Intonation

fireglo · Post by **fireglo** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 11:34 am

I've switched to TIs and had some trouble getting them to intonate correctly. I had to reverse the saddle on the A string to get it to proper pitch. However, the G string is all the way forward and it is still a few cents flat. Would raising the bridge on the G side help get the string to intonate? Does raising the string height lengthen the string or shorten it?

jps · Post by **jps** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 12:28 pm

Raising the bridge will lengthen the string.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Mar 31, 2007 5:51 pm

Yup. And it also will allow the boats to go through, like in "Body Heat".

admin · Post by **admin** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 1:30 am

Timothy: Another consideration would be to get a higher gauge for the G string. The increased tension may be just enough to put you where you want to be. My two cents.

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 3:33 am

Depending on the year of the guitar the bridge base plate may be adjustable. This is a feature on later guitars. I am not sure what year it started.

fireglo · Post by **fireglo** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 6:09 am

Thanks Guys! I checked it with another tuner and it seems to be at pitch. I should have specified in the first post that it is a bass.

I was using Pyramids with a .040 G string. The TIs use a .043, which is bigger but has less tension. So, it's the tension and not the gauge of the string that caused me to have to adjust the saddle?

Here's a shot of the bridge. You can see the A saddle is reversed and the G is all the way forward. The A string is a bit closer to the E sting now, but it is still over the pole pieces of both pickups.

fireglo · Post by **fireglo** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 6:18 am

After installing the washers under the tailpiece, I've noticed the lift isn't as bad as it was before. I don't know if it is because the TIs have less tension, or the washers under the front three screws helped the back two screws to flatten the tailpiece - or both.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 6:37 am

Timothy: All set up issues ruled out, more tension will pull the nut closer to the bridge and sharpen the note.

The tension on any given string can, however, have an impact on the other strings as well due to its effect on the neck overall.

If you are out of options, (slot adjustment, truss rod adjustment, saddle adjustment, bridge height adjustment) and want to go with TI's then I would say that increasing the tension on the G may be of benefit.

It must be said, however, that others here have used TI's successfully on their Rickenbacker bass.

fireglo · Post by **fireglo** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 6:48 am

Thanks Peter! It's not enough to really make a difference. One tuner says it's off a few cents and another says it's fine. I may try to loosen the truss rod a bit on the G side though.

Here's a couple shots of my bridge before and after the washers.

This is before the washers with Pyramid strings.

This is after the washers with TI strings.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 6:57 am

Nice photos of the difference in tension. I agree, the truss rod adjustment is sensible and one of the first things to consider. Please don't forget to let us know of the outcome.

fireglo · Post by **fireglo** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 9:16 am

I adjusted the truss rod, and that did it! I got the G string to intonate properly. I didn't have a whole lot of room to loosen the rod before it was backed off completely though. I've got it snugged up enough so it won't rattle. I love the TI strings. I like both the sound and feel. Plus, they aren't putting as much tension on my bass.

admin · Post by **admin** » Sun Apr 01, 2007 9:48 am

Thanks Timothy. Another lesson learned.