• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Peavey Grind 5-string intonation

CrewsControl

CrewsControl

Dec 6, 2011
1,112
48
Hollywood, CA
#1
I got a used Peavey Grind 5 with an unknown set of roundwounds on it. I am unable to get the intonation adjusted properly on the B and E strings. With the bridge saddles all the way back, the 12th fret on these two strings is still sharp, almost a quarter step. I was able to get A D and G adjusted without a problem.

This Peavey Grind 5 has a unitary bridge, not the individual monorail saddles some of the older models had. Will changing string gauge on the two low strings help me get them intonated right? If so, should I go heavier or lighter than what it has now?

I asked the P.O to tell me if he knows what strings were on it, but haven't heard back yet.
 
#2
CrewsControl said:
I got a used Peavey Grind 5 with an unknown set of roundwounds on it. I am unable to get the intonation adjusted properly on the B and E strings. With the bridge saddles all the way back, the 12th fret on these two strings is still sharp, almost a quarter step. I was able to get A D and G adjusted without a problem.

This Peavey Grind 5 has a unitary bridge, not the individual monorail saddles some of the older models had. Will changing string gauge on the two low strings help me get them intonated right? If so, should I go heavier or lighter than what it has now?

I asked the P.O to tell me if he knows what strings were on it, but haven't heard back yet.
Click to expand...

The brand of strings is less important than how they are installed. There should be strong witness points at the saddle and nut. Push down on the string hard on the neck side of the saddle and the body side of the nut. It will bend a bit. It should take off from top dead center of the saddle in a straight line toward the nut rather than arc over the saddle and leave at an angle.

If that does not work, re-post and someone will help you.
 
#3
There seem already to be witness points as you described, where the strings go over the saddles. But with the saddles positioned where the strings are bent over them, as it was when I received it, the 12th frets are very sharp. Moving the saddles back improved the pitch of the 12th fret. But now that you have mentioned the witness points, I see that the string is still slightly bent at the same spot, only its not directly on the saddle anymore.

Sounds like I need a new set of strings to correct the intonation?
 
#4
Well that wasn't hard to solve. Instead of just accepting the saddle position of the upper strings that already intonated well, I moved all saddles to the middle of the bridge, and started over with the B string. Then E. Then G, D and A. Now it's intonated pretty damn good, if I do say so myself. Much better than when I started, for sure.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back