I'm having what I think is a weird intonation problem with my last few builds. Maybe it's a simple fix, maybe just something stupid I am doing or overlooking. That's what I'm hoping anyways.

So, anyways, I build my three string guitar, string it up, tune it up, go to set the intonation by tweaking the location of my bridge (threaded rod, various sizes) and find that I can get the intonation correct on the first string and the last string, but not the middle string. Very frustrating. I am tuning GDG, if that makes any difference, and using phosphor bronze strings, gauges .044, .034 & .017.

Any help or insight into this would be most helpful.

Thanks,

James

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String gauge comes into this a bit here,as your tuning is not equally stepped as compared to the original string notes ,it's nearly impossible to get perfect G d g in a straight line at the same height without adjusting your individual string gauges,usually a pretty good compromise is achievable though,i've had this problem myself and have improved it by slightly lowering/raising individual strings at the bridge,but that's not so easy with a bolt

It normally takes me a few tries to get it right. I normally put in the D string, get it adjusted right and then add the other two. It also helps me set the action,

Though I switched from bolts to wood banjo style bridges...

but that should have no effect...

Like DK said, I'd be interested in your string gauges...

Darryl is spot on here. If you want the best possible chance at perfect Intonation, you need to use equal string tension.

On a 630mm/25" scale I use 44, 28 and 20w for FCF tuning. This gives around 10kg tension on each string. With a slight angle at the bridge this usually intonates pretty much perfectly

I ran your string gauges through this tension calculator, assuming a 25" scale:

http://www.mcdonaldstrings.com/stringxxiii.html

You are getting:

G =10.8kg

D =14.8kg

G =7.1kg

This is your problem :-)

Thanks for the help guys. If I read this correctly I should get a smaller gauge for the middle string?

The middle string is the biggest problem, but bear in mind that you want the treble strings to be the loudest, so you would want a heavier string for that too :-)

This is a great discussion for me too.

I have had this problem - and now have a solution.

I'm gonna use the calculator to help me choose strings. It has been a  bit of a guess every time.

Thanks, guys.

I checked on line and didn't find anything - but - how do you check the string tension???
Could you take a fishing scale or something similar, hook it around a string in the middle and get a reading??  For instance, how much tension (lbs.) to lift a string 1/4",  1/2" ??

There are a lot cut there.. Here is one...

http://stringtensionpro.com
I don't think there's really a practical way to do it yourself Jawbone, nor is there any reason to. Have a look at the link I posted above, it just does the calculation for you.

Thanx Rich - That's a good resource - my reason for asking was - every now and then I get in a situation where I wonder if I'm really pulling too much and it would be nice to double check some parameters before things go "Sproinggg snaaaap"  :-)

This has been very helpful. Thanks a lot for the advice and knowledge guys.

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