Intonation Problem - Need Shorter Spring

[mrjim123]

I'm adjusting the intonation on my G&L Tribute JB-2. I successfully intonated 3 strings but the A string's bridge spring is fully compressed and I need to pull the saddle back a little further.

I think a shorter spring is the answer. Anybody know where one can get these? I though about cutting the spring down a little but kinda hate to go that far.

 

[deaf pea]

...I think a shorter spring is the answer. Anybody know where one can get these? I thought about cutting the spring down a little but kinda hate to go that far.

I think you SHOULD cut the spring down a little bit . . . . . .

 

[Alex E]

Go ahead a cut the spring little by little till you get it just right.

Think of it this way: The full size of the spring is useless to you if you need more leeway in adjusting. I cut two springs on my bass and never looked back.

However, do make sure your bass' neck is properly set-up in regards to the truss rod before you chop the spring. Doubtful, but your truss rod might need a tweak and it that's the case, you might not then need the extra play on the saddle for intonation.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

Try a store- most repairman will have a box full of the things kicking around on the bench. I've used ballpoint pen springs in a pinch.

I wouldn't worry about cutting one, though. Typically, if the bass needs the saddle that far back for good intonation, you're never going to have a reason to put the saddle all the way forward.

And if you do need to lengthen the spring later, it's easy enough to stretch it...

 

[mech]

You can also leave the spring off. All it does is hold the saddle in position when changing strings.

mech

 

[Zooberwerx]

Gee, normally it's the E string that gives people fits. Did you re-set your witness point at the A string bridge saddle? In the majority of non-tapered string set-ups, the A saddle sits forward of the E saddle but behind the D & G.

Riis

 

[seanm]

You can also leave the spring off. All it does is hold the saddle in position when changing strings.

mech

+1 You just have to be careful when changing strings that the saddle is in the right place.

I had a set of strings that didn't intonate properly and I removed the spring. When I went to a different type of string, I put the spring back in.

 

[mrjim123]

Gee, normally it's the E string that gives people fits. Did you re-set your witness point at the A string bridge saddle? In the majority of non-tapered string set-ups, the A saddle sits forward of the E saddle but behind the D & G.

Riis

The previous owner may have had a similar problem with the E string because the E spring is a shorter spring than the other 3 strings.

The A saddle is, in fact, forward of the E, but behind the D and G.