Getting intonation right

If you build a CBG without a tailpiece and with the strings attached to the saddle, how do you get the intonation right? I mean, without a tailpiece you can not move the bridge around until the intonation is good and you can not just put the bridge straight at the scale length. In my case as I will have two lighter strings followed by a heavier string I suspect the bridge would need to be at a bit steeper angle.

(After some experimentation I have decided to tune C2-G3-C4, using 0.059, 0.018 and 0.014, so the difference in diameter will be quite big.)

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  • up

    Carl Floyd

    I have one that I strung from the back like a Tele.  The floating bridge sits out over the unsupported part of the top.

    • up

      BrianQ.

      Couple ways you can do it? 



      In my experience, it’s better to build some easier ones first. Understand what you’ve done & why you did it, then build some advanced ones. If you try to build a top of the line cbg on the 1st try you will learn nothing but mistakes & will regret the whole ordeal? Sorry to be a ball buster, but Ive been building for decades & been here at the nation since it started in 08’ & have seen many fail because of this? 

      • up

        Taffy Evans

        Hi again, Brian has possibly given you the best advice so far. experience is a great teacher. When my son started building he never asked me once ,how, he did it and we discussed his approach and he went back to the drawing board. Every guitar sounded very good though.
        Taff