Intonation Problems

[mikeluke]

Folks - looking for some suggestions

Got a problem with my SG - G string - when I tune it to be in pitch and fret around 1st to 5th fret notes are quite sharp - get's better around 12th fret - assume that I need to move the saddle - but which way?  Towards the nut or bridge?

All the strings come up slightly sharp but the G string is really noticeable

Thanks

[Jonny]

I think it would be the saddle towards the nut.

[FELINEGUITARS]

I know this problem well - and it is a pain in the arse as it makes the 3rd in many chords sound sharp and evrything sounds a mess.
If you check the intonation at the 12th fret and it seems ok yet the sharpness remains on the first 5+ frets then I would recommend looking into an Earvana nut as one way of tackling the problem
www.earvana.com

I am one of the main stockists for these in the UK so am pretty conversant with them
the drop in shelf nut is the simplest to use

There are also other benefits to putting one on - especially on a Les Paul or SG guitar
Makes the guitar seem more alive and balanced IMO
I fit them as standard on my custom builts these days

PM me or give me a call if you want more info

[mikeluke]

Jonathan - what is the difference between a shelf nut (no screws) and compensated (with screws)?

Shelf does look easiest

Mike

[Oli]

Perhaps check that the slot in the nut is not too high- this would cause a noticable sharpening on the lower frets, which tapers out towards the 12th. I've heard nothing but good things about the Earvanas, however :)

[Paradigm]

Perhaps check that the slot in the nut is not too high- this would cause a noticable sharpening on the lower frets, which tapers out towards the 12th. I've heard nothing but good things about the Earvanas, however :)

This is my thought as well. You could try taking a smile file and just making the slot a little deeper. Saddles won't change this problem if it's in tune on the 12th (if it's not: tune the open G string to G, then check at the 12th fret. Too high? Move the saddle away from the headstock, too low, move it closer to the headstock. Don't worry you won't ruin the guitar with a few turns). If it's in tune on the 12th, lowering the string in the nut (or the nut altogether if all strings have this problem) should fix it.
This problem is somewhat common, especially after people have made their own nuts.

I can vouch for Graphtech nuts while we're at it ;-).

[cjpmmd]

+1 on the Earvana, no question!  It's like night and day.

[FELINEGUITARS]

Jonathan - what is the difference between a shelf nut (no screws) and compensated (with screws)?

Shelf does look easiest

Mike

The shelf is much easier to put in  and it looks less conspicuous as well



Here is a link to them on ebay in our shop - or phone me for one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Earvana-Compensated-Tuning-SHELF-Nut-Gibson-43mm-WHITE_W0QQitemZ370284825197QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Guitar_Accessories?hash=item5636b20a6d

[gingataff]

Jonathan - what is the difference between a shelf nut (no screws) and compensated (with screws)?

Shelf does look easiest

Mike

The shelf is much easier to put in  and it looks less conspicuous as well



Here is a link to them on ebay in our shop - or phone me for one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Earvana-Compensated-Tuning-SHELF-Nut-Gibson-43mm-WHITE_W0QQitemZ370284825197QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Guitar_Accessories?hash=item5636b20a6d

Does this nut also fit late 80s Charvels with the Kahler type locknut? (The locknut sits pretty tight against the nut on my Model series Charvel)

[FELINEGUITARS]

It could be modified to fit - simply sand down the rear side till it slots in the gap
The Chravel nut may be a mm thinner so not too much sanding