I made my first CBG about three months ago. Since then I've made another 4 and I like to think they are getting progressively better. However, there is a problem I don't seem to be able to get over.

Open strings are perfectly in tune but the further I go up the frets the sharper the notes get.

I have been using the "WFret" template and have been meticulous in positioning the frets.

I have asked around and have been told that maybe this can be fixed by adjusting the intonation but as I'm not using an adjustable bridge I don't see how this can be done.

Any help/suggestions greatly appreciated.

Art

Views: 385

Replies to This Discussion

Every bridge has to be just a bit further out than the scale length.  This is due to aa coupl of factors:. The mass of the string, strings being stretched to fret or slide, and maybe the tension, too...    Take a look at any electric guitar.  They are made with adjustable bridges for a reason .  Acoustics with fixed bridges are affected by string gauge changes accordingly.    

It has been my experience that a slide guitar with a 25 inch scale, the low g string has to be about 3/16 inch longer than the scale length, and the high g string has to be about 1/16" too long...

YMMV...

If your using a non-adjustable fixed bridge that could be your issue.

Try a floating bridge and angle as needed.

Here’s a good video to watch.

https://youtu.be/Y6pE6E7iuvI

Andy - great video! Thanks for sharing.

You string height (action) also is a factor.

Take a picture of the bridge you are using. That would help.
I purchased a uke (defective, 1 of 2200 made, but repaired) with that problem.

I kept thinking "the frets must be...no, how hard is it to get them in the right place in a factory?", but gave up & had a luthier look at it.

In my case, the frets were spaced correctly, but the distance from the nut to the first fret was too long...almost 1/8" on 20" baritone scale).

Not perfect yet, going to file the nut notch some day.

Basically, he told me to take the nut off, shorten the end, reinstall & recheck, repeat (string tension is enough to hold the nut in place...if too much material is removed, can shim to lengthen).

If you have a 'no rules' CBG nut, look at the distance to the first fret.

Murray
Murray's advice is good, but my first thought was the same as Gus'. With the strings open, how much height do you have between strings and 1st fret? How about at 12th fret? Lay a straightedge on your frets, is the neck bowed up?

Thanks for all the suggestions.   Checked the distance from nut to first fret and it's 36.5mm (1.437")  to the top centre of the fret which is right for a 25.5 inch scale.   If the measurement has to be taken from nut to the nearest edge of the fret then I'm a mm. out.    Re. string height: 2.5mm (.100") at the nut and at 12th fret 4mm (.15")

The bridge is a cut from a piece of red gum - a hard wood.   Have attached pics.

Art.

Attachments:

Your bridge is too straight.  The low strings need to be longer than the high ones.   Just start scooting the bridge a bit while checking intonation at the 12th fret. 

String length can also be adjusted by the depth of your string grooves, deeper for the high, going shallower to the low.  'Typically preferred action on an electric guitar is around 1/16" (1.6mm) on the high E string and 3/32" (2.4mm) on the low E string.'

Thanks Gus,

Will make some adjustments.  

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


Discussion Forum

Cutting deep boxes in half

Started by Justin Stanchfield. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 20. 9 Replies

Attention 1st time builders!

Started by BrianQ.. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 27. 2 Replies

Brickhouse CBG Wiring

Started by Ian Boyd. Last reply by Ian Boyd Dec 11, 2023. 1 Reply

Fretless fret markers

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Michael Myers Apr 20, 2023. 8 Replies

canjo building and tuning

Started by Brenda. Last reply by MadGomer Dec 3, 2022. 5 Replies

Minimum tools needed

Started by Wichita Sam. Last reply by Taffy Evans Nov 14, 2022. 21 Replies

High G problem

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans Nov 3, 2022. 4 Replies

Doubling the high string

Started by Robert Killen. Last reply by Paul Craig Oct 14, 2022. 23 Replies

Aluminum License Plate

Started by Larry Sobol. Last reply by Larry Sobol Oct 1, 2022. 6 Replies

C. B. Gifty three string fretless kits.

Started by jon neet. Last reply by Taffy Evans Aug 16, 2022. 6 Replies

Frettin' and stainin'

Started by Doug Laffin. Last reply by Order99 Aug 11, 2022. 4 Replies

Bolt on neck to a set neck body?

Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Jul 17, 2022. 14 Replies

Locations

Started by Roy Smith. Last reply by the anonymous pick May 15, 2022. 2 Replies

Help please re Bento Box Uke "nut"

Started by Al Lobe. Last reply by BrianQ. May 10, 2022. 18 Replies

Clarification on pick ups

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Taffy Evans May 6, 2022. 5 Replies

Licence plate cbg

Started by Michael Myers. Last reply by Michael Myers May 2, 2022. 5 Replies

Builder's Tips

Started by Wichita Sam. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 23, 2022. 2 Replies

Getting there but needing advice/help please.

Started by Lionhound. Last reply by MadGomer Feb 18, 2022. 8 Replies

Tres Cubano Build

Started by Paul Craig. Last reply by Paul Craig Dec 9, 2021. 18 Replies

CB Gitty Country Roads Banjo kit

Started by Ken Hope. Last reply by Christopher G Daniels Nov 29, 2021. 4 Replies

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 -->