Questions About Intonation of Old Strings

[backagain1]

As my strings (Regular Slinkys) get old, they seem to get a little flat at the upper frets, like the 12th fret. When I tune the string open, it's fine, but when I push down on the string at the 12th fret, it's a little flat.

I assume that's because the strings tend to loose proper intonation as they get older. Do you agree??

Do you run into the same problem?

Do you just change strings when this happens, or do you adjust the bridge forward or backward to correct the intonation? Or do you adjust the neck?

Thanks for your input.

Backagain1

 

[midopa]

hmm I'm no expert, but methinks the strings, being stretched for so long, eventually do stretch, if even just by a little, over time and that accounts for the gradual intonation shiftingness. Sounds like just setting intonation will get it all straight.

 

[Kirby]

Yes, best time to set intonation on your bass is with a new set of strings and a good strobe tuner.

 

[adouglas]

I don't adjust intonation as the strings age, but I do stretch them a bit when new (tune up a bit, then back down) and also do the "press down at the saddle" thing. This may affect things....

I change my strings every 6 months.

 

[backagain1]

How do you adjust your intonation

Yes, best time to set intonation on your bass is with a new set of strings and a good strobe tuner.

How do you adjust your intonation, by moving the bridge forward and backward? Or by adjusting the neck relief or something like that?

Thanks,

backagain1

 

[bovinehost]

Once strings start to go south, they do lose their ability to intonate properly and it's time to change the strings.

Adjusting the intonation on the bass (by moving the saddles) will do nothing to relieve the problem, because - well - it's not the bass.

Change the strings.

Jack

 

[Kirby]

Once strings start to go south, they do lose their ability to intonate properly and it's time to change the strings.

Adjusting the intonation on the bass (by moving the saddles) will do nothing to relieve the problem, because - well - it's not the bass.

Change the strings.

Jack

Jack is absolutely correct. By the way, when you set your intonation you adjust the saddles by the screw at the rear of the bridge. Neck adjustments do not properly adjust intonation.

 

[backagain1]

Thanks Jack!

Once strings start to go south, they do lose their ability to intonate properly and it's time to change the strings.

Adjusting the intonation on the bass (by moving the saddles) will do nothing to relieve the problem, because - well - it's not the bass.

Change the strings.

Jack

Thanks, Jack. That's what I suspected, but just thought I'd get some confirmation.

Best wishes,

backagain1

 

[backagain1]

Thanks, Kirby!

Jack is absolutely correct. By the way, when you set your intonation you adjust the saddles by the screw at the rear of the bridge. Neck adjustments do not properly adjust intonation.

Thanks for the info. That's how I've adjusted the intonation on guitars, but I thought I saw on a thread somewhere that it could be done by adjusting the neck.

I think Jack is right ... just change the strings!

Best wishes,

backagain1