Ibanez BTB intonation problems and weird overtones, help please???

[TBWRENCH]

Hi, everyone, I am new here, 1st post. I got the forum address from the Marshall Amp forum from Sam. Great help.

My issue my bass, 5 string BTB had intonation problems on the B E (A was ok) D G. I set up the intonation on the strings, open tuning, 12th fret harmonic and fretted.
Using the E string G note was good, A note was good. F# note was sharp enough to hear it while recording.

The strings are in visually good shape and sound good, they are elixers. Could the age of the string 1-1 1/2 years old be the problem?

I also was getting weird overtones on the G note, E string. The wave on protools looked like an upward swoop on the bottom of the wave instead of the even > shaped wave.

Is there another long scale string to use that works well? I use 45-130 gauge and was looking at slinkys. I don't change the elixers unless they sound bad, maybe I need to change them more often and a lesser cost string would be more affordable.

Any comments or Ideas?
Thank you in advance, TBW

 

[Eric Perry]

Depending on how much use those strings have endured, they may be due for replacement. After a year and a half, scrap 'em and buy new ones. Also they might be twisted. Take them off, and reinstall them, making sure they aren't twisted when tuning up. That can sometimes cause funky overtones and intonation issues.

 

[BOR725]

Hi, everyone, I am new here, 1st post. I got the forum address from the Marshall Amp forum from Sam. Great help.

My issue my bass, 5 string BTB had intonation problems on the B E (A was ok) D G. I set up the intonation on the strings, open tuning, 12th fret harmonic and fretted.
Using the E string G note was good, A note was good. F# note was sharp enough to hear it while recording.

The strings are in visually good shape and sound good, they are elixers. Could the age of the string 1-1 1/2 years old be the problem?

I also was getting weird overtones on the G note, E string. The wave on protools looked like an upward swoop on the bottom of the wave instead of the even > shaped wave.

Is there another long scale string to use that works well? I use 45-130 gauge and was looking at slinkys. I don't change the elixers unless they sound bad, maybe I need to change them more often and a lesser cost string would be more affordable.

Any comments or Ideas?
Thank you in advance, TBW

Yes, I have an 1800 and 2600 that have the same issue. The factory strings they came with worked perfectly well (EXL 165) but the moment I put a heavier gauge on the basses their intonation was all over the place. Yes, I have been playing Ibanez for over 30 years and I still like them, but me buying another mono-rail-bridged Ibanez is not very likely. OR they (Ibanez) have to fix the issue with the (soon to arrive?) SR6000 (?). For Ibanez to fix the issue they should move the bridge towards the bridge-pu. I hope to see them having fixed the issue (many more ppl are complaining about Ibanez-intonation issues) when they show their new models at NAMM 2025....I am keeping my money in my pocket for the time being (!)

 

[Aloe]

could be strings twisted during the installation, could give any intonation problems.

weird overtones at the G also could be the fret buzz, a sharp F# can mean either a high nut, or, again, too little relief.

I'd suggest to bring the bass with your preferred strings for a pro set up to a respectable and competent tech.