My bass is in tune but sounds 'sort off' bum notes

[iconic]

it could be me....but I'm sure my VMJ is off tune, no isn't me...my ears are getting better now!

All my Yamaha's have sounded spot on...but the VMJ is sort of slightly off tone...sometimes...more noticeable after playing the BB.

...I have tuned it with my digital tuner, using the open strings and 5th frets too, ohh, and harmonics sound fine too....but I'm sure there is something not right, more noticeable on the 4th and 6th frets on all strings.

any ideas?

Edited May 16, 2010 by iconic

[neilb]

Intonation???

[Cat Burrito]

Sounds like it needs a set up.

[danny-79]

+1 on intonation

Tune an [i]open [/i]string to pitch with your tuner then check it to the open harmonics at the 12th fret and once again fretted at the 12th fret and see what you come up with.

[Prime_BASS]

Intonation again?

Could be some kind of fret issue, dead spots on the neck, my jag has a suitable tone difference on the 3rd fret 4th string, just sounds off and noisy compared to any other note.

[Gwilym]

[quote name='neilb' post='838390' date='May 15 2010, 08:08 PM']Intonation???[/quote]

definitely check the intonation first. the harmonic at the octave/12th fret should be in tune with the fretted not at the octave.

[molan]

Apologies if this is a bit basic but there's some ok little vids here on intonation setting

Edited May 16, 2010 by molan

[iconic]

wow, thanks guys for the help

...E string was way out on the 12th fret octave, too flat, I had to pull my saddle some 4 mm forward to compensate....the A string off too, again it was flat.

...checked my Yamaha BB414, spot on that's Yamaha for you though

[Ancient Mariner]

If the nut is too high then that can through off intonation too, with notes at the bottom of the neck sounding sharp despite the 12th fret being perfect.