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B string intonation problem

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by basss, Oct 28, 2001.

  1. Oct 28, 2001 #1
    basss

    basss Supporting Member

    Aug 27, 2001
    NY
    What in the hell is wrong with my B string? I know how to set the intonation and all the other strings sound great and are in tune at the 12th fret. The B stays 10-15 cents sharp and sounds a little "wobbly" no matter how far back I pull the saddle -the pitch seems to flange around. The strings are 1 week old. What in the hell?
     
  2. Oct 28, 2001 #2
    embellisher

    embellisher Holy Ghost filled Bass Player Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2000
    Heber Springs, Arkansas
    What kind of bass do you have, and what kind of strings are on it?

    Large diameter strings can be a bitch to intonate properly, that is one of the reasons that I prefer taperwound strings. They are much easier to intonate IME.
     
  3. Oct 28, 2001 #3
    basss

    basss Supporting Member

    Aug 27, 2001
    NY
    Its a yamaha bbn5 with dr low riders. I think the B is .130. Its not exactly a high end bass but I've played other bbn5's and those had good B's. It just seems wierd that all the other strings sound good but the B is sharp. The action is not too high-between 3 and 4mm from the bottom of string to the 24th fret.
     
  4. Oct 29, 2001 #4
    AllodoX

    AllodoX

    Jun 6, 2001
    's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherla
    i've got the same problem with my BTB.. the B-string is always a little off.. if you tune it.. intone it.. it's off.. tune it again.. intone.. it's off again..

    imho there is only one solution to it.. just say " F### it! "

    it's not very noticable, so... blah ! :)
     
  5. Oct 29, 2001 #5
    john turner

    john turner You don't want to do that. Trust me. Staff Member

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    try taperwound strings. iirc, dr strings are non-tapered. this is bad, imo, especially for the low B. i use dean markley sr2000's, and they intonate excellently, all the way down to low B and even low F#.

    i posted a pretty indepth discussion of why non-tapered strings don't intonate as well as tapers do a while back, here check it out...

    http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10929
     
  6. Oct 29, 2001 #6
    basss

    basss Supporting Member

    Aug 27, 2001
    NY
    Thats a great thread Mr. Turner. My B string is definitely rounded looking around the saddle. I'll try some taper core strings. Thanks!