Itonation Problem?

lowendbob · Post by **lowendbob** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 6:53 am

I am having a difficult time getting the A string to intonate on my 4001c64. No matter what I do, it's always extremely flat at the 12 fretted note. I have the bridge saddle adjusted as far as it will go towards the neck. The other strings are right on.
I adjusted the truss rods to the point of fret buzz and backed off. Raised and lowered the saddles, nothing seems to work.
Any suggestions?

loendmaestro · Post by **loendmaestro** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 7:11 am

My luthier had a ***** of a time intonating one of my Ricks & ended up putting a tiny "shim" under one of the saddles to correct the intonation.
I can try & take a pic & email it to you if you're interested.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 7:12 am

Did you measure the lengths from nut to 12 and 12 to bridge with an accurate scale (ruler)?

If the two are close (and they won't be with the saddle cranked like that), get 'em close and change strings. Then try again.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 7:13 am

Sounds like Bob needs more than a tiny shim.

loendmaestro · Post by **loendmaestro** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 7:13 am

just tryin' to help...

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 7:16 am

Me, too. Sorry if I came off nasty. Still working on my third coffee today...

johnhall · Post by **johnhall** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 7:44 am

Have you tried changing the string? If the winding is not uniform over the entire string length or if part of a string is decoiled or loose, there's absolutely no adjustment that will help.

lowendbob · Post by **lowendbob** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 8:29 am

Yes, I have had 3 complete sets of strings on it.
The A string is consistently flat on all 3 sets.
BTW, this is the only Ric bass that I have this problem with. I also cannot set the action really low after numerous setup attempts. Same thing with the low action. Only ever had a problem with the c64. My 4003's are setup with very low action without buzz. I'm lost at this point, but I will try Paul's suggestion and take a measurement.

big_g · Post by **big_g** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 7:48 am

Bob, you may have already tried this, or it may have been already suggested, but have you tightened the truss rods until the neck is relatively flat against the string tension? I know that most Ric basses that I've ever tried to do intonation adjustments, a very flat neck is a must for getting it into final adjustment.

paul_yan · Post by **paul_yan** » Sat Mar 05, 2005 10:15 pm

Bob,
Is the string slot cut in the center on the A saddle? If yes, you may try reversing the saddle to have more room for shortening the A string length without affecting string spacing. If not, you might have to buy a new saddle, put it in the reverse way and have the string slot filed.

This is what I did to my 4003 to get perfect intonation:

lowendbob · Post by **lowendbob** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 2:16 am

G.L., Yes I have adjusted the truss rods and the neck is straight.
Paul, The saddle has the string slot in the center. Your suggestion is the only one I haven't tried yet. I think I may ended up doing what you say.
Thanks

rictified · Post by **rictified** » Sun Mar 06, 2005 6:14 am

That may work but it also may make the height different related to the other strings.