deathpanda Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 (edited) Hello all, I just got a Geddy Lee signature jazz through the post today, the intonation is fu*ked and the saddle on the A string is missing a screw, causing the A string to be lower that the rest, funnily enough that's the only string the intonation is right on. Just a few questions; is the saddle easy to fix? What screws can I get that will fit? And also, I have never changed intonation before. When I play the harmonic on the 12th fret the pitch is like a semitone lower than when it's fretted, does that mean I need to tighten or loosen the screw? I would try it myself, but I don't have access to any tools right now... With all that said, this bass sounds bloody brilliant... Trying to top this bass, as far as jazz basses and tone go, it's going to be difficult. *edit* picture, in case I worded it wrong. Edited November 12, 2009 by deathpanda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyTravis Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 i've got fresh saddles on the way from the US, when i get them i'll post you a couple of height screws for the cost of postage and a couple of quid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~tl Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 [quote name='deathpanda' post='653029' date='Nov 12 2009, 08:45 PM']And also, I have never changed intonation before. When I play the harmonic on the 12th fret the pitch is like a semitone lower than when it's fretted, does that mean I need to tighten or loosen the screw? I would try it myself, but I don't have access to any tools right now...[/quote] If the string is sharp when fretted on the 12th, then you need to move the saddle back (away from the neck). I like to use a tuner and compare the open string with the fretted 12th fret. I generally tune up the string, fret the 12th, adjust the saddle if necessary and repeat the process until the open and 12th are both in tune on the tuner. Should only take a few minutes once you get the hang of it, and you should really do it every time you change strings or adjust the saddle heights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deathpanda Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 [quote name='AndyTravis' post='653058' date='Nov 12 2009, 09:01 PM']i've got fresh saddles on the way from the US, when i get them i'll post you a couple of height screws for the cost of postage and a couple of quid.[/quote] Wow, that's pretty handy, cheers. Could you send me a PM when you get them? [quote name='~tl' post='653074' date='Nov 12 2009, 09:19 PM']If the string is sharp when fretted on the 12th, then you need to move the saddle back (away from the neck). I like to use a tuner and compare the open string with the fretted 12th fret. I generally tune up the string, fret the 12th, adjust the saddle if necessary and repeat the process until the open and 12th are both in tune on the tuner. Should only take a few minutes once you get the hang of it, and you should really do it every time you change strings or adjust the saddle heights.[/quote] Thanks for the reply, I'll give it a go tomorrow if I get a chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrcrow Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 [quote name='~tl' post='653074' date='Nov 12 2009, 09:19 PM']If the string is sharp when fretted on the 12th, then you need to move the saddle back (away from the neck). I like to use a tuner and compare the open string with the fretted 12th fret. I generally tune up the string, fret the 12th, adjust the saddle if necessary and repeat the process until the open and 12th are both in tune on the tuner. Should only take a few minutes once you get the hang of it, and you should really do it every time you change strings or adjust the saddle heights.[/quote] setting intonation to harmonics is recommended...that is what is being adjusted the string harmonic at the 12th fret should be the same pitch as the fretted note..the movement of the saddle ensures this if the fretted note is sharp...move the saddle back...and vice versa retune the open string and do again...until both harmonic and fretted are the same its as i was taught..and of course a tuner is a must Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7string Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Have to disagree with regards to using harmonics to set intonation I'm afraid. The note at the 12th fret needs to be in tune. Sound the open string, make sure that's in tune and then check the note at the 12th fret. If it's different then move the saddle as others have described. The reason for this is that the 12th fret is not exactly half way between the nut and the saddle as you have to account for string compensation. If you get the note at the 12th fret perfectly in tune, you'll find the harmonic is flat. It's a small difference, but it's there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Count Bassy Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 (edited) [quote name='7string' post='656619' date='Nov 17 2009, 01:21 AM']Have to disagree with regards to using harmonics to set intonation I'm afraid. The note at the 12th fret needs to be in tune. Sound the open string, make sure that's in tune and then check the note at the 12th fret. If it's different then move the saddle as others have described. The reason for this is that the 12th fret is not exactly half way between the nut and the saddle as you have to account for string compensation. If you get the note at the 12th fret perfectly in tune, you'll find the harmonic is flat. It's a small difference, but it's there.[/quote] Isn't the point though that the harmonic at/around the 12th will, by definition, always be the exact octave above the open string? i.e. you cannot make a harmonic that is an octave and 10 cents above the open sring - it just won't sound. Also isn't it much easier to detect beats, or even a small pitch shift, between two notes that are nominally the same than between notes an octave apart? Edited November 20, 2009 by Count Bassy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrcrow Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 sorry guys..i dont meant to upset anyones way of setting intonation i ring the harmonic...2nd...since its exactly the octave of the open string tuning..then the fretted the idea is to get the fretted note to sound the same as the harmonic...the octave of the open string not using the harmonic should result in the same thing remember the haromonic is the bench mark....and not the way the octave is played i dont see any argument here at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrcrow Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 (edited) [quote name='7string' post='656619' date='Nov 17 2009, 01:21 AM']Have to disagree with regards to using harmonics to set intonation I'm afraid. The note at the 12th fret needs to be in tune. Sound the open string, make sure that's in tune and then check the note at the 12th fret. If it's different then move the saddle as others have described. The reason for this is that the 12th fret is not exactly half way between the nut and the saddle as you have to account for string compensation. If you get the note at the 12th fret perfectly in tune, [b]you'll find the harmonic is flat. [/b] It's a small difference, but it's there.[/quote] the harmonic is the octave of the open string...and wont be flat unless your open string is flat having got the string in tune...with a tuner...sounding the harmonic is subjective...its not the way you play the octave but gives the pitch one is striving to adjust to...fretted the way you play is with the string fretted....this is the part you are adjusting...not harmonics etc so the saddle is moved...due to dead spots just forward of the saddle bend...which are dependent on string guages if you are happy with your method fine!! the objective is to have clean and well tempered upper notes reference to lower notes...mainly all fretted the layouts of frets is another subject which i dont really understand... Edited November 22, 2009 by mrcrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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