Help! Drop-Tuning + Intonation on the JPs with the Compensated Nut?

[HighGain510]

Hey guys,

I'm thinking of grabbing another JP6 possibly and putting it in Drop-C (CGCFAD) tuning. The newer JP models all come with the compensated nut which is supposed to help with intonation in standard E tuning. Does anyone know if that affects how the nut performs with lower tunings such as dropping all the strings a full step and the E down 2 steps? Will it still intonate properly, or does the compensated nut not work the same when you're not using standard tuning? Sorry if that's a noob question, not quite sure how the compensated nut deal works with non-standard tunings. Thanks guys!

 

[Sigmunds Couch]

Buy a JP baritone if you want the low stuff. Then there are no worries.

 

[DrKev]

As far as I understand the whole nut compensation thing, you will still be better off with a compensated nut, even if it is not specifically designed for a CGCFAD tuning.

 

[colinboy]

buy a JP baritone like the man said.it is specifically designed for drop tunings etc.

 

[HighGain510]

Isn't the JP Baritone only offered as a BFR? I can't really afford one of those plus I was looking to buy used anyways. Drop C would be the lowest I would go... I find you don't really *need* a baritone unless you're down to B or so anyways. I run my 7's at Bb on a 25.5" scale without issue so I don't think I need the extended scale. As long as the compensated nut won't cause an issue when I go to set it up I'll be good.

 

[TNT]

HG,

Yeah, to some degree it's gonna affect intonation no matter what you do aside from concert C. You'll have to give and take on certain strings at certain locations on the fretboard.

Ideally having "interchangeable nuts and/or saddles" is the only way to resolve the challenges of intonation. Perhaps one day.

 

[roburado]

Well, JP uses them like that. Isn't that good enough?

 

[kbaim]

I use alternate tunings and once asked Dudley (who devised the nut) the same question. He said something to the effect that it's designed for standard but works well for other tunings as well.

So I just twist the tuning keys and play and don't really notice if it works any better or worse than my non compensated nuts...but lowering low E to C is likely to give some string buzz if you have your action close i would think.