Intonation of my E String- not long enough?!?!?

[Bighouse]

Using my needle chromatic tuner (Boss TU-12H) I just adjusted my intonation on my strings. I used the method as described on the Gibson website...tuning the string at the 12th fret chromatic to pitch, then checking that against the fretted pitch at the twelth fret. If the fretted note was sharp, I lengthened the string, if it was flat, I shortened the string. The A, D and G strings adjusted perfectly. The chromatic and the fretted are now one...HOWEVER...I cannot lengthen the E string bridge saddle any more, it's as far back as it will go and I'm not sure how to remedy this. Is there some kind of a weird aftermarket replacement saddle available to cantilver the saddle so it sits further back towards the end of the tailpiece? I've got a 1982 4001 with all factory specs, including the tailpiece. My strings are roundwound D'Addario XL's.

[johnallg]

I would measure from the E nut slot (fretboard side) to the place on the E saddle the string first hits (also on the fretboard side) then divide by 2 and see where the middle hits near the 12th fret. Something does not sound right. No pun intended.

The only way to move it back further is to tilt the whole bridge assy (all 4 saddles) towards the tail of the bass. Then the other three strings would need to be re-intonated after height adjustment.

[doctorwho]

... tuning the string at the 12th fret chromatic to pitch, then checking that against the fretted pitch at the twelth fret ...

Did you mean, ""... tuning the open string, then checking ..."?

Also, what gauge is your E string ... if it's not the stock 0.010", that could go toward explaining the issue.

[johnallg]

Gary, your estimation of his E string is a factor of 10 off... bass guitar.

[beatlefreak]

Also, is the bass set up properly? Have the truss rods been adjusted for an absolutely flat neck? Note that on an '82, you can't just tighten the truss rods - The neck must be manually adjusted.

[doctorwho]

Also, is the bass set up properly? Have the truss rods been adjusted for an absolutely flat neck? Note that on an '82, you can't just tighten the truss rods - The neck must be manually adjusted.

Oops! I guess I needed to read all of the post before making a comment!

However, the gauge of the string probably is important here as well ... a gauge different from factory standard may contribute to a problem with intonation.

[jps]

Oops! I guess I needed to read all of the post before making a comment!

So, is this why California is on the IOU system, at the moment?

[doctorwho]

Oops! I guess I needed to read all of the post before making a comment!

So, is this why California is on the IOU system, at the moment?

Although I can speak like The Governator, I can't speak for him ...

[jps]

Your Governator, in the flesh!

[cjj]

Ya know, I've always thought that since it's officially called a Gubernatorial Election, the man should really be referred to as the Gubernator...

Somehow, that just sounds more fitting...

[doctorwho]

Actually quite fitting for Jimmy Carter when he was "gubernator" of Georgia ...

[jimk]

Actually quite fitting for Jimmy Carter when he was "gubernator" of Georgia ...

...or should that be "goobernator?"
JimK

[Bighouse]

mmmm....goobers

[cjj]

Definitely Goober...

[Bighouse]

Hey- it's LATE in Montana- get to bed!!! You have ranching work to do early in the morning CJ!