On two guitars I recently built they are a little bit out of tune at the 12th fret. When I tune the bottom string to open G and then play it at the 12th fret it comes out sharp. I’m hoping that’s something that I can adjust to make it right.I tried to be real careful when I measured the scale length and Frets and set everything up. So I’m not sure what the deal is but if you have any thoughts on what it might be or how to fix it I’d love to hear.
Tags:
If your bridge isn't glued down move it until it comes into tune. Usually the bridge is angled just a bit, towards the bottom of the guitar.
Like Keith said. If you have a movable bridge try this.
If it's sharp you need to move it forward and make the string shorter
If it's flat do move it back to make the string longer.
Every time you move the bridge retune your string and try again.
You can do this to adjust the intonation of both your first and third string. The middle string is at their mercy. You can check out vids on how to adjust the intonation on a straight bridged acoustic guitar. That's a whole new monster to do.
Hi BR, I think you may have a typo there??
Taff
Yep. I get em backwards.
If it's sharp you have to move the bridge back and make the strings longer
if it's flat you have to move the bridge forward to make the strings shorter.
No wonder it takes me forever to intonate my guitars....: )
Listen to Taffy and Rat before you listen to me (being a noob), but I ran across that on my last build too. I ended up slanting the bridge/bolt, mine had to go about 45*, with the low string being longest, but damn if I didn't nail it on all 3, at least close enough for gov't work...
Hi Jon, this must be one of the most popular queries.
As BR suggests moving the bridge back from your initial scale length position [compensation] allows for the different string thickness and height.
Just for you to file away, here are some recommended distances back from the true scale length,[compensation], subject to string gauge and height at the 12 fret:
1st 1.49mm
2nd 2.80mm
3rd 1.03mm
4th 1.85mm
5th 3.11mm
6th 4.79
Pictured here are a couple of ways I use to get my guitars intonated. One moves the whole bridge back, the other plots the position where I would compensate each string by filing the saddle.
The Allen key version is positioned so that the short ends are under the strings. I then position each one for good intonation on each string. I can draw a line from the first sting to the last string, so I have my saddle angle, and see where the middle string are best placed. Taff
Thank you, Taffy. You just confirmed my skill set as 'hack'.
Hey James, sorry about that, but that's a bit harsh mate.
I remember being a 'hack' possibly 60 years ago, and I can remember the first instruments I had possibly wrecked, or at least devalued through inexperience. But that does not last forever if one is willing to take chances, seek information, listen and learn.
I have the first notes of the first instruments I worked on, and I say to myself "did I do that"?
Taff
I really am flying by the seat of my pants most of the time. A lack of tools also comes into play. I really want a jointer and a thickness planer. Just a week ago I told a volunteer on the ship about cbg's, and yesterday he shows up with pix of his first build. Still in progress, but he's even making the box. Out of Walnut. With mortise/tenon corners. I'm so far away from that...
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by BrianQ. 15 hours ago. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by A.D.EKER on Wednesday. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Rich Butters in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Crazed Fandango on Tuesday. 4 Replies 0 Likes
Started by J. D. Woods in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods on Saturday. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods Apr 17. 7 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Moritz Voegeli in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 14. 6 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Tom T in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 9. 9 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Apr 4. 7 Replies 1 Like
Started by Timothy Hunter in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 27. 1 Reply 2 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 10. 1 Reply 3 Likes
Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by BrianQ. Mar 9. 4 Replies 3 Likes
Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies 1 Like
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Ken I in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Brian partington Mar 8. 8 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Southern Ray in Cool gear discussion - that's not cigar box related. Last reply by Southern Ray Mar 6. 5 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Taffy Evans in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 5. 4 Replies 2 Likes
Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Carl Floyd Mar 1. 15 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Joe in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by Carl Floyd Feb 29. 13 Replies 0 Likes
Started by Chance in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 22. 12 Replies 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 31, 2024 at 11:48pm 0 Comments 1 Like
Posted by Vlad on March 6, 2024 at 2:32am 5 Comments 2 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 2:09pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 17, 2024 at 11:00pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by Vlad on February 11, 2024 at 1:06am 1 Comment 1 Like
May 11, 2024 from 11am to 8pm – Speakeasy Grill
0 Comments 0 LikesMay 30, 2024 from 6:30pm to 10pm – The Casual Pint of Huntsville
0 Comments 0 Likes© 2024 Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker. Powered by
Cigar Box Nation is presented by C. B. Gitty Crafter Supply, your one-stop-shop for Cigar Box Guitar parts and accessories!