E string too short ? Intonation problem

[Sid s]

I’m setting up an Ibanez SR 690 (MIJ 2000).

The E string won’t intonate properly. That is, it’s sharp at the 12th fret with the bridge spring fully compressed. What could be the cause of this ? Old strings ?

 

[Zooberwerx]

Possibly the string. I'm assuming the 12th harmonic is spot-on. I'd start by re-setting the witness points at nut slot and bridge saddle. Removing the spring may yield some addt'l real estate. How's the intonation between the 1st-12th?

Riis

 

[Sid s]

Possibly the string. I'm assuming the 12th harmonic is spot-on. I'd start by re-setting the witness points at nut slot and bridge saddle.

I was not aware of witness points. After setting them, the E string intonates just fine!
The bridge saddle is still maxed out, but this is good enough.

 

[Zooberwerx]

I was not aware of witness points. After setting them, the E string intonates just fine!
The bridge saddle is still maxed out, but this is good enough.

Yeah, it's sometime overlooked but paramount for a proper string install & set-up. It establishes a proper & well-defined vibrating ("speaking") string path. Good chance you may need to tweak your saddle height a tad.

Glad it worked out for you! Nice bass, BTW.

Riis

 

[Sid s]

Good chance you may need to tweak your saddle height a tad.

In which direction, and for what purpose ?

I'm asking because the action is too high, while the E saddle is as low as it can go.

 

[Zooberwerx]

In which direction, and for what purpose ?

I'm asking because the action is too high, while the E saddle is as low as it can go.

Once you set your witness points, it usually drops the string towards the fretboard lowering the action. It's not much but remains a consideration. If your action is remains too high and saddles are bottomed-out:

*Is your relief within spec?

*May need an end-of-pocket shim.

Riis

 

[Sid s]

The relief is within spec, or a tiny bit lower.
(It's more than .010 and less than .012, Ibanez docs say .3-.5 mm)

I added an end-of-pocket shim and that allowed me to lower the action to where I want it, without flooring the saddles.

Thank you for your helpful replies.

 

[iiipopes]

Trim the spring and the saddle intonation screw so they can be adjusted further back. I have had to do this on a couple of my basses, including my #1 gig bass.

 

[byacey]

The relief is within spec, or a tiny bit lower.
(It's more than .010 and less than .012, Ibanez docs say .3-.5 mm)

I added an end-of-pocket shim and that allowed me to lower the action to where I want it, without flooring the saddles.

Thank you for your helpful replies.

Another happy business card shimmer!