Well, I'm running into some trouble intonating some guitars in drop C (12 guage strings). A few of the strings are still sharp ~10cents and the screw is tightened all the way. What's the best way to get past this? Buy longer screws? Any ideas?
Intonating Guitars
- Thread starter AStacy2
- Start date
guitarguru1969
Member
Zack Uidl
Member
Make sure the truss rod is adjusted correctly before you start messing with intonation!
http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/trussadjust.htm
http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/trussadjust.htm
guitarguru1969
Member
Firstly, as stated by Splat88, the truss rod adjustment must be performed. Secondly the action at the bridge must be adjusted. Then you can go about intonating your guitar. Gibson factory specs are 5/64ths at the 12th fret on the low E, and 3/64ths on the high E at the 12th fret. Fender is at 4/64ths on both sides if your neck radius is 9.5 to 12 degrees. I go a little lower but that's just my taste, everyone is a little different. Remember scale length plays a large role in this. The explorer tuneOmatic bridge usually has the low E the A and the D saddles facing opposite the G B and high E saddles. You can tell by looking at the flat side of the saddle. If the flat side of the saddle faces the headstock on the sharp strings you can remove them and reverse them so the flat side faces the butt of the guitar. That usualy will give you 10 cents or so. I have even had to file a graphite set so they would yeild the right intonation. Just make sure and put them back on the saddle in which they came off from. Also make sure your tuneOmatic bridge is installed properly. I have had to reverse the tuneOmatic on many a customers guitar. Simply look at the string slots. Sounds simple but you'd be suprised how many people have them on backwards. On the strat if you can't get the saddles back far enough just take a look at the spring that is in between the saddle and the back of the trem. If their is too much spring simply remove them and trim a bit of the spring off thus allowing them to go back further. If that is not the case, you may have to hunt down the short saddle or look into graphite ones that can be sanded shorter at the butt end to get them back further. If you go that route just make sure that their is going to be enought thread left to hold them in place. 15-20 lbs. is lots of pressure on the damned things. Hope this helps ya!
