Setup oddity-E string is shorter than normal

Stinsok · #1 05-29-2011, 07:58 PM

What am I doing wrong? When setting the intonation the E string saddle is farther forward than usual.

Marton · #2 05-29-2011, 08:02 PM

Different set of string, or same set as usual ?

Stinsok · #3 05-29-2011, 08:05 PM

New bass, D'addario strings.

Marton · #4 05-29-2011, 08:24 PM

I know my basses don't intonate identically. If the bass is in tune, I would not worry.

Zooberwerx · #5 05-29-2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinsok

New bass, D'addario strings.

May not be a big deal, but...

Standard or tapered string set (I don't know or use the DA line)? If tapered, all strings or just the E? Did you set your witness points?

Riis

T-Bird · #6 05-29-2011, 11:01 PM

Hi.

Like said, not all basses intonate the same. Some manufacturers do not use compensation when cutting the fret slots, and those who do, don't always follow the same formulae.

An inproperly cut nut will also (obviously) make intonating more difficult.

All the strings do not intonate the same either.

I usually do use the "slanted pattern" as a start for both guitars and bases, but that's just the start, I'm not bothered if the saddle positions look weird after the adjustments if the instrument is otherwise fine.

Regards
Sam

202dy · #7 05-30-2011, 05:42 AM

Have you established a witness point? Press down on the string on both sides of the nut to insure the string lies flat in the nut slot. Do this at the saddle, too. Otherwise the string will arc from the rear of the nut effectively changing the scale length.

In some cases, an improperly cut nut will have the same effect. In this example, TDC of the saddle slot is somewhere other than the fingerboard end of the nut. The remedy is to recut the bottom of the slot so that it is flat and sloped toward the headstock.

Stinsok · #8 05-30-2011, 03:57 PM

I am writing this as I am preparing to hit the road. The bass came with the saddles in a traditional stair step position. I didn't have any issues with tuning, but I just like to know they are intonated. All strings except the E are ok. The E didn't sound out of tune, but according the the tuner it's flat. I will try the witness point and give it a closer look when I get back in town.

Stinsok · #9 06-18-2011, 04:20 PM

I have looked on the internet for tutorials on the "witness point," but can't find anything.

202dy · #10 06-18-2011, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinsok

I have looked on the internet for tutorials on the "witness point," but can't find anything.

The tutorial for "witness point" was in the post. Please read the first paragraph.