Why is A string intonation like this? (Photo)

[Thom Fioriglio]

Hi all,

I am curious as to why the saddle of the A string on my Lakland 44-64 fretless (baby blue bass) is intonated like this. I am curious of the "physics" behind it and why it's not intonated like my other Lakland which is symmetrical. Lol, part of it is my OCD, and it just does't look right.

The fretless baby blue Lakland has Ernie Ball Cobalt flats gauges 45-65-80-100. The other Lakland is strung with D'Addario EXL170 roundwounds of the same gauge. If the gauges are the same, shouldn't the string length be the same for intonation?

Thanks.

Thom

 

[two fingers]

Tolerances. If all strings were identical, there would be no need for adjustment screws for intonation. Not every string (even of the same brand, size, and model) is identical.

Knobs on amps go from 0 to 10 for a reason. Use the whole sweep and forget about numbers. The same goes for strings. Just set the intonation. If there's enough play in the screw to intonate, you're good to go. Nothing else matters.


(Oh.... and....you may want to see someone about your mild OCD.)

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

Tolerances. If all strings were identical, there would be no need for adjustment screws for intonation. Not every string (even of the same brand, size, and model) is identical.

Knobs on amps go from 0 to 10 for a reason. Use the whole sweep and forget about numbers. The same goes for strings. Just set the intonation. If there's enough play in the screw to intonate, you're good to go. Nothing else matters.


(Oh.... and....you may want to see someone about your mild OCD.)

Thanks for the information. I figured it was something like that. As I've seen on these boards, even the same brand and gauge string can vary slightly.

 

[James Collins]

Also can have to deal with your setup such as nut height and saddle height. The height of your frets will matter since most people push the string down in between the frets.

 

[Arie X]

tolerance stack-up.

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

tolerance stack-up.

Can you explain what this means? Thank you.

 

[Turnaround]

Did you set the witness points on all strings at the bridge and the nut? That will affect where the string intonates.

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

Did you set the witness points on all strings at the bridge and the nut? That will affect where the string intonates.

Yes. Thanks for asking.

 

[Lownote38]

I'd be questioning where the E saddle is more than the A string.

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

I'd be questioning where the E saddle is more than the A string.

Thanks for checking. E intonation is good. And set in same spot as other bass. Both are same gauge.

 

[Lownote38]

Thanks for checking. E intonation is good. And set in same spot as other bass. Both are same gauge.

Same gauge, but different types of strings (flats vs. rounds). Plus, they are different brands. That will change things.

 

[Arie X]

Can you explain what this means? Thank you.

long form: Tolerance analysis - Wikipedia
short form: accumulated variation

 

[Dave TB Killer]

I had an A string do this recently. I took the string off and then put it back on and the saddle set in a more normal position. I have no idea why. Possibly not seated in the bridge in the first place or maybe a mild twist.

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

I had an A string do this recently. I took the string off and then put it back on and the saddle set in a more normal position. I have no idea why. Possibly not seated in the bridge in the first place or maybe a mild twist.

Cool, thanks for the feedback. I may try that.

 

[Dave TB Killer]

Cool, thanks for the feedback. I may try that.

This string drove me crazy for a couple of days. I checked everything. Even put another saddle on. Then as a last resort before replacing the string I tried this.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

I wonder if flatwounds are harder to intonate?

Mine intonate OK, but it does look like the bass in question has flats...

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

`

I wonder if flatwounds are harder to intonate?

Mine intonate OK, but it does look like the bass in question has flats...

Yes, those are flats. I wouldn’t say it was harder to intonate. I got it intonated, just the A string needed longer length.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

Unless you have some insane string-height issues (not properly radiused around neck), or have a wonky electronic tuner, I wouldn't personally fret. No pun intended...

I do recall not always having my bridge saddles even graduated from the low string (longer) to the high string (shorter) over the years.

Just be glad it sounds (and presumably plays) good.

BTW, the Cobalts are one a' them-there "new-fangled" flats. Might be something about the way they are made to give them string-to-string evenness.

 

[DanDBassist]

Does the A string sound proper when played up and down the neck. The reason I ask is IME a string that far out of what would would be a normal intonation position relative to the others of the same set has proven to have some sort of defect. Have you checked intonation at various positions?

 

[Schlyder]

I notice your D string isn't centered between the pole pieces like the other strings.