Saddle all the way back to get good Intonation

[Masher88]

My G&L Tribute 2500 has to have the B string saddle pushed all the way back in the bridge for the intonation to be correct. It's so far back, that I had to take the little spring out so the saddle could be moved further back. This is only on the B string. I was using a 125 gauge string, but decided to try a 130 gauge thinking that was the cause. Nope...same thing. Is this normal on 34" scale 5 strings? I hope not. I can't see how this would be normal. Possibly it's because it's a cheaper bass? It plays ok when I get the intone right...no outstanding neck issues...other that this. Any Ideas?

[Hookus]

Does not sound normal to me. How are you checking the intonation?

[Masher88]

Checking it with a chromatic tuner. One that does cents and all that. I know it should be with a strobe tuner, but I don't have one. The intonation is way out if I don't put the saddle all the way back against the back of the bridge

[WillBuckingham]

I had to do the same thing on my pedulla, when I had it strung with a low B. If you can get it to intonate properly, then I would just leave it alone.

-Will

[Turnaround]

Are you using a taper-wound B string? If not, you might try one. Taper-wounds intonate differently.

If your B is not taper-wound, try this trick - push down firmly on the B String with your thumb right in front of the bridge. You want to bend the string over the bridge saddle. Often with heavier strings the string break over the saddle is not well-defined - the string forms a little mound over the saddle instead of a nice angular break. Once you get a good break angle, re-intonate. Of course, when you move the saddle for intonation, you will have to press with your thumb again to set the break in the new position.

BTW - setting the break angle like this should be done at the nut too. Just be careful at the nut - too much pressure and you might crack it.

[Hookus]

Both good advice, seems like that should speed you on your way.

[Masher88]

My new set of strings is a D'Addario set of Nickel Wounds. I think they are tapered. But the package doesn't say it, so I'm not sure. They do taper down at the end of the string.

Thanks for the tip about the break angle...I'll try that out!!!

[Sonorous]

He means a taper at the bridge end of the string.

[Masher88]

oh...hahaha. No they aren't tapered at that end. I did the string break angle trick. Not I have to re-setup my bass. The action is alot lower now and the intonation is all over the place. I'll post when I've adjusted everything.

[Masher88]

Problem Solved! Giving the string a little push right after the saddle made a huge difference! I was able to put the little spring back on the correct side of the bridge and the intonations is perfect now! Thanks Guys!

[SGT. Pepper]

You probably need a neck adjustment.