Bongo 5: Can’t Get Intonation Right in Nashville

[Druznak]

Ever since I’ve owned this bass, the notes past the 12th fret have been flat on every string. I’ve had it professionally set up before, but the tech I used just couldn’t figure it out.

I’ve been more of a casual player for the last 10 years, but I’m trying to get back into playing out again and really want to get this resolved correctly.

I’d love to learn to do this myself, but I haven’t been able to find a guide that specifically addresses this issue on a Bongo 5. If anyone has insight, troubleshooting ideas, or can point me toward a good guide, I’d be eternally grateful.

I’m also located in Nashville and would have no problem paying someone for their time if anyone local would be willing to mentor me for a couple hours one day and help me learn how to properly set it up.

Thanks much

 

[Pineweasel]

Assuming you’ve set the intonation correctly, with new strings, by matching the 12th fret harmonic and fretted pitches, the only thing I can think of is that the pickups are too close to the strings.

 

[tbonesullivan]

Were they new strings? A tech couldn't figure it out??? Then it's time for a new tech. There are a lot of things that can negatively affect high string intonation that are specific to bass guitars, where the magnet pull on the strings can make much more of a difference. Warble is an issue, and also if you have tapered strings, those cause different issues.

 

[Druznak]

Were they new strings? A tech couldn't figure it out??? Then it's time for a new tech. There are a lot of things that can negatively affect high string intonation that are specific to bass guitars, where the magnet pull on the strings can make much more of a difference. Warble is an issue, and also if you have tapered strings, those cause different issues.

This was very helpful and I got it figured out. Thanks much

 

[Druznak]

Assuming you’ve set the intonation correctly, with new strings, by matching the 12th fret harmonic and fretted pitches, the only thing I can think of is that the pickups are too close to the strings.

This was it, and I was able to work through it myself. I think he must have been using the wrong reference heights. Appreciate the help

 

[Tommy217xxx]

This was it, and I was able to work through it myself. I think he must have been using the wrong reference heights. Appreciate the help

I think he was an amateur tech honestly. I’m definitely not an expert here but it seems a quality tech should have been able to figure it out.

 

[nebadon]

This was it, and I was able to work through it myself. I think he must have been using the wrong reference heights. Appreciate the help

I saw a Video on you tube were a respected and popular tech was setting up a customer's Stingray and had EBMM recommended pickup height and said that it was wrong and to high a distance so he used same as most basses he had done

Then at end of video he spliced in an edit and said he was wrong and EBMM was correct