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My First String Change

johnvic

johnvic

Mar 15, 2011
81
12
NYC
#1
After many years of playing bass I finally did my first string change and I'm not sure if I have an intonation problem. I have a Fender Precision re-issue. The last time I had it professionally setup I had him set the string height a little high, 9/64" on the E string. I am using the Peterson iStroboSoft as a tuner. Here are my questions:

Is the iStroboSoft accurate? I noticed that the cents can jump, especially on the D string. Although it sounds good. If it is not the best portable tuner what should I be using?

I had a discrepancy of 3 to 5 cents between the harmonic and the 12th fret. Is that too high on a commercial bass?

I like to use a foam mute when I play. After I put the foam under bridge cover the intonation seems a little off. Does that make sense?

I would like to be able to adjust my intonation because of seasonal changes and I don't want to have spend $100 or so a few times a year. Plus I would like to feel more in touch with my instrument.

Any thoughts?
 
#2
Are you suggesting that your bass was perfectly intonated before you changed strings?

That is a good tuner. 3-5 cents is good enough for the girls I go with.
Did you change the type of strings you are using? Did you remove and replace one at a time, or all at once? How hefty a piece of foam are you using?

Is the string height still at 9/64"? Did you adjust your truss at all?

I think you might be a little hypercritical here. If you are satisfied with your action, and have no fret buzz, I think that this is about as accurate as you can expect to be.
 
#3
I did change the strings. I went from LaBella Deep Talkin' light to standard. I removed them all by unwinding then put them back on loosely before bringing them up to pitch to avoid quick changes in tension.

I didn't check the intonation before the string change or the string height, I should have. When I say I didn't change the height, I mean I did not adjust the height. I noticed the intonation being out on the A string and the D string so I adjusted it. Afterwards I took the foam and put it under the bridge guard. I got the foam from a music store. It's a little less than 1/2" thick. It's snug but I did not need to force it in.

If 3 to 5 cents is good then I am good with that.
 
#6
I played around a little more. There is definitely a change in intonation when I use the foam. I have rehearsal tonight and am playing without the foam.

What will I do with all that sustain?!?

Thanks for all of the answers!
 
#8
johnvic said:
I played around a little more. There is definitely a change in intonation when I use the foam. I have rehearsal tonight and am playing without the foam.

What will I do with all that sustain?!?

Thanks for all of the answers!
Click to expand...

.... have you tried muting the notes with your hand.... there ya go hoss =D... who knows you may even enjoy the sustain =p
 

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