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
Replies
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
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.
Taff
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
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.