Drop A# on a 4 string

[SteveXFR]

Hi. I've joined a band who need the bass tuned to drop A#. The higher string of a 5 string isn't needed so I'd rather just use a low tuned 4 string. I've set it up with 130, 105, 85, 65 strings, filed the nut and set the action nicely but I cannot get decent intonation on the A# string. Could it be a problem with the bass or this low tuning?

The bass is an Ibanez SR300, a cheap but usually solid instrument. I was planning to upgrade if I get on well with the band. 

[Killed_by_Death]

 

This is why a lot of 5-string basses are 35" scale.

You can try lowering the action, check the neck-relief first & get it almost flat, maybe a 1/4 of a millimeter.

However, when setting neck-relief that low, check both sides of the fretboard, in case they're not equal.

When fretting the string at the 12th fret, you only need to touch the fret, don't use too much force, which will make it sharp.

Another consideration is the core, hex-core & round-core intonate differently, but TBH I'm not sure which would be a better option.

 

[Woodinblack]

On 29/04/2021 at 07:53, SteveXFR said:

but I cannot get decent intonation on the A# string. Could it be a problem with the bass or this low tuning?

Well, A# is hardly low for a B string, although if you have gone from E-G to.. what A# - D# the loading on the neck maybe very different.

What sort of intonation issue do you have?

[SteveXFR]

It's coming up sharp at the 12th fret. The bridge is at max adjustment and its still not close. 

strings are Ernie Ball Slinky 5 string so hex core.

[jrixn1]

3 hours ago, SteveXFR said:

It's coming up sharp at the 12th fret. The bridge is at max adjustment and its still not close.

I've not had an SR300, but can you remove the bridge spring to eke out the absolute max adjustment?

[SteveXFR]

2 hours ago, jrixn1 said:

I've not had an SR300, but can you remove the bridge spring to eke out the absolute max adjustment?

No, it's hitting a stop before the spring is compressed

[Killed_by_Death]

take the saddle off, take it to your local hardware store & find a shorter screw

 

[SteveXFR]

All sorted now. Turned out to be a dodgy string. They were only a couple months old but new string fitted and it's spot on plus the low A# string is now much brighter

[Killed_by_Death]

 

Couple of months, you don't change your strings every 45 days like the rest of us?

😀

[SteveXFR]

I thought it was 45 days solid playing time?

[Killed_by_Death]

 

I'm just kidding, put some cobalt flats on there & never look back: