Setting intonation

tjclem · #1 08-13-2009, 07:59 AM

What tuner are you using? I have been using a TU-2 and it seems to give me strange reading when doing the "B" string. Telling me to move the saddle much further back than the "E" string one. I was just wondering what tuners other builders are using......t

dmusic148 · #2 08-13-2009, 08:02 AM

It is very common to have to move the B string saddle considerably further back than the others. Tuner's probably just fine.

Skelf · #3 08-13-2009, 08:05 AM

I use a Peterson strobe tuner having found the usual instrument tuners not quiet accurate enough. The B string saddle is usually a fair bit further back than the E.

tjclem · #4 08-13-2009, 08:09 AM

Interesting there are a lot of Peterson tuners. What one do you like? How do you measure to place your bridges?

ehque · #5 08-13-2009, 08:41 AM

Again: Sonic Research Turbo Tuner.

I actually have to tune standing up because the tuner can pick up variations in tuning from the position of the bass (and the weight of the neck).

Musiclogic · #6 08-13-2009, 07:07 PM

Conn strobotune, I think from the late 60's or early 70's....have had it for 25 years, works like a charm, there's a bunch of strobes on Ebay($70-$200 range) , including 2 Peterson 490's quite cheap, both under $50 right now.

NKUSigEp · #7 08-13-2009, 07:12 PM

I think the TU-2 uses the same guts as the TU-12H which is what I used. It was a great pedal above a low C but after that, it was worthless. I had to hit the harmonic over the 12th fret to set the intonation which wasn't extremely accurate. Close but not for someone paying you to do it.

And as stated above, it's not uncommon to have to move the bridge saddle a good distance to get it set right. I'm now using a Kort DTR-1000 and haven't had any problems whatsoever.

Dirk Diggler · #8 08-13-2009, 07:42 PM

I'm a strobostomp fan myself.

Beej · #9 08-13-2009, 07:45 PM

I used to use a "Matrix" needle guage tuner, very old school, but better visual accuracy than modern digital ones. After many many moons of finicky intonating, I now just do it by ear...

tjclem · #10 08-14-2009, 04:09 PM

anybody know about the Peterson 450 strobe tuner?

Musiclogic · #11 08-16-2009, 12:10 AM

450 is one of their higher end models, and is quite good., Not sure of exact specs, but a repairman here that I know, uses one.

fourstringburn · #12 08-16-2009, 12:31 AM

I have a question in line with this thread, I have heard when you set the intonation, have the bass laying on a flat surface so there is no undue stress on the bass. But I also heard you should set the intonation while holding the bass in your usual playing position because ultimately that's when the end result of your intonation comes into play.
Both statements sound reasonable, but which is more correct?

tjclem · #13 08-16-2009, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musiclogic

450 is one of their higher end models, and is quite good., Not sure of exact specs, but a repairman here that I know, uses one.

Thanks I will be buying it........t

ehque · #14 08-16-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstringburn

I have a question in line with this thread, I have heard when you set the intonation, have the bass laying on a flat surface so there is no undue stress on the bass. But I also heard you should set the intonation while holding the bass in your usual playing position because ultimately that's when the end result of your intonation comes into play.
Both statements sound reasonable, but which is more correct?

A lot of things will affect your intonation more than the position of your neck when you are playing, but some tuners are accurate enough to detect it. I personally set my intonation in whichever position is comfortable to me, since intonation is a "close enough" business anyway, but i tune with the bass in position.

Son of Magni · #15 08-16-2009, 09:49 AM

I use a Peterson R450, the rackmount version of the 450. It is very nice. Has a little trouble locking on to a low B though.

Musiclogic · #16 08-16-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstringburn

I have a question in line with this thread, I have heard when you set the intonation, have the bass laying on a flat surface so there is no undue stress on the bass. But I also heard you should set the intonation while holding the bass in your usual playing position because ultimately that's when the end result of your intonation comes into play.
Both statements sound reasonable, but which is more correct?

Intonation is best, and most accurately set on the bench, your playing position should not effect it when you play if set properly.

tjclem · #17 08-18-2009, 03:55 PM

I got the 450 home today looking forward to trying it out.......t

lethargytartare · #18 08-18-2009, 04:09 PM

Since you can vary the pitch slightly sharp/flat depending on how hard you press when playing, you just want to intonate with the note fretted as closely to how you will fret it when playing (sounds obvious, I guess). As was said -- it's still pretty much a "close enough" situation, and if you can put the right amount of pressure with it on a bench or in your lap, have at it.

Cheers!
ltt

tjclem · #19 08-18-2009, 04:14 PM

The way the machine is built it seems you almost need to calibrate it with a known pitch before using it. Otherwise how do you know for sure that the Zero on the veneer knob really is correct?