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Can't get good intonation on L2K's E string

#2
I would check a couple of things.

1. How high is the action on the E string? If you can lower it a bit, that might help.

2. If you neck is bowed too much, or twisted, that can affect the intonation.

3. You could also try removing the spring from the E string saddle. I've had to do this on the B string on my non-G&L 5ers.

Good luck!
 
#4
Hmm... That's kind of unusual. Intonation issues are usually in the other direction.

Make sure that the setup of the instrument is at least close to normal. Also check that the E string is settled into the nut and saddle slots properly.

With the bass' body laid flat on its back on your bench, press down on each string on the neck side immediately adjacent to its saddle. For example, place your finger or thumb on the E string about 1/4" to 3/8" to the neck side of the saddle and press down firmly. Doing this will help define the string "break" over the saddle by creasing it slightly over the saddle.

Now retune, as you've probably driven each string a little flat.

Now try setting intonation. Don't forget to re-tighten the saddle lock screw.

If found this to be a great aid in getting a bass to hold tune and properly intonate. A strobe tuner is also a great aid here, as the harmonic-rich MFDs can be a bit too rich for some tuners. YMMV, of course.

Failing this, replace the string or take the bass to a pro.

Ken...
 
#7
Chef said:
What Ken suggested is called "reinforcing the witness point" by my luthier friends.
I do this everytime I put on new strings.
Click to expand...

You mean there's a technical term for it? That's pretty cool.

It was just an observation I'd made some time ago where I was looking at the side of the bridge of my L-2000 and noticed that the E string had this real gentle curve over the saddle. Using my thumb, I "reinforced the witness point" (Jeez, I like that!) and the gentle curve went away. Intonation changed and the tuning got more stable in the bargain.

Thanks!

Ken...
 
#10
Ken Baker said:
You mean there's a technical term for it? That's pretty cool.

It was just an observation I'd made some time ago where I was looking at the side of the bridge of my L-2000 and noticed that the E string had this real gentle curve over the saddle. Using my thumb, I "reinforced the witness point" (Jeez, I like that!) and the gentle curve went away. Intonation changed and the tuning got more stable in the bargain.

Thanks!

Ken...
Click to expand...

Also makes for more consistent string height across string changes. That's where I first discovered it.
 
#11
Ken Baker said:
With the bass' body laid flat on its back on your bench, press down on each string on the neck side immediately adjacent to its saddle. For example, place your finger or thumb on the E string about 1/4" to 3/8" to the neck side of the saddle and press down firmly. Doing this will help define the string "break" over the saddle by creasing it slightly over the saddle.
Click to expand...

I just tried this and it completely solved my intonation problems with my E string. Many thanks.
 
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