I have an Epiphone Les Paul Standard 5-string. I can intonate the higher 4 strings all day either way, but the B has reached the limit. It harmonics exactly on the "B" note, but when carefully 12th-fretted, it reads sharp. It is an audible difference, as well. The tune-o-matic saddle is as far back (towards the tailpiece) as it will go. I have loosened the truss rod about 3/4 turn (1/4 - 1/2 turn a day, I know) and after letting it settle for about a week and a half, re-tightened about 1/2 turn. No effect on the intonation either way. Any suggestions, or should I just tune a smidge flat to compensate? Thanks.
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Low "B" Intonation Problem
- Thread starter shizack
- Start date
Can you turn the saddle around so that the slanty part faces away from the tailpiece? That's the usual thing to do if a Tune-O-Matic won't go where you need it to. Of course, if it's already facing that way you're out of luck.
Try a search on "B string intonation problems". I've seen this discussed countless times.
When I first changed the strings on my Q5 I had some problems with intonation and running out of adjustment room with the saddles. A taper wound B string should help. Mike N's suggestion that you might try another B string (taperwound or not) is also good. Do try a search though. You will turn up a lot of useful info on the topic. Good luck.
When I first changed the strings on my Q5 I had some problems with intonation and running out of adjustment room with the saddles. A taper wound B string should help. Mike N's suggestion that you might try another B string (taperwound or not) is also good. Do try a search though. You will turn up a lot of useful info on the topic. Good luck.
Thanks for all the suggestions - I'll see if I can reverse the saddle tonight if I have the time to futz with it. This is only the 2nd set of strings I've had on it. The set that was on it before was the same way - that was part of the reason I got a new set. The taperwound strings sounds like a good idea - I'll try that next set (in a few months - I'm po'). Now off to search the topics - I usually search before posting (hence my low post count) but I never realized this was a widespread problem.
Lemur - your suggestion worked! I took out the saddle and reversed it, and now it's intonated properly. I don't like the way it looks, but it works. It's still ALL the way back though. Does anybody like Badass or Hipshot make an aftermarket Tune-O set that will fit this bass? I've done a bit of internet searching but I can't seem to find one. My problem now with this one is the e-clips that keep the screw in a set position popped out on all but one saddle while intonating and I can't get them back in. Thanks all - time for some taper cores.
