EBMM JP intonation problem...

[Random Hero]

So, I noticed something a little weird tonight. The A string, when tuned to pitch, is sharp when fretted at the 12th fret, yet when I play a harmonic at the 19th, it's in tune.

I messed with the saddles, but nothing.

Any ideas?

Btw, the rest of the guitar is perfectly fine. Could it be these strings since I only noticed it tonight?

 

[jeffrey]

I'd try a new set of strings.

Then check the intonation against the 12th fret when fretted, and the 12th fret harmonic.

It should be the same. If it's sharp when you fret it, lengthen the string (move the saddle back), if it's flat, shorten the string (move the saddle forward).

Good luck.

 

[Colin]

I'd try a new set of strings.

Then check the intonation against the 12th fret when fretted, and the 12th fret harmonic.

It should be the same. If it's sharp when you fret it, lengthen the string (move the saddle back), if it's flat, shorten the string (move the saddle forward).

Good luck.

Jeffrey, hasn't the dinner already started?

 

[jeffrey]

Jeffrey, hasn't the dinner already started?

Yeah it had, I had a work call I had to run up here and take care of real quick.

Figured I'd check the boards while a SQL process was running.

 

[Colin]

Figured I'd check the boards while a SQL process was running.

do I even ask what an SQL process is?

 

[jeffrey]

do I even ask what an SQL process is?

Oh, some stupid server-side script I had to run to fix a database error at my office.

Took like 10 minutes.

My ADD quickly took over and forced me to do something else while I was doing that.

 

[Random Hero]

I'd try a new set of strings.

Then check the intonation against the 12th fret when fretted, and the 12th fret harmonic.

It should be the same. If it's sharp when you fret it, lengthen the string (move the saddle back), if it's flat, shorten the string (move the saddle forward).

Good luck.

It's sharp, so I moved the saddle back, and it remained sharp. I'll change strings now and see what I come up with.

 

[Random Hero]

Update:

I changed strings and all is well again.

Any explaination as to why this happens to old strings? When I say old, they are a week old, but I play alot.

 

[roburado]

The explanation I have received for old strings not retaining tuning stability is that the gunk on the strings is the problem. Who knows if it's true? I don't know if the same process is at work in messing with the intonation.

I imagine there's also a component of stretching of the string. I don't know if that's true, of course. It's just conjecture.

 

[jeffrey]

Rob is pretty much on it.

Old strings don't really ring "true" any more in my experience.

You should change strings before they gunk up, it's a good habit to develop.

 

[LoudGtr]

Rob is pretty much on it.

Old strings don't really ring "true" any more in my experience.

You should change strings before they gunk up, it's a good habit to develop.

+1 on that.

 

[David]

I've read its best to check the intonation with the fretted note at the 12 fret against the open string, instead of using the harmonic. I think it was in Dan Erlewine's book. I've noticed I have to use a really light touch when fretting the notes to compare. The bigger the frets or the harder you push down, the more likely the fretted note will go sharp. Thankfully, my Musicman guitars were setup perfectly from the factory.

 

[eliot323]

It's a good idea to wash your hands before you play (a la Tom Morello) and to wipe the strings down after you've played, especially if you sweat a lot or find that your strings gunk up really quickly.

 

[rrhea]

I've read its best to check the intonation with the fretted note at the 12 fret against the open string, instead of using the harmonic. I think it was in Dan Erlewine's book. I've noticed I have to use a really light touch when fretting the notes to compare. The bigger the frets or the harder you push down, the more likely the fretted note will go sharp. Thankfully, my Musicman guitars were setup perfectly from the factory.

The best way to intonate (again, according to Erlewine) is to fret the string the way you'd normally play and intonate to that. If you just barely fret the string while intonating and then play normally with more pressure you will not be properly intonated.

It can be tricky. One on the many reasons I no longer take my guitar to a tech for setups anymore. It's just too personal of a thing to expect someone else to get right. The only things I don't do are nuts, wood repairs and fret work... everything else I do for myself now.

Ryan

 

[jeffrey]

I've read its best to check the intonation with the fretted note at the 12 fret against the open string, instead of using the harmonic. I think it was in Dan Erlewine's book. I've noticed I have to use a really light touch when fretting the notes to compare. The bigger the frets or the harder you push down, the more likely the fretted note will go sharp. Thankfully, my Musicman guitars were setup perfectly from the factory.

The harmonic should ring identical to the open string as it's not neck dependant.

I prefer it since the harmonic and fretted note are actually the same pitch instead of the same note in two different octaves.

 

[Random Hero]

Rob is pretty much on it.

Old strings don't really ring "true" any more in my experience.

You should change strings before they gunk up, it's a good habit to develop.

I tend to change strings once a week, sometimes less. I'm really anal about it. I've played a hell of alot this week though, hence them being a little more gunked up I think. Ah well, all is sorted now - I was a little worried about my precious EBMM for a bit!!