A single note (fret) on a single string out of tune

[PRUNEFACE]

I have a MIM Precision Bass that I got as my first bass a few years ago, and I have been playing it these last few weeks and have noticed REALLY bad that the 4th fret on the A string is major out of tune. The open string is perfectly in tune. The C (3rd) is totally in tune. The closed D (5th) totally in tune. Db (4th) waaaaay off. The F# and B and Ab (all on 4th) are perfect too.
Any ideas on why this is?

[Pilgrim]

Sounds like you need to intonate that string...or perhaps check to see if it's broken or in the process of breaking.

[96tbird]

Really, you shouldn't tune open strings, use the harmonics to tune. Besides if all the notes on frets either side of the Db are on, it's impossible that the Db is, in reality, that far off. Old or corroded, etc. strings can have weird overtones that screw with electronic tuners.

[PRUNEFACE]

I use the harmonics on the 5th and 7th fret to tune -but the whole reason I noticed this was in the ensemble, as I was way out of tune on the single chord. I checked the tuning after I had finished playing for that class period and checked my tuning. Perfect. Checked Db -totally out. Checked C and D -perfect. I wish it was just a tuner problem. This is making hard to play, as for whatever reason, my jazz band teacher has chosen pieces with plenty of Db...

[202dy]

When all else is in place look for something out of place.

The string should meet the fret at Top Dead Center. TDC should be in the center of the fret. A small change in the crown will change the pitch of the fretted note. Check the top of the fret. There is probably some wear.

Or, it could simply be a worn string. Check the string at F-4 for a flat, kink, or worn spot. It can have the same effect as a worn fret.

[repoman]

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

I use the harmonics on the 5th and 7th fret to tune -but the whole reason I noticed this was in the ensemble, as I was way out of tune on the single chord. I checked the tuning after I had finished playing for that class period and checked my tuning. Perfect. Checked Db -totally out. Checked C and D -perfect. I wish it was just a tuner problem. This is making hard to play, as for whatever reason, my jazz band teacher has chosen pieces with plenty of Db...

... not to ask a dumb question, but, how do you do this?
(I have always tuned an open string, I guess that's wrong...??)

[PRUNEFACE]

Well just like the double bass one can get a harmonic on the fifth fret -this is the same note of the open string if you had a tuner, albeit a different octave. If you get the harmonic of the 7th fret on the next (higher in sound) string you can compare these two -they are the exact same pitch.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

I have a MIM Precision Bass that I got as my first bass a few years ago, and I have been playing it these last few weeks and have noticed REALLY bad that the 4th fret on the A string is major out of tune. The open string is perfectly in tune. The C (3rd) is totally in tune. The closed D (5th) totally in tune. Db (4th) waaaaay off. The F# and B and Ab (all on 4th) are perfect too.
Any ideas on why this is?

Can you, or anyone else, hear this, or is this something a machine is telling you?

[walterw]

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Really, you shouldn't tune open strings, use the harmonics to tune.

huh?

i can see 12th fret harmonics if you have a tuner that can't track low pitches very well, but don't use that ol' 5th/7th chime thing if you want to be actually in tune. that'll make each string about 2 cents off from the next one, which will add up across 4 or 5 strings.

Originally Posted by 96tbird

Old or corroded, etc. strings can have weird overtones that screw with electronic tuners.

this. a weird or "impossible" intonation issue is usually caused by a bad string.

[96tbird]

Sorry I wasn't clear. I did mean 12th fret harmonics. It's all I use, simply just to check intonation at the 12th same time. The old 5, 7 is poor.

[PRUNEFACE]

Originally Posted by JLS

Can you, or anyone else, hear this, or is this something a machine is telling you?

Every single person can tell. The band director made a comment (as a joke with a serious intent) and was like "... there is that one note on 'Christmas Song' it's been a little crazy-driving these past few weeks... it's always out."
It took a tuner for me to see exactly what the problem was as I hadn't investigated too thoroughly. It makes zero sense to me. Could it still be the string even though it is a single note?

EDIT:
I didn't realize that about the tuning -I just use that with the orchestral playing I do and assumed there was a reason (other than pure convenience) that it was still used.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

I have a MIM Precision Bass that I got as my first bass a few years ago...

have you ever changed the strings?

[PRUNEFACE]

yes, a number of times. currently has LaBella tapewounds. Each change was accompanied by a setup

[robbotbass]

Some times if you press too hard on the strings it will distorte the sound. Not sure your doing this but it could be the problem (doubtful) Other then that I agree with a lot the other comments old strings, intonation, or a bum tuner.

[caffuchino]

I think there's something called a 'wolf note' on a double bass - a note that just sounds horrible when you play it, something that messed with the natural vibration thing of the bass. Either way, have you tried playing the 9th fret on the E string to see if that's in tune?

[walterw]

Originally Posted by PRUNEFACE

yes, a number of times. currently has LaBella tapewounds. Each change was accompanied by a setup

OK, good.

did this problem exist on the previous set of strings?