Intonation Test

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Greg Lorisco

I have been told by some bass makers that you can’t get perfect intonation where all the frets are in tune, but I’m not sure that is true.

So here is the test:

Using a meter, and with fresh strings, set your intonation (12 fret harmonic matching the 12 fret fretted note). Once your intonation is set, with a meter, check the E on the B string, A on the E string, D on the A string, etc…. across the neck.

Are these notes exactly in tune or flat / sharp?

Pressed noted are already sharpened.. Harmonics will be in tune only with harmonics..

[Greg Lorisco]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

Pressed noted are already sharpened.. Harmonics will be in tune only with harmonics..

True, yet on my current bass the fretted note (E on B, etc) (after intonation is set) is flat.