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When the string gauge and/or bridge height is changed, or the
truss rod is adjusted, it is usually necessary to reintonate the
bridge saddles. If the bass plays out of tune in the higher regis-
ters, this adjustment is needed. Check each string in the following
way:
To check intonation, compare the harmonic tone (12th fret) to
the fretted tone (12th fret). Because the 12th fret is the midway
point between the nut and the bridge, a harmonic tone one octave
higher than the fretted tone can be generated. This is done by
barely touching the string directly above the 12th fret (left hand)
and simultaneously plucking the same string (right hand). If the
fretted tone is exactly the same pitch as the harmonic tone, no
adjustments to the bridge saddles are necessary. However, if the
fretted tone is higher in pitch (sharp) or lower in pitch (flat) than
the harmonic tone, apply the appropriate adjustment as shown
below. Repeat the same procedure for each string.
INTONATION ADJUSTMENT
If the fretted note is pitched higher than the harmonic, turn the
corresponding saddle adjustment screw clockwise, increasing the
active string length.
Conversely, if the fretted note is pitched lower than the harmonic,
turn the corresponding saddle adjustment screw counter-clock-
wise, reducing the active string length.
9
When lower
than harmonic
When higher
than harmonic
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