I never heard that myth before, but your monograph gives great insights. Assuming that your bass has a "perfect" neck, a correct amount of neck relief, and your frets are dead-on perfectly spaced to the 12th root of 2, (logarithmic), then what you essentially prove is that the log spacing is not good enough--that fret spacings themselves need to be compensated.
My simplistic original understanding of the need for compensation at the bridge was based merely on the stretch induced (con't below)
stretch induced by pushing down on the string. wound strings have a lower core stress than the higher strings. Therefore for a given deflection, the stress increases a larger proportion, and hence the pitch rises. This is mitigated by the windings--in other words a plain G (on a 6-string) needs more compensation than a wound G. (con't below)
@vibratingstring But you bring up the stiffness aspect--what causes inharmonicity in vibrating strings (sharpening of the higher partials) as an other factor to be accounted for as you go up the neck. That is a great insight!
Actually, its the diameter of the string you're compensating for. The fatter the string the farther back off the "zero" point of intonation you need to be. The thinner, the farther forward. Youre essentially creating the environment on the bridge each string needs to play in tune with one another, not itself alone. Theres a math formula for it but I forget it. Anyone that thinks pulling the saddles all the way back has no affect on tuning has a misunderstanding of how a fretted instrument works.
nice vid bro um i have a question my budy told me he used a copper nut on his bass and told me that that will help you get a diffrent or odd tone is this true would you say thanks mike
@alinealows By the term "Copper Nut", I assume you mean as in the nut that the strings go across at the headstock end of the neck as opposed to the nut on the truss rod. In both instances brass is the material that has been used as that kind of nut material and is always the material on the TR nut. Copper is too soft...
@plangentmusic RE: "Who desputes THAT?" A certain female bass player who has made other questionable statements in the past. To date I have debunked a few of them...
pretty good explanation in layman's terms and in a slight more technical term, too.
I've used some of your vids in the past to help me remember which direction the saddles go when I do a basic set up on my stuff..and I've got a few basses that aren't all that easy to set the intonation..floating bridges, short scale, etc
Please cover height of the string above the fretboard, how to set it so the strings don't go sliding away. Is that set at 12 also. I saw the guy set up my bass, and he did a see-saw across the string, thumb and pinky, to check buzzing spots. Please explain? Which frets to use?
are you plugged-in directly without effects? I love the sustain of your bass.. I have a new MIA Fender Highway One Jazz.. I hope it can have a good tone too. Do I need to adjust it's bridge or the factory setting is a good start?
@moronslave I was plugged into the amp directly. The factory setting is USUALLY a good start. If you have never adjusted the bridge I would take it to a professional for setup. It is not rocket science but there is some skill behind setting up a bass properly
Your bass is BOSS! BEAUTIFUL finish! Great angles on the horns! What brand and model is it? I used your system of setting intonation and it helped greatly. Thanks for the great video brother! Keep putting out more help vids!
@allexcosta I just bought my first fretless bass, and its first owner had all of the bridge screws all the way long. I've never heard this myth either, but apparently some people have heard it and have mess up their gear.
My MTD Heir 4 string is having problems. On the D string on the 16th fret it get a mad buzz on it. All the other frets around it play fine and the other strings on the bass have no issues with fret buzzing. I tried a truss rod adjustment to bow it out more and it didn't help, so I adjusted it back to what it is now. Any ideas on what could be wrong?
i have a question i took my strings & bridge saddles off 2 clean my bass.When i put them back on im getting tons of fret buzz that didn't have before...i have raised the saddles up & down back and forth and the buzz is still there. whats the problem ????
@Drblooter99 Yes a famous bassist ( StudioBass here on YT) put forth this assertion. If you read back through the replies you will see what Studio Bass had to say to defend themselves. I worked on Basses for over ten years and it was obvious to me.
I wish everyone in life could explain things the way you do. I always had difficulty under standing why the vibrating string length is shorter on the "skinny" strings. Now I get it!
the low b on my 5 string is a whole half step off at the 12th frett. ive moved the saddle all the way back, even taking the spring off, but still have the problem. should i try to adjust the truss rod? all the other strings are fine.
BASS GOD....Should i be messing with the Truss Rods on my 77 Fender Jazz and MusicMan sting ray???(The Funk Twins)..im worried about, not only integrity, but obvious wear and tear after over 30 years of service from these instruments..PLEEEEEZ advize..respectfully!
@DRTHUMBS From the way you spoke I feel you should take your bass to a reputable repairman. I really don't see a problem with you adjusting it but I feel you are unsure and that always "could" be a recipe for disaster. When in doubt take it to a professional. A 1977 Jazz bass could be worth as much as $2700+...
I have an Ibanez 6 string bass and the intonation is set. The problem is I have these crazy ghost notes (harmonics) instead of a clear note when I tap the strings. It is driving me nuts. Any suggestions?
Why does my D string not allow me to fix its intonation. Making my D tighter doesn't help, my notes are still flat. why??? :( the other string never did that.
@martin10921 It could be you have a bad string (It happens). I would buy a single D string of the same brand to replace the one that does not intonate and re-intonate it and note if there is any improvement. There is also an outside chance that there is a resonance in your instrument that is right at the D but not quite in pitch and it will favor that note being sharp or flat. Finding an intonation problem is a sometimes a process of elimination.
Whoa I got scared when you pulled that electric drill out lol. I'm sure you were just making a point with bringing the saddle back really far, but still, I'd be scared to death to take a power tool to my bass haha. Anywho, great video; tons of people have no idea how to setup their instruments when it's really not that hard. Stuff like this on the internet helps a lot.
This intonation video was cool and very useful for my basses with a similar bridge.
I asked bass player Evan Sheeley at Bass Northwest in Seattle, WA about how to adjust my Gibson Grabber II bass bridge & he said that 3-point bridges are the worst ever.
Do you know how to adjust those old floating bridges? I find it difficult to figure the proper tilt angle, not just the saddle distances. I just placed the height so there's no buzzing on the frets.
Thanks for your comments on the video. What has been my experience with Gibson basses is to (have a luthier of repair person) remove the original bridge and studs, doweling the holes and replace it with an after market bridge (Leo Quan Bad Ass 1 Bridge, or others). Placement of whatever bridge you choose is critical to the instrument playing in tune. I love my MTD K Z-5
@bmiranda2645 Try the hipshot supertone replacement bridge for 3 point gibson bridges. it bolts right on in the existing threaded holes and covers the third center hole. mine came with 2 sets of hex bolts, SAE and metric for my epiphone. it has vastly improved the string action on my bass, and the intonation adjusters are out the back where they should be!
Bob, you have really helped me out with this video. I am 34 but only playing bass 2 months after my friend who I jam with gave me a bass which needed some TLC.
You have me helped me understand more the science of bass bridge and music.
Thanks, I finally get an actual explanation of how to intonate my bass and also reading the coments I finally understood the "pick up heigh" terminology =P
If you dont mind i'd appreciate your advice on a situation i've come to face with. My new band use Drop B tuning ( B Gb B E ) and i'm buying a new bass in a few weeks
( jazz bass ) and i'm wondering what is the best way to cater my bass for this tuning ? i could just go to a local store and get it set up with heavy gauges, truss rod adjustment, tension etc but are there any D.I.Y things i can do to keep it in speck while its at home ?
Hi. Great video, and some funny replies (youknowwhoImean ;-) ).
I got a question. I have pulled back the B-string as far back as I can, but the 12th note frettet and harmonic still aren't the same. Should I take it to a pro?
There are a couple of options. Go to a smaller B string (If you have the rest of the intonation procedure down) or take it to a pro. Depending on what bass you have the bridge might not have enough travel to accommodate the gage of B string you have.
this guy makes me think of a old grampa joe, that knows the answer to anything in the world, and if you asked he was the guy invented stuff but was just beat to it if it wasnt for alarm clock not going off lol
You wouldn't happen to be a student of the p-funk would you, cause you remind me a whole lot of George Clinton haha. Your information is so helpful man, I love your videos.
this might be a stupid question. but, if you intonate your bass guitar tuning standard. and then tune it down 2 full steps. will it still be corectly intonated?
Good question, I think changing the tention (loosening) will change the dynamics of diameter/tension/length and the instrument will not play as in tune as if it were at standard tuning. You would in effect loosen the string without changing the stiffness of the string.
There would have be some compensation made elsewhere and it would be to reintonate the string at the pitch you intended to tune it to. If you use standard tuning and then retune down two steps, you upset the equasion of diameter-tension-length.
That is why strings that are tuned lower are generally fatter. there extra winding or core size gives the string more mass and makes it stiffer to accomodate the lower pitches
No doubt do you have a mastery of your instrument - but I must ask:
Is this truly a myth? I would think that anyone who owns a bass (and actively plays it, thus changes strings, thus works with the saddle) would not argue this truth.
If you read some of the other responses to this video (most of which think it is a good thing) it would imply that it is news to a faction of the bass playing community. It was started by a famouse bassist from the 1960's who claimed that she made her strings taught by pulling the bridge saddles back without regard for it's effect on the intonation if we presume that the intonation was set right (or close) to begin with.
How anyone could say that adjusting the string length has no effect on intonation is stupid and doesn't understand the physics of sound and wavelength ratios. Of course if you play a fretless it isn't much of an issue (if you ignore any markers) as long as all strings are adjusted the same.
a good grounding into intonation, I'm having bass built for me, and the Buzz Feiten is something i've looked / am looking at - seems interesting, thanks for this post !
the status quo is very uptight these days. maybe it's all the fear mongering, terrorizing people and snapping them into that narrow, mind kontrolled state.
say, friend, care to point me towards some of your v.o. work? i'd like to hear it.
and as for the content of this video, it was great. reminds me of my first and best bass mentor mixed with the soothing voice of a sort of bob ross [aka mr. happy trees]. a good pace for the verbal information flow.
he's indoors... generally when i think of someone without a home, they're outside somewhere. or squatting in a condemned building perhaps.
i fucking WISH i could just let my hair grow long enough to get a killer style like his. but i always chop it before it gets long enough where it's not as big a hassle. oh well.
really great video, i love how you explain the physics of intonation. very knowledgable and easy to understand, never heard it explained better. but one thing i disagree with is trying to tune your intonation at the bridge compared to the harmonic, if you tune your string to pitch and compare the 12th fret harmonic to yor open note, the harmonic will read flat. i used to do the same thing until i got the dan erlewine videos. try it for your self and reply to this if you want.thank you.
Interesting... This particular bass has the Buzz Feiten tuning system so the parameters are a bit different but they are still adjusted at the bridge and the 12 fret Harmonics. I am interested in seeing Dan Erlewine's material. Thanks for the update
This was really handy, I've been having a lot of trouble getting the E string correctly intonated compared to the other strings, but after listening to you I realise that because of the thickness of the E string and its relative high action to the rest of the strings the saddle needed to be way way fruther back in the bridge. All the other stuff I read doesn't explain that the thicker string and the fretting causes the note to become sharper, but your explanation was great. Cheers !
the purpose of pulling the saddle back or pushing it forward on the bridge is to change the length of the string and get the fret positions in tune. if you make the string longer (pulling the saddle back) all of the frets will be flat because the string does not match up with the frets.
It is a little more complicated than that. You did not include string height (or ACTION) in the mix as it has an effect on the equasion. You also left out string guage and tension (core to winding ratio) which also have an effect.
well this whole bassStudio thing is interesting still wondering who he or she may be, that said i think its obvious as you have displayed , that any adjustment to the saddles will in fact change the pitch of the note. further more its good to see someone display a video that covers the issue pretty much in its entirety, thanks basslabd
hey i just received a warwick and feel the string are just to high of the board it has nice feature like a nut that raise and lower via alen key but half way down the fretboard there just to high and the neck is at perfect curvature .20 at 7/8 fret help me lower them with out that buzz
hey,ur explanation was really helpful, besides having an intonation prob, i seemed to have a problem with my strings buzzing even though i've tried to adjust the bridge action, could it be the neck coz i'm not really sure how to fix da neck.I'm afraid i'll break it instead.Besides that, which MTD bass would u recommend for a 4 string?
Would appreciate if u could give me a piece of advice?Thanks.
Thanks man, that was a straight forward explanation that got right to the point. Very helpful. I've been playing various basses since 1977 and I didn't understand until now. Wow!!!
i wasnt aware this was an issue, who doesnt know that the saddles are adjustable for the specific purpose of setting intonation? well i guess i didnt when i was 14 and only playing for a year. nice explanation of intonation tho
There is a well known bassist who states that the reason to pull your bridge saddles back is to make the strings taut and not for purposes of intonation. More importantly they stated that it has no not affect on your intonation at all. I think this person is known here as BassStudios here on YouTube. They left a nasty reply to this video you can go back (by viewing all comments) and checking BassStudios comments out. You might even figure out who it is. LOL
I'm glad you said this as I was about to say "no shit who doesn't know this?" Your explanation is very instructive however, especially the relationship between string gauge, tension and intonation. You guy really knows his stuff.
What I found interesting was that thicker strings,shorter scale length and higher tensions can contribute to sharp harmonics.A very common example is pianos.The bass strings on an upright piano have to be tuned flat so the harmonics will be in tune with the rest of the higher octaves.They say a thick,heavy tension short string will operate more like a TUBE and less like a string.
Wow really helpful thanks! I recently joined a new oriinal band and we play in D standard with the E string in drop C. I play a five string,but my main problem is finding the balance between comfortable looseness of the strings and not getting that mad buzz when i play.can you please help me?i like the feel of that slack of the strings but i'm going mad hearing that buzz when i play harder!
would be really appreciated if you gave some great advise!thanks alot!
Sorry to take so long. I really have no experience with drop tuning but I did put a 5 string set on a 4 string bass (didn't use the G) to create a 4 string contra bass. I would suggest using a heavier gauge string if floppiness is a problem. Your intonation will probably have to be adjusted. Let me know how it works out.
ok....many thanks my friend...There's no one near who can help me so i'll just do it myself........thanks again>>i'm glad that there are people like you...
I need a help bro,i used to play with string with a size 10 on 1st sting(E).When i switch to 12,the neck was bent a little bit so the strings become higher.i wanna udjust the trust rod....Can you suggest a video how to adjust the trust rod coz i'm afraid that i might add problems with my guitar....By the way, my guitar is a les paul 100...thankyou very much.
I would suggest that you take your guitar to a reputable repairman. This video was not to teach you how to adjust the TR (truss rod) but explain the issue of the myth that it does not affect your intonation. If you change the gauge of string you use it WILL affect where the neck sits resulting in the need for a TR adjustment. You either have the knowledge and the confidence to do the adjustment or you don't... It looks like you don't, take it to someone who does. Good Luck
The height of the strings from the fingerboard do affect the intonation. High action causes the string to be pushed further to contact the fret/fb resulting in the notes being sharp. IOW The bridge adjusts action (string height) and intonation and the adjustments affect one another. I hope I got the jist of your question.
Hey. I'm sorry, didn't want to disrespect anyone, I guess I was in a crappy mood. I'm also very grateful that you teach us how to save money ;) I hope you'll accept my apology...
In regards to intonation and general tuning,I tell people to be aware of varying your downward pressure when fretting;People get frustrated,maybe push[fret] too hard and then they wonder why a string or two came out sharp when it's all said and done.
Do you have a specific question regarding the method discussed here?
FACT: there is a proper method of adjusting the intonation on any fine instrument (and I have been associated with some of the finest Bass Guitars in the world)
Since BassStudios was so "gracious" to leave a message (or 2) here, I left one for "them" at their channel page. I wonder how long they will take to answer the question posed?...
This was useful. I didn't realize that changing between different gauges of string will intonation. You know what would be great (and which I haven't found on youtube): a tutorial on how to set up a guitar or bass.
Raulin2007 (2 months ago)
That`s a useful video. You explained it very well...
ksgant (2 months ago)
Very nice explanation... a video showing how to properly set up a bass would be VERY welcome.....
I love her playing, but she has no respect for anyone that doesn't play the bass her way...
Now compare the above to the (save any of her minions that will post negative in response to this post in the future) negative post from BassStudios (CK) and you get the idea that she is in the minority "Everybody else cant be wrong".
I never heard that myth before, but your monograph gives great insights. Assuming that your bass has a "perfect" neck, a correct amount of neck relief, and your frets are dead-on perfectly spaced to the 12th root of 2, (logarithmic), then what you essentially prove is that the log spacing is not good enough--that fret spacings themselves need to be compensated.
My simplistic original understanding of the need for compensation at the bridge was based merely on the stretch induced (con't below)
vibratingstring 2 weeks ago
@vibratingstring
stretch induced by pushing down on the string. wound strings have a lower core stress than the higher strings. Therefore for a given deflection, the stress increases a larger proportion, and hence the pitch rises. This is mitigated by the windings--in other words a plain G (on a 6-string) needs more compensation than a wound G. (con't below)
vibratingstring 2 weeks ago
@vibratingstring But you bring up the stiffness aspect--what causes inharmonicity in vibrating strings (sharpening of the higher partials) as an other factor to be accounted for as you go up the neck. That is a great insight!
vibratingstring 2 weeks ago
i wanna get to a point where i know this much..damn
HAYDS510 1 month ago
Comment removed
Hysteriskull 1 month ago
Took me an hour to find proper advice. You got it spot on. Absofuckinglotely !!!
DjSnickels 1 month ago
Actually, its the diameter of the string you're compensating for. The fatter the string the farther back off the "zero" point of intonation you need to be. The thinner, the farther forward. Youre essentially creating the environment on the bridge each string needs to play in tune with one another, not itself alone. Theres a math formula for it but I forget it. Anyone that thinks pulling the saddles all the way back has no affect on tuning has a misunderstanding of how a fretted instrument works.
BigDaddyLiberty 2 months ago
nice vid bro um i have a question my budy told me he used a copper nut on his bass and told me that that will help you get a diffrent or odd tone is this true would you say thanks mike
alinealows 3 months ago
@alinealows By the term "Copper Nut", I assume you mean as in the nut that the strings go across at the headstock end of the neck as opposed to the nut on the truss rod. In both instances brass is the material that has been used as that kind of nut material and is always the material on the TR nut. Copper is too soft...
basslabd 3 months ago
@basslabd cool thanks yes i have also herd of using brass
alinealows 3 months ago
Saddle distance adjusts intonation. Who disputes THAT?
plangentmusic 3 months ago
@plangentmusic RE: "Who desputes THAT?" A certain female bass player who has made other questionable statements in the past. To date I have debunked a few of them...
basslabd 3 months ago
Dude I thought u were a stoner at first but then u got so technical with it ...awesome vid.
Yizyourmomatmyhouse 4 months ago
very great video sir! very helpfull! i see you changed the old pick-ups by Bartolini's?
Basstard22 5 months ago
this video ends like that episode of the sopranos!!!
anthonymm81 6 months ago
Comment removed
anthonymm81 6 months ago
pretty good explanation in layman's terms and in a slight more technical term, too.
I've used some of your vids in the past to help me remember which direction the saddles go when I do a basic set up on my stuff..and I've got a few basses that aren't all that easy to set the intonation..floating bridges, short scale, etc
WannaBeatle 6 months ago
great video man!! very informative.
therealiscariat 7 months ago
Please cover height of the string above the fretboard, how to set it so the strings don't go sliding away. Is that set at 12 also. I saw the guy set up my bass, and he did a see-saw across the string, thumb and pinky, to check buzzing spots. Please explain? Which frets to use?
Respect.
FRTothus 7 months ago
are you plugged-in directly without effects? I love the sustain of your bass.. I have a new MIA Fender Highway One Jazz.. I hope it can have a good tone too. Do I need to adjust it's bridge or the factory setting is a good start?
moronslave 7 months ago
@moronslave I was plugged into the amp directly. The factory setting is USUALLY a good start. If you have never adjusted the bridge I would take it to a professional for setup. It is not rocket science but there is some skill behind setting up a bass properly
basslabd 7 months ago
MIND FUCK
Fretless19942 8 months ago
crystal clear explanation thanks !!!
19wael96 8 months ago
thanx alot
Humamibrahem 8 months ago
thanks mate,
verandahs01 10 months ago
whoa is it just the camera setting or is your neck bent upwards at 0:01 !?!
CircusEnvy23 10 months ago
whoa is it just the camera setting or is your neck bent upward at 0:01 !?!
CircusEnvy23 10 months ago
@CircusEnvy23 Do you mean my neck or the neck of the bass. In any case I doubt it
basslabd 8 months ago
@CircusEnvy23 It's the lens on the camera. It would be impossible for the strings to curve like that.
jjdubs 4 months ago
Your bass is BOSS! BEAUTIFUL finish! Great angles on the horns! What brand and model is it? I used your system of setting intonation and it helped greatly. Thanks for the great video brother! Keep putting out more help vids!
mhatkins 11 months ago
@mhatkins Thank you for your comment. The bass is an MTD Kingston Z-5
basslabd 11 months ago
So informative. :D Thanks man ^^
TheSaintKrauss 11 months ago
thanks brother ....groove on
RavenMadd9 11 months ago
wheres my weed man?
Unknown6662012 11 months ago
@Unknown6662012 I can see why your ID is unknown... I hope you find it, your weed that is.
basslabd 11 months ago
I've been playing bass guitar for 25 years and never heard of this myth. Even my 8 year old understands the physics of this...
allexcosta 11 months ago
@allexcosta I just bought my first fretless bass, and its first owner had all of the bridge screws all the way long. I've never heard this myth either, but apparently some people have heard it and have mess up their gear.
ElegantMule 9 months ago
..awesome vid sir!
BassPlayerRene9 1 year ago
My MTD Heir 4 string is having problems. On the D string on the 16th fret it get a mad buzz on it. All the other frets around it play fine and the other strings on the bass have no issues with fret buzzing. I tried a truss rod adjustment to bow it out more and it didn't help, so I adjusted it back to what it is now. Any ideas on what could be wrong?
devax1986 1 year ago
4:38.... Lol G-string
corlett1234 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
4:38.... Lol G-string
corlett1234 1 year ago
Comment removed
corlett1234 1 year ago
THANK YOU!
you're one of the greats here on youtube!
Kingofyerass666 1 year ago
how u doing Bob
i have a question i took my strings & bridge saddles off 2 clean my bass.When i put them back on im getting tons of fret buzz that didn't have before...i have raised the saddles up & down back and forth and the buzz is still there. whats the problem ????
Corpsegrinder54 1 year ago
Is there a "myth" that moving the bridge forward or back does not affect intonation?! It seems to me obvious that it does.
Drblooter99 1 year ago
@Drblooter99 Yes a famous bassist ( StudioBass here on YT) put forth this assertion. If you read back through the replies you will see what Studio Bass had to say to defend themselves. I worked on Basses for over ten years and it was obvious to me.
basslabd 1 year ago
@basslabd wow, thats some powerful stupid, it seems like that would be obvious
wohodude100 1 year ago
You're one cool looking black dude.
thornygravy 1 year ago
lol your cool as hell and you can teach very very good!
ive got a question, whats your string height at the 12th fret at the g string
natrockskate 1 year ago
I wish everyone in life could explain things the way you do. I always had difficulty under standing why the vibrating string length is shorter on the "skinny" strings. Now I get it!
stohksee 1 year ago
George Clinton?
WadeGriffith 1 year ago 5
@WadeGriffith Ya know? That has been said before. LOL
basslabd 1 year ago
That bass in the video is a MTD Kingston Z5 the Kingston is the import line of basses designed by luthier Michael Tobias.
basslabd 1 year ago
what's the name of this bass man? Please.
chulipa0 1 year ago
the low b on my 5 string is a whole half step off at the 12th frett. ive moved the saddle all the way back, even taking the spring off, but still have the problem. should i try to adjust the truss rod? all the other strings are fine.
jokersmile32 1 year ago
BASS GOD....Should i be messing with the Truss Rods on my 77 Fender Jazz and MusicMan sting ray???(The Funk Twins)..im worried about, not only integrity, but obvious wear and tear after over 30 years of service from these instruments..PLEEEEEZ advize..respectfully!
DRTHUMBS 1 year ago
@DRTHUMBS From the way you spoke I feel you should take your bass to a reputable repairman. I really don't see a problem with you adjusting it but I feel you are unsure and that always "could" be a recipe for disaster. When in doubt take it to a professional. A 1977 Jazz bass could be worth as much as $2700+...
basslabd 1 year ago
@basslabd are you better than victor wooten?
Midnightpitbull2 1 year ago
@Midnightpitbull2 That would be a myth...
basslabd 1 year ago
I have an Ibanez 6 string bass and the intonation is set. The problem is I have these crazy ghost notes (harmonics) instead of a clear note when I tap the strings. It is driving me nuts. Any suggestions?
enahcs 1 year ago
Why does my D string not allow me to fix its intonation. Making my D tighter doesn't help, my notes are still flat. why??? :( the other string never did that.
martin10921 1 year ago
@martin10921 It could be you have a bad string (It happens). I would buy a single D string of the same brand to replace the one that does not intonate and re-intonate it and note if there is any improvement. There is also an outside chance that there is a resonance in your instrument that is right at the D but not quite in pitch and it will favor that note being sharp or flat. Finding an intonation problem is a sometimes a process of elimination.
basslabd 1 year ago
@martin10921
i have the exact same problem with my d string
ixlikextoxdansex 1 year ago
Whoa I got scared when you pulled that electric drill out lol. I'm sure you were just making a point with bringing the saddle back really far, but still, I'd be scared to death to take a power tool to my bass haha. Anywho, great video; tons of people have no idea how to setup their instruments when it's really not that hard. Stuff like this on the internet helps a lot.
homeslice1479 2 years ago
@homeslice1479 LOL, It makes it a little easier to accept when you consider most basses were put together with power tools doesn't it?
basslabd 2 years ago
hey dude your awesome!!
BassDude50000 2 years ago
Such a cool guy
rsalmond 2 years ago
This intonation video was cool and very useful for my basses with a similar bridge.
I asked bass player Evan Sheeley at Bass Northwest in Seattle, WA about how to adjust my Gibson Grabber II bass bridge & he said that 3-point bridges are the worst ever.
Do you know how to adjust those old floating bridges? I find it difficult to figure the proper tilt angle, not just the saddle distances. I just placed the height so there's no buzzing on the frets.
By the way, nice Michael Tobias bass.
bmiranda2645 2 years ago
Thanks for your comments on the video. What has been my experience with Gibson basses is to (have a luthier of repair person) remove the original bridge and studs, doweling the holes and replace it with an after market bridge (Leo Quan Bad Ass 1 Bridge, or others). Placement of whatever bridge you choose is critical to the instrument playing in tune. I love my MTD K Z-5
basslabd 2 years ago
@bmiranda2645 Try the hipshot supertone replacement bridge for 3 point gibson bridges. it bolts right on in the existing threaded holes and covers the third center hole. mine came with 2 sets of hex bolts, SAE and metric for my epiphone. it has vastly improved the string action on my bass, and the intonation adjusters are out the back where they should be!
ColdForgedCopper 1 year ago
what type of bass is that
bassbirdman 2 years ago
MTD K Z-5 which is the top of the import line of basses designed by Michael Tobias
basslabd 2 years ago
this guy rules!
Peteworth 2 years ago 9
Bob, you have really helped me out with this video. I am 34 but only playing bass 2 months after my friend who I jam with gave me a bass which needed some TLC.
You have me helped me understand more the science of bass bridge and music.
Respect Breddrin.
Rich
VileVeil 2 years ago
Thanks, I finally get an actual explanation of how to intonate my bass and also reading the coments I finally understood the "pick up heigh" terminology =P
I'll subscribe right away
JosephGallagher 2 years ago
Found your video really helpful. =]
If you dont mind i'd appreciate your advice on a situation i've come to face with. My new band use Drop B tuning ( B Gb B E ) and i'm buying a new bass in a few weeks
( jazz bass ) and i'm wondering what is the best way to cater my bass for this tuning ? i could just go to a local store and get it set up with heavy gauges, truss rod adjustment, tension etc but are there any D.I.Y things i can do to keep it in speck while its at home ?
Thank you
Reece
HimynameisReece 2 years ago
Sup Beast from the X-Men
SheWantsReven 2 years ago
Fuckin seriously?
THEJamesSpicer 2 years ago
DO I FUCKIN LOOK LIKE I'M KIDDIN
SheWantsReven 2 years ago
I dunno. I can't see you through the computer. Stop being a noob.
THEJamesSpicer 2 years ago
You're being serious to a troll comment, who's the one being a noob?
SheWantsReven 2 years ago
Lol, I'm not the least bit serious about this whole thing. It's just sad... ya know... you. ;] Peace, homie! :D
THEJamesSpicer 2 years ago
Great comeback
SheWantsReven 2 years ago
hey can anyone help me?
i have got a fender squier 50s vibe p bass and i have noticed that the E string is much louder than the others.
if i need to adjust the pickup height how would i make the others as loud as the E.
the bass only has one pickup with 1 screw each side.
thanks for any pointers you have to offer :)
heinygore2 2 years ago
That is not how it is done. You need to adjust the loud string away from the PU to bring it in line with the volume of the other strings.
basslabd 2 years ago
Aaaah this is so entertaining & i didn't think about mass vs stability of tempered oscillation or
whatever before. Just bending the string down to the fret. Thank you uncle
paapakobe 2 years ago
Hi. Great video, and some funny replies (youknowwhoImean ;-) ).
I got a question. I have pulled back the B-string as far back as I can, but the 12th note frettet and harmonic still aren't the same. Should I take it to a pro?
MardyAss 2 years ago
There are a couple of options. Go to a smaller B string (If you have the rest of the intonation procedure down) or take it to a pro. Depending on what bass you have the bridge might not have enough travel to accommodate the gage of B string you have.
basslabd 2 years ago
Got a '62 P Reissue with a sharp E. And yes, it's the strings are Jamersons. Wonderful bass and sound, but the .110 E has been giving me issues!
scatman44 2 years ago
How far back is the E string bridge saddle? If it can go back further do so, retune the E string and re-check (harmonic against 12th fret).
basslabd 2 years ago
Superb explanation of intonation. Very useful video.
poyks 2 years ago
haha this guy is amazin.. live on bro!!
Funkyskunk01 2 years ago
this guy makes me think of a old grampa joe, that knows the answer to anything in the world, and if you asked he was the guy invented stuff but was just beat to it if it wasnt for alarm clock not going off lol
kaleluk31 2 years ago
Yeah me too man. This guy is awesome as hell. If he lived near me I'd always chill with him.
Femicide09 2 years ago
could you please make a vid wxlaining why you should lower or heighten your action and how to do that thanks
wykleg 2 years ago
finally someone put it into common logic. this is a dude we can all understand. kudos basslabd
yetisuncle 2 years ago
how is that a myth? length of string has everything to do with intonation
pepsimule 3 years ago
very good point, and very interesting
BeyondBreakingRocks 3 years ago
thats the biggest fucking bass i ever seen
themetalband 3 years ago
LOL. i have an Ibanez Sr 406 and by cam it looks a bit bigger than that. but mines a 6 string.. his is a 5
jdiddy27 3 years ago
i know
themetalband 3 years ago
I wonder whats living inside that hair
NasalObstruction 3 years ago
You wouldn't happen to be a student of the p-funk would you, cause you remind me a whole lot of George Clinton haha. Your information is so helpful man, I love your videos.
JovialJones 3 years ago
HAHAHA! I though it was George Clinton when I 1st clicked on this video.
DD169 3 years ago
this might be a stupid question. but, if you intonate your bass guitar tuning standard. and then tune it down 2 full steps. will it still be corectly intonated?
kaizaluktarbaiZ 3 years ago
Good question, I think changing the tention (loosening) will change the dynamics of diameter/tension/length and the instrument will not play as in tune as if it were at standard tuning. You would in effect loosen the string without changing the stiffness of the string.
basslabd 3 years ago
There would have be some compensation made elsewhere and it would be to reintonate the string at the pitch you intended to tune it to. If you use standard tuning and then retune down two steps, you upset the equasion of diameter-tension-length.
basslabd 3 years ago
That is why strings that are tuned lower are generally fatter. there extra winding or core size gives the string more mass and makes it stiffer to accomodate the lower pitches
basslabd 3 years ago
Good stuff! Who is this BASS GURU?
BIGBOTTOM32 3 years ago
No doubt do you have a mastery of your instrument - but I must ask:
Is this truly a myth? I would think that anyone who owns a bass (and actively plays it, thus changes strings, thus works with the saddle) would not argue this truth.
Good video though, replete with great detail.
gregtudor 3 years ago
If you read some of the other responses to this video (most of which think it is a good thing) it would imply that it is news to a faction of the bass playing community. It was started by a famouse bassist from the 1960's who claimed that she made her strings taught by pulling the bridge saddles back without regard for it's effect on the intonation if we presume that the intonation was set right (or close) to begin with.
basslabd 3 years ago
Was that Carol Kaye who claimed that?
gregtudor 3 years ago
Yes
basslabd 3 years ago
Comment removed
gregtudor 3 years ago
awesome knowledge!
Bassics85 3 years ago
Jesus!! this dude is a Master!!! perfect hearing!
Bassics85 3 years ago
This is an excellent tutorial! Thanks!
irontheater77 3 years ago
youre not moving the bridge youre moving the saddle
panache101 3 years ago
absolutely correct!
basslabd 3 years ago
very informative. thanx.
evermind81666 3 years ago
How anyone could say that adjusting the string length has no effect on intonation is stupid and doesn't understand the physics of sound and wavelength ratios. Of course if you play a fretless it isn't much of an issue (if you ignore any markers) as long as all strings are adjusted the same.
tbcass 3 years ago
Magic Gobbity Goop happen?....Hey thats the best analogy yet.lol....Seriously some good advice there....And what a nice bass..What is it?
exciterFU 3 years ago 2
The Bass is a MTD K-5 Yea it is sad when someone who should know better gives some stupid advice...
basslabd 3 years ago
a good grounding into intonation, I'm having bass built for me, and the Buzz Feiten is something i've looked / am looking at - seems interesting, thanks for this post !
3Dphotographer 3 years ago
the status quo is very uptight these days. maybe it's all the fear mongering, terrorizing people and snapping them into that narrow, mind kontrolled state.
say, friend, care to point me towards some of your v.o. work? i'd like to hear it.
and as for the content of this video, it was great. reminds me of my first and best bass mentor mixed with the soothing voice of a sort of bob ross [aka mr. happy trees]. a good pace for the verbal information flow.
intrepgun 3 years ago
He may look like a homeless guy but he is extremely smart...
Actually taught me a lot..
crazybass601 3 years ago 3
he's indoors... generally when i think of someone without a home, they're outside somewhere. or squatting in a condemned building perhaps.
i fucking WISH i could just let my hair grow long enough to get a killer style like his. but i always chop it before it gets long enough where it's not as big a hassle. oh well.
intrepgun 3 years ago 4
really great video, i love how you explain the physics of intonation. very knowledgable and easy to understand, never heard it explained better. but one thing i disagree with is trying to tune your intonation at the bridge compared to the harmonic, if you tune your string to pitch and compare the 12th fret harmonic to yor open note, the harmonic will read flat. i used to do the same thing until i got the dan erlewine videos. try it for your self and reply to this if you want.thank you.
possm88 3 years ago
Interesting... This particular bass has the Buzz Feiten tuning system so the parameters are a bit different but they are still adjusted at the bridge and the 12 fret Harmonics. I am interested in seeing Dan Erlewine's material. Thanks for the update
basslabd 3 years ago
awesome bass knowledge and awesome hair
amm2911 3 years ago
This was really handy, I've been having a lot of trouble getting the E string correctly intonated compared to the other strings, but after listening to you I realise that because of the thickness of the E string and its relative high action to the rest of the strings the saddle needed to be way way fruther back in the bridge. All the other stuff I read doesn't explain that the thicker string and the fretting causes the note to become sharper, but your explanation was great. Cheers !
droptheleash0 3 years ago
You're smart.
scrag10 3 years ago
the purpose of pulling the saddle back or pushing it forward on the bridge is to change the length of the string and get the fret positions in tune. if you make the string longer (pulling the saddle back) all of the frets will be flat because the string does not match up with the frets.
ZOMGItsRobot 3 years ago
It is a little more complicated than that. You did not include string height (or ACTION) in the mix as it has an effect on the equasion. You also left out string guage and tension (core to winding ratio) which also have an effect.
basslabd 3 years ago
Oh if only i could get a fanned fret bass and eliminate those problems lol but sadly being broke doesnt help :(
barret707 3 years ago
well this whole bassStudio thing is interesting still wondering who he or she may be, that said i think its obvious as you have displayed , that any adjustment to the saddles will in fact change the pitch of the note. further more its good to see someone display a video that covers the issue pretty much in its entirety, thanks basslabd
LegIronMusic 3 years ago
hey i just received a warwick and feel the string are just to high of the board it has nice feature like a nut that raise and lower via alen key but half way down the fretboard there just to high and the neck is at perfect curvature .20 at 7/8 fret help me lower them with out that buzz
toad2039 3 years ago
hey,ur explanation was really helpful, besides having an intonation prob, i seemed to have a problem with my strings buzzing even though i've tried to adjust the bridge action, could it be the neck coz i'm not really sure how to fix da neck.I'm afraid i'll break it instead.Besides that, which MTD bass would u recommend for a 4 string?
Would appreciate if u could give me a piece of advice?Thanks.
-laura
ahlaw22 3 years ago
Thanks man, that was a straight forward explanation that got right to the point. Very helpful. I've been playing various basses since 1977 and I didn't understand until now. Wow!!!
ewil1219 3 years ago
i wasnt aware this was an issue, who doesnt know that the saddles are adjustable for the specific purpose of setting intonation? well i guess i didnt when i was 14 and only playing for a year. nice explanation of intonation tho
boonokian 3 years ago
There is a well known bassist who states that the reason to pull your bridge saddles back is to make the strings taut and not for purposes of intonation. More importantly they stated that it has no not affect on your intonation at all. I think this person is known here as BassStudios here on YouTube. They left a nasty reply to this video you can go back (by viewing all comments) and checking BassStudios comments out. You might even figure out who it is. LOL
basslabd 3 years ago
I'm glad you said this as I was about to say "no shit who doesn't know this?" Your explanation is very instructive however, especially the relationship between string gauge, tension and intonation. You guy really knows his stuff.
tbcass 3 years ago 2
That's a gorgeous bass mate. :)
sickdiggitydog 3 years ago
What I found interesting was that thicker strings,shorter scale length and higher tensions can contribute to sharp harmonics.A very common example is pianos.The bass strings on an upright piano have to be tuned flat so the harmonics will be in tune with the rest of the higher octaves.They say a thick,heavy tension short string will operate more like a TUBE and less like a string.
namniekib 4 years ago
your my bass yoda thanks basslabd
LegIronMusic 4 years ago
Wow really helpful thanks! I recently joined a new oriinal band and we play in D standard with the E string in drop C. I play a five string,but my main problem is finding the balance between comfortable looseness of the strings and not getting that mad buzz when i play.can you please help me?i like the feel of that slack of the strings but i'm going mad hearing that buzz when i play harder!
would be really appreciated if you gave some great advise!thanks alot!
-Luke in Ireland
jimmyaka 4 years ago
Hi Luke,
Sorry to take so long. I really have no experience with drop tuning but I did put a 5 string set on a 4 string bass (didn't use the G) to create a 4 string contra bass. I would suggest using a heavier gauge string if floppiness is a problem. Your intonation will probably have to be adjusted. Let me know how it works out.
BL
basslabd 4 years ago
ok....many thanks my friend...There's no one near who can help me so i'll just do it myself........thanks again>>i'm glad that there are people like you...
topaz0708 4 years ago
I need a help bro,i used to play with string with a size 10 on 1st sting(E).When i switch to 12,the neck was bent a little bit so the strings become higher.i wanna udjust the trust rod....Can you suggest a video how to adjust the trust rod coz i'm afraid that i might add problems with my guitar....By the way, my guitar is a les paul 100...thankyou very much.
topaz0708 4 years ago
I would suggest that you take your guitar to a reputable repairman. This video was not to teach you how to adjust the TR (truss rod) but explain the issue of the myth that it does not affect your intonation. If you change the gauge of string you use it WILL affect where the neck sits resulting in the need for a TR adjustment. You either have the knowledge and the confidence to do the adjustment or you don't... It looks like you don't, take it to someone who does. Good Luck
basslabd 4 years ago
does it matter if make the strings to high on the bridge.
josh4drum 4 years ago
The height of the strings from the fingerboard do affect the intonation. High action causes the string to be pushed further to contact the fret/fb resulting in the notes being sharp. IOW The bridge adjusts action (string height) and intonation and the adjustments affect one another. I hope I got the jist of your question.
basslabd 4 years ago
improvise* :$ sry Im not english
iznor10 4 years ago
It's Cool, Where are you from?
basslabd 4 years ago
thank you dude!!!
can you make another video that teaches how to improvisate ? (freestyle) tnx
iznor10 4 years ago
good lesson!
tattoedsoul 4 years ago
amazing tutorial. i just bought my bass and you made it a matter of minutes to bring it to intonation. thank u so very much.
mferrusca 4 years ago
What the fuck is that thing on your head? Lol :P
PKguitarfreak 4 years ago
it's called HAIR
basslabd 4 years ago
Hey. I'm sorry, didn't want to disrespect anyone, I guess I was in a crappy mood. I'm also very grateful that you teach us how to save money ;) I hope you'll accept my apology...
PKguitarfreak 4 years ago 3
Don't be a douche bag! He just taught you how to save about50 to 60$
16bassist 4 years ago
You're a good teacher.Thanks.
In regards to intonation and general tuning,I tell people to be aware of varying your downward pressure when fretting;People get frustrated,maybe push[fret] too hard and then they wonder why a string or two came out sharp when it's all said and done.
Anyway,thanks brother.
startripping 4 years ago
very nice i learned a bit just from this even though i play geetar lol i wonder if there's one out there for it..
-goes on a searching spree-
thanks for opening me up to this info
peace
liquid911 4 years ago
Do you have a specific question regarding the method discussed here?
FACT: there is a proper method of adjusting the intonation on any fine instrument (and I have been associated with some of the finest Bass Guitars in the world)
basslabd 4 years ago
I feel a little embarrassed that I've been playing bass for five years and I didn't know half this stuff.
mikerhudak 4 years ago
damn i learned a lot just by watching this.
nice job
MetalzooM 4 years ago
THANK YOU SO MUCH DUDE!
BigDaddyBass 4 years ago
You are quite welcome.
basslabd 4 years ago
Since BassStudios was so "gracious" to leave a message (or 2) here, I left one for "them" at their channel page. I wonder how long they will take to answer the question posed?...
basslabd 4 years ago
puzzdos (2 months ago)
This was useful. I didn't realize that changing between different gauges of string will intonation. You know what would be great (and which I haven't found on youtube): a tutorial on how to set up a guitar or bass.
Raulin2007 (2 months ago)
That`s a useful video. You explained it very well...
ksgant (2 months ago)
Very nice explanation... a video showing how to properly set up a bass would be VERY welcome.....
basslabd 4 years ago
TheWoollyMammoth (2 months ago)
OK good info... I have enjoyed the bass cam videos too...
Gibberishus (1 month ago)
You're a great teacher Mr... ...Thanks for a great vid!
abyssdrown (1 month ago)
Great video Great info. I would very much apreciate a tutorial on seting up a bass guitar in all its setup points! richrod2 (3 weeks ago)
Yeah, Carol Kaye always said doing this wouldn't make your bass flat or sharp...
basslabd 4 years ago
richrod2 (30 minutes ago)
I love her playing, but she has no respect for anyone that doesn't play the bass her way...
Now compare the above to the (save any of her minions that will post negative in response to this post in the future) negative post from BassStudios (CK) and you get the idea that she is in the minority "Everybody else cant be wrong".
basslabd 4 years ago