Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Tech => Topic started by: AdamB on June 20, 2009, 05:29:53 PM

Title: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: AdamB on June 20, 2009, 05:29:53 PM
So, i had my SG set up about 6 weeks ago. The action is very low (just the way i wanted it), and i had the G string nut slot cut a bit more as i pay 11-54's. The intonation is perfect, both the harmonic at the 12th fret and the fretted 12th note are perfect with each other.

But last night at practice, i played an octave chord on the 17th fret, and it sounded a bit out. I thought this might have been due to putting a bit of extra pressure whilst playing at practice. But when i got home, it's still the same. It's just the G string. After the 12th fret it starts to go a bit sharp! In particulary, at the 17th fret and above. The saddle is right against the back (towards the stop tail) so it can't go any flatter.

I've been told that getting a strobe tuner with a tempered tuning mode can sort this.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: sgmypod on June 20, 2009, 05:40:18 PM
think it's called the nashville gib bridge is wider so more room for adjustment
Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: AdamB on June 20, 2009, 05:54:05 PM
But it's perfectly in tune open, 12th fret and 12th fret harmonic :?:
Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: sgmypod on June 20, 2009, 06:01:06 PM
The saddle is right against the back (towards the stop tail) so it can't go any flatter...sorry was going on this bit.....not sure then
Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: AdamB on June 20, 2009, 06:05:28 PM
Maybe a wider bridge might help though. I'm just trying to cover all bases.

Thanks though mate
Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: Ratrod on June 20, 2009, 06:45:51 PM
Try the following:

Set the G-string saddle so it's in a traight line with the D and B saddle.

Recheck the G-string's intonation. If it's no more that 10 cents off leave it in that position and check harmonics on the 13th fret and on.

Don't ask me why this works but I had similar problems and this has worked somehow. While the 12th might be a little bit off, the others are less off than before.

EDIT: If this doesn't work I'm suspecting a neck hump or high frets.
Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: Ratrod on June 20, 2009, 06:47:13 PM
Try the following:

Set the G-string saddle so it's in a traight line with the D and B saddle.

Recheck the G-string's intonation. If it's no more that 10 cents off leave it in that position and check harmonics on the 13th fret and on.

Don't ask me why this works but I had similar problems and this has worked somehow. While the 12th might be a little bit off, the others are less off than before.

EDIT: If this doesn't work I'm suspecting a neck hump or high frets. Or a bad string.

Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: AdamB on June 20, 2009, 07:33:22 PM
That didn't help sorry mate, it only made the G string sharper
Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on June 20, 2009, 11:34:14 PM
Even if the string thats playing on is new , change it for a fresh one

Alternatively if te problem persists - maybe look at an Earvana nut

try the intonation at the 1st, 2nd 3rd etc - if it comes up sharp then the Earvana may help
Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: AdamB on June 21, 2009, 07:19:43 AM
Thanks man!

I'll replace my G string later on :lol:
Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: indysmith on June 21, 2009, 10:35:12 AM
G strings are bloody pesky on a LP. No idea why but I'm often tempted by Earvana...
Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: Henk on June 21, 2009, 04:02:56 PM
Ive had all kinds of stringrelated SG problems but also with the Nighthawk model which is even worse in this respect IMO.

Anyway, i think it has to do with the stringtension being different for each string and or the tension over the whole length of the string is different. Probably messing with the nut made it worse, but usually bad saddles on the bridge cause it. If you turn the saddle around and/or wrap the strings over the stoptail there will be some change in the situation.

A bit of graphite in the nut and on the bridge saddles helps too, you can also just grind some off a H grade pencil.....



Title: Re: Tuning problem on my SG! Tech help needed...
Post by: AdamB on June 21, 2009, 05:12:38 PM
All noted thank you!

I'm going to change my strings first tonight to see if it's that :)