Compensated nut--Intonate to harmonic or fretted note?

[mistercharlie]

I have a St Vincent with the compensated nut. Is the recommendation to intonate the open string to the 12th-fret harmonic, or to the fretted note (on the 12th fret)?

I ask because there's quite a difference between the two. For example: if I intonate the 1st string (top e), and match the open string to the harmonic, then the fretted note (12th fret) is flat.

 

[Eggplant Wizard]

The 12th-fret harmonic will always be a perfect octave of the open string no matter how you set the intonation. Set the intonation so that the open string (and the 12th-fret harmonic) are the same pitch as the fretted note at the 12th fret.

 

[mistercharlie]

Got it. That's what I usually do on Telecasters and what-not. Just wondered if these fancy nuts were the same.

 

[beej]

Treat 'em like you would a regular nut. (And open strings will sound a little more in tune.)

 

[mistercharlie]

Cheers!

 

[kbaim]

I don't understand this fascination of wanting to play in tune.

I mean, i guess.