Can't get the intonation set

[jongitarz]

Fret the B string at the 5th fret and tune it to E with a tuner. Then set the intonation at the 12th fret.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Try tuning the B to it's open string harmonic over the 12th fret. Then fret the B at the 12th to check if it's flat or sharp. If it needs adjustment, use your thumb and press the string in front of the saddle. The closer you get to the mark, the screw will need less rotation for the adjustment. After the adjustment, retune the open string to it's open string harmonic over the 12th fret. Keep on repeating the procedure till it's spot on.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Jon's advice is a good trick also.

 

[kitekrazy]

I will use both of those ideas.

It's time to have fun and play.

 

[Mobay45]

Kitekrazy, thanks on the avatar complement. When my hair is short, that pic looks as much like me as it does Curly, my favorite Stooge.

I think some of the best advice given here is to take it to a good guitar tech in your area with some new strings and have it set up by him. That way everything should be good when he gets done.

Let us know what part of the country you live in and maybe somebody on the board can suggest who you can take it to that will do a good job.

 

[Golem]

.......I spent a little more time setting the intonation. I guess it takes more than half a turn to make a difference. Plus I made sure I wasn't bending the strings when I adjusted.

Oh yeah. Half a turn on a tuning machine means a lot but on an intonation screw it's close to nothing. Think about it like it's a fret. Sure the frets get smaller as you go higher, but if there were frets all the way down to the bridge, they would be about 7mm between the last frets. If you are a half step out, you need to move the saddle, about half of that 7mm. A half turn on the saddle screw is only about a quarter of a mm.