Hey all,

With my last two builds (numbers 3 and 4 for me) the low G string sounds funky.  It's in tune at open and at the 12th fret, but in between, it's off, especially at the first few frets.

The D and high G strings are fine up and down the neck!

I use a jumbo (zero) fret at the nut, and my frets overall seem to be level when I check them with a rocker.

They both have recessed headstocks with a retainer bar. I am wondering if the retainer is not set low enough, because the string angle between the tuners and the zero fret is pretty moderate, as you can see in the attached pic.

Can this affect the notes up and down the neck?

I hate to make more guitars without knowing what I am doing that is causing this.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the knowledge on this site and in this community!

Dave

Views: 113

Attachments:

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Angle of deflection is good in the pic, can you show a pic of the overall setup, as to see the placement of the bridge?

I'm with Brian, I suspect the bridge might not be set correctly.

The bass string side of the bridge should be farther from the nut than the treble side.
saddle angle and compensation

Hi Dave, its difficult to say what the issue is with your guitar when not being able to inspect it, but here are some points to check, going from my past experience.

* the string could be faulty. I 've had customers change a string and fixed the same
problem.
* String too high at the nut. Stretching out of tune. Zero fret not fully seated.
* Fret spacing slightly off.
* Frets have flat tops [no crown] so scale length could be off the front or the back of the fret. Same for the Zero fret.

I would also check other frets, as you do the 12th, for correct pitch [or close to it] using digital tuner.
Let us know what you find, it may help others in the future.
Taff

Yes that could be the problem. But I was working on the fact that the intonation was correct at the twelfth fret and the problem was at the nut end. Bridge compensation usually aids in better intonation as you play up the neck, due to extra string height, and so streatching sharp. Interesting, but I would also check as you guys suggest.
Taff

IMG-5316.JPG

IMG-5318.jpg

IMG-5319.jpg

I attached three pics - full shot of both guitars, and close-ups of each of their bridges.

I just got a Snark this AM and intonated them again.  Definite improvement (I was using an app on my phone), (30 years ago I played bass in a reggae band, and my bandmates thought it was hilarious that I couldn't tune by ear...guess I still can't).

Still a little off up the neck in places, but much better.

To Taffy's points:

I did realize that the zero fret on the undercrown box is a hair high on the low G string side.

I also didn't spend much time crowning the frets, so that may contribute too.

I certainly did my best to keep the frets on point when using the template and cutting them, but that is a possibility too...

I really appreciate your help and welcome any more suggestions.

All good Roy, I'm glad you got a better result, thanks for the feedback.

I cant access your photos?? In fact I have no photos showing on this forum??
Taff

RSS

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


Forum

Busking Songs...

Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods 12 hours ago. 7 Replies

crossover guitar.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies

Tune up songs

Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies

Duel output jacks

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies

How to Get Your Own Music on Spotify

Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 21. 2 Replies

Latest Activity

A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

Up the Hill A D Eker 2024

"thanks AGP;# ! much appriciated !"
12 minutes ago
Crazed Fandango added a discussion to the group Introduce Yourself!
Thumbnail

Better late than never...

After joining this forum in 2014, I finally have my 1st CBG which my wife bought for me at the…See More
2 hours ago
Bernie Edwards liked J. D. Woods's photo
2 hours ago
Crazed Fandango joined Cigar Box Nation's group
Thumbnail

Introduce Yourself!

We wanna know who you are! Where ya from? What'cha buildin'? This is a place for new members to…See More
2 hours ago
Crazed Fandango liked Nomad Jack's discussion Busking Songs...
2 hours ago
Fantacone Box Works commented on Dar Stellabotta's video
5 hours ago
Fantacone Box Works commented on Ghostbuttons's photo
Thumbnail

Four projects

"Very nice"
5 hours ago
Dar Stellabotta posted a video

Wooden Guitar Slides from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Demo!!!!

In this video I compare the three different wooden slides made by David Bell and Phil Young up against my Dunlop glass slide! I gotta say these wooden slides...
5 hours ago
Fantacone Box Works posted a status
"Thanks Brian. We'll that's mighty exclusive."
5 hours ago
Ghostbuttons commented on Ghostbuttons's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_2850

"Four recent projects. All 23 inch GDG. From left (bottom): 1.  20 years ago I worked for the…"
6 hours ago
Ghostbuttons posted a photo
6 hours ago
BrianQ. commented on Fantacone Box Works's status
"The know for a fact that the only way to participate is to join the FB group? I believe they do it…"
6 hours ago

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->