune on the 12th Fret

[Missing_Deltora]

Hey guys, I bought an ESP B-154 brand new about 6 months ago, and I have just changed the srings for the first time. But the problem is that now it is out of tune, by only the tinest bit on the E string around the 12th fret, and is very noticeable when playing with my bands, apparently you have to tune it at the bridge but I wouldn't have a clue how. And I dont wanna pay someone to fix what seems like such and easy problem to fix. Any help rectifing this would be great!

[vindy500]

Intonation (Roughing it out)

You can pre-set the basic intonation of your bass by taking your tape measure and measuring from the inside of the nut to the center of the 12th fret (the wire, not the fingerboard). Double that measurement to find the scale length of your bass. Adjust the 1st string bridge saddle to this scale length, measuring from the inside of the nut to the center of the bridge saddle. Now, adjust the distance of the 2nd saddle back from the 1st saddle, using the gauge of the 2nd string as a measurement (Example: If the 2nd string is .060" (1.5 mm) you would move the 2nd string back .060" (1.5 mm) from the 1st saddle). Move the 3rd back from the 2nd saddle, using the gauge of the 3rd string as a measurement. The 4th in the same method (and 5th if you have a 5-string bass). Note: If you are using taperwound 4th string (and 5th if you have a 5-string bass) use the actual gauge of the string for your measurement-not the dimension of the tapered portion of the string.

Set the pickup selector in the middle, volume and tone controls to the max. Check tuning. Compare each string at the 12th fret harmonic to fretted note. If sharp, lengthen string by adjusting the saddle back. If flat, shorten string by moving the saddle forward. Remember basses are tempered instruments, retune, play and make further adjustments as needed.

[trasser]

It is a very common problem with brand new basses. When you take your new bass out of a store, it will expand or shrink due to temperature and other things. Normally you get one free fine tuning/adjustment of your bass from the store you bought it in, because it is almost destined to go out of tune. Maybe you did to, go and ask (or demand?) and you won't have to pay anything.

[Missing_Deltora]

Originally Posted by vindy500

Intonation (Roughing it out)

You can pre-set the basic intonation of your bass by taking your tape measure and measuring from the inside of the nut to the center of the 12th fret (the wire, not the fingerboard). Double that measurement to find the scale length of your bass. Adjust the 1st string bridge saddle to this scale length, measuring from the inside of the nut to the center of the bridge saddle. Now, adjust the distance of the 2nd saddle back from the 1st saddle, using the gauge of the 2nd string as a measurement (Example: If the 2nd string is .060" (1.5 mm) you would move the 2nd string back .060" (1.5 mm) from the 1st saddle). Move the 3rd back from the 2nd saddle, using the gauge of the 3rd string as a measurement. The 4th in the same method (and 5th if you have a 5-string bass). Note: If you are using taperwound 4th string (and 5th if you have a 5-string bass) use the actual gauge of the string for your measurement-not the dimension of the tapered portion of the string.

Set the pickup selector in the middle, volume and tone controls to the max. Check tuning. Compare each string at the 12th fret harmonic to fretted note. If sharp, lengthen string by adjusting the saddle back. If flat, shorten string by moving the saddle forward. Remember basses are tempered instruments, retune, play and make further adjustments as needed.

Finally someone who actually knows what they are talking about. Thanks heaps for the info.

[vindy500]

i just copy and pasted from the sticky

[Dan1099]

Here's the way I do it.

Tune the string to the correct pitch (E in your case) and check the harmonic at the 12th fret. This is done by just lightly resting your finger on the string at the 12th fret and plucking. This should be an E, in tune, too. If it's off by a few cents, don't worry, as cheap tuners are often more accurate at higher pitches. Get this harmonic in tune the same way you normally tune.

Then, fret at the 12th fret, and check the tuner. If it's off, you need to adjust your intonation. On most basses, this is done by turning a screw on the back of the bridge, which in turn moves that saddle. If your fretted note is sharper than your harmonic, you need to move the saddle back a little bit. If it is flatter, you need to move it forward a bit. Little differences go a long way! Move it a few turns, retune the string as above, and check again. Retuning between each step is IMPORTANT. Keep doing this until it is dead on.

As a general rule, your G string saddle should be closest to the nut, and the D should be slightly behind that, with the A behind the D, and the E behind the D. Remember, Bass is a tempered instrument, as are most western instruments. You will NEVER get every fret perfectly in tune. Don't stress it. As long as you've got the 12th fret in tune with the 12th fret harmonic, everything should be close enough that 99.9% of the population won't hear a thing wrong with it.

[RWP]

Originally Posted by vindy500

i just copy and pasted from the sticky

Man! You NEVER should have admitted that, I was impressed too.