Setting intonation

[Vertigo]

I was trying to adjust the intonation at the 12th fret.

I found that the E string is a little low at the 12th fret, so I turned the screw at the end to see if anything changed. This was not the case, the intonation stayed exactly the same.

The following was the case...

The screw just turned deeper or less deep into the "thing", but the "thing" didn't move forwards or backwards so the string wouldn't become 'longer' or 'shorter'.

By "thing" I mean the device for setting the string higher of lower from the body

What am i doing wrong ?

 

[bassgod0dmw]

Sometimes you'll need to loosen the string ever so slightly to allow the "thing" as you put it to move. The string puts a lot of tension on it, which basically keeps it in place. Just remember that a little bit goes a long way when it comes to dong a setup.

If you need more help...I highly recommend any book by Dan Erlewine. I think the one called Guitar Players Repair Guide has everything you've ever wanted to know about doing pro setups and a ton of stuff you had no idea about. It's a good read.

 

[screaminhugger]

the "thing", I think is the bridge saddle. turning the screw should move it forward and back. I would stop if I were you and take it to someone. I have messed up more than my share of basses, motorcycles, furniture, electronics...etc. trying to do things on my own. When something seems simple at first, but quickly becomes complicated, I usually stop and seek help. (nowadays anyway...)

james

 

[SLUGGO]

No offense meant by this at all....

Are you using a tuner?? Specifically, a strobe tuner?? One can use a chromatic tuner, but it may not be as accurate. Sometimes, the difference is so subtle, you will only notice with a tuner. If you are using a chromatic tuner, go with the first "reading" you get right after you hit the string. Don't adjust to the pitch of the "drift." Drift is the measurement after the note has been ringing awhile.

This aint the gospel, just what has worked for me.

Good Luck!

 

[guitarafondio]

Once in a while, the saddles are tight. And when you try to adjust it, the screw moves out versus the saddle moving forward or backwards.You might have to push the screw so it stays in place and only the saddle moves. To be accurate, use a strobe tuner! After you hit the harmonic you should only have to press lightly on the the fret to hit the intonation. Don't press the string hard, it'll change the pitch.

 

[Straight UP]

Some one years ago gave me advice about checking intonation..
Never check intonation using old strings.
Only check it once a new set has been installed.

The old stings as you all know go dead or are just played to death..
Resulting in bad readings when checking intonation..I tried it once what a mess I ended up with.
Put on new strings and bingo, got the bass sorted out in no time..
The advise I was given was correct.

 

[Vertigo]

Thanks for the reply's

I understand what the saddle should do now...

The question remains if I try to do it myself of by a pro...

I'll have a look at it soon.

Let you know if it worked !

 

[adouglas]

It ain't rocket surgery.

If you keep track of the way things were before you started, you can always go back to the status quo.

My $0.02:
1) You cannot damage your instrument by messing with the intonation. The worst that can posssibly happen (short of actually disassembling the thing and losing pieces) is that you'll wind up having to take it to a tech for a proper setup.
2) Knowledge is good. Specifically, learning how and why your instrument does what it does. Learn as much as you can by examining and working with every single piece of your instrument.

I've mucked about with the various intruments I've owned to know what I'm capable of doing and when expert attention is needed. The only way to get that knowledge is to mess with the thing yourself. The trick is to recognize when and how you're able to do damage and stop short of that point.

I can do setups in my sleep. I don't even bother using measuring tools to set relief or string height any more...I can tell by looking at it and by feel (I adjusted my trussrod last night, in fact, between songs during practice).

But fretwork...I don't trust myself there. If I screw up, I'll have actually damaged the thing. I know that I'm capable of doing it with the proper tools, because I thoroughly understand what's involved. But I'd rather hand the job to someone who does this kind of thing for a living.

 

[bassmancb]

It ain't rocket surgery.

If you keep track of the way things were before you started, you can always go back to the status quo.

My $0.02:
1) You cannot damage your instrument by messing with the intonation. The worst that can posssibly happen (short of actually disassembling the thing and losing pieces) is that you'll wind up having to take it to a tech for a proper setup.
2) Knowledge is good. Specifically, learning how and why your instrument does what it does. Learn as much as you can by examining and working with every single piece of your instrument.

I've mucked about with the various intruments I've owned to know what I'm capable of doing and when expert attention is needed. The only way to get that knowledge is to mess with the thing yourself. The trick is to recognize when and how you're able to do damage and stop short of that point.

I can do setups in my sleep. I don't even bother using measuring tools to set relief or string height any more...I can tell by looking at it and by feel (I adjusted my trussrod last night, in fact, between songs during practice).

But fretwork...I don't trust myself there. If I screw up, I'll have actually damaged the thing. I know that I'm capable of doing it with the proper tools, because I thoroughly understand what's involved. But I'd rather hand the job to someone who does this kind of thing for a living.

That's some good advice, you don't know what you can do untill you try.