weird intonation issue..Tele Bass

[Shadi]

Hello all...
I have an early 1968 Telecaster bass. I can set the intonation pretty darn close for having a two saddle bridge...but I have a strange occurance on my A string at the 12th fret. I can get the intonation set fine, but when I fret it at the 12th, I get 'beats' or waves in the sound as if it were out of tune with another pitch. I know there are some strange physics going on here, but I'm stumped. I've tried 3 different sets of strings...thought it may be the fret itself, but it does similar things from the 11th all the way up.

Any thoughts or hints??

Thanks,
Shadi

[LukeeeeBennett]

Hmm, that sounds very odd. The "waves effect" is usually heard when a frequency goes out and in quickly and produces these dark spots of sound. At first I thought it MUST be the strings, but if you've changed them then.. Hmm... Have you changed the gauge too? Might need to be naturally tighter strings. Other than that, it could even go down to the bolts that are in the bass, so your best bet is to go to a shop and get it checked out.

Don't just take my word as I am only 16, but I do strive in the Physics department.

[mongo2]

Have you tried increasing the distance between the pickup and the strings?

[southshoreconor]

i've heard of this happening when the string is "twisted", usually from hand wrapping the string on the tuning post. but if that were the case, it would sound that way with the string open i believe.

[fleabee]

Make sure you aren't using tapered strings-that would be a dead giveaway

[62bass]

Try lowering the pickup. I've found that's usually the problem with those odd frequency beat notes with that single coil Tele.

[Shadi]

Thanks for all the advise. I'll try lowering the pickup first....The different strings I tried were different gauges, two were flatwounds one was rounds.....

[JLS]

Originally Posted by Shadi

Hello all...
I have an early 1968 Telecaster bass. I can set the intonation pretty darn close for having a two saddle bridge...but I have a strange occurance on my A string at the 12th fret. I can get the intonation set fine, but when I fret it at the 12th, I get 'beats' or waves in the sound as if it were out of tune with another pitch. I know there are some strange physics going on here, but I'm stumped. I've tried 3 different sets of strings...thought it may be the fret itself, but it does similar things from the 11th all the way up.

Any thoughts or hints??

Thanks,
Shadi

It may be ringing/resonating behind the 12th fret.

[Shadi]

that's what I thought it was at first, but it still did it after the string was damped fret 1-11

[Hookus]

Could be sort of a wolf note.

[PJSShearer]

If you are hearing the "beat" through the amp then try lowering the pup a little - that's generally favourite in this situation.

[62bass]

Originally Posted by Hookus

Could be sort of a wolf note.

Those wolves are getting less and less afraid of humans.

[62bass]

Originally Posted by Shadi

that's what I thought it was at first, but it still did it after the string was damped fret 1-11

Well, what happened? Did you try anything? Did it go away on its own?