Help needed badly.

[Bushhog]

D string intonation is correct open, fretted at the 12th and harmonically at the 12th fret. The notes F through B on the D string are flat. The G note is extremely flat. No issues with the E, A or G strings. What is causing this problem and how do I fix it? Thanks for any and all help.

 

[Beej]

I would hazard a guess that the D string nut slot is a problem - maybe something stuck inside under the string? Something is probably making the string not rest on the fretboard end of the slot.

 

[red_rhino]

You’re referring to the 3rd thru 9th fret, correct? That is odd. @Beej ‘s guess is a good one. If not that, it might just be a bad string. It happens. Have you recently put on a new set of strings?

 

[Bushhog]

I would hazard a guess that the D string nut slot is a problem - maybe something stuck inside under the string? Something is probably making the string not rest on the fretboard end of the slot.

I will loosen the string and check for any debris. Clean it while I'm at it. Thank you for your suggestion I appreciate it.

 

[Bushhog]

You’re referring to the 3rd thru 9th fret, correct? That is odd. @Beej ‘s guess is a good one. If not that, it might just be a bad string. It happens. Have you recently put on a new set of strings?

That's correct.
I installed a new set of flatwounds and had to get a replacement D string because I thought it was a dud. Put the new one on a short time ago and I'm still having the same problem.

 

[DrBnz]

Please shoot pics of your nut and bridge (front and side views). That'll usually show any oddities.
Are witness points set ?

 

[Matt Liebenau]

Try setting the witness points if you haven’t already. That can fix a lot of tuning and intonation weirdness. Like Beej said, check the nut slot also. It should have an angle down towards the tuning key with the fretboard edge being the highest point.

Thread 'Witness Points: The Pictorial'

Apr 9, 2016

Setting witness points on strings often comes up as a suggestion to fix poor intonation, inability to set intonation due to lack of saddle travel, excessive string height and mysterious buzzes at the bridge or topnut. Witness points should be set on all strings on any stringed instrument. The principles and the problems caused are the same. The strings were changed on a BEAD 4 string with string through body and pictures taken before and after the witness points were set. The pics were converted to gray scale to make the text easier to read and filters used to enhance the strings.

A...

• mech
• Replies: 61
• Forum: Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]

• 

 

[Bushhog]

Please shoot pics of your nut and bridge (front and side views). That'll usually show any oddities.
Are witness points set ?

I didn't set the points. I will do that now and see if that helps. If setting the points doesn't help I'll load pictures. Thank you.

 

[Bushhog]

Try setting the witness points if you haven’t already. That can fix a lot of tuning and intonation weirdness. Like Beej said, check the nut slot also. It should have an angle down towards the tuning key with the fretboard edge being the highest point.

Thread 'Witness Points: The Pictorial'

Apr 9, 2016

Setting witness points on strings often comes up as a suggestion to fix poor intonation, inability to set intonation due to lack of saddle travel, excessive string height and mysterious buzzes at the bridge or topnut. Witness points should be set on all strings on any stringed instrument. The principles and the problems caused are the same. The strings were changed on a BEAD 4 string with string through body and pictures taken before and after the witness points were set. The pics were converted to gray scale to make the text easier to read and filters used to enhance the strings.

A...

• mech
• Replies: 61
• Forum: Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]

• 

Thank you for the information/link.

 

[Bushhog]

No change after setting the points. After a closer inspection it looks, to me, that there's flat spots on the frets. Maybe I need a level and crown?

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

Change the string. Even an old one. See if it's different.

 

[fretno]

What tuner are you using ? Does it sound flat and flat while playing chords and around it.

 

[edwinhurwitz]

My guess is a bad or twisted string.

 

[Bushhog]

Change the string. Even an old one. See if it's different.

Okay, I'll try that.

 

[Bushhog]

What tuner are you using ? Does it sound flat and flat while playing chords and around it.

PolyTune 3. I've got a better tuner. I'll try it to see if it's the polytune that's the issue.

 

[Bushhog]

My guess is a bad or twisted string.

This is the second string I've put on. I guess it could happen having two bad strings.

 

[Bushhog]

I plugged into my Peterson pedal tuner and it's showing the same thing. I'm going to try reinstalling the string to see if it changes anything.

 

[mubrfoer]

how bowed is your neck? if the neck is too curved or the frets have been worn unevenly, it could cause some strange intonation issues

 

[Bushhog]

Tried an old string and I'm having the same problem. Is there a possibility that this bass doesn't like this brand of flatwounds (LaBella 760FL)?

 

[DrBnz]

No..... they work with all

pics might help.