Intonation problem on Epi Dot

[Dot.Com]

Hi all!

 

I recently got an Epi Dot as I wanted an instrument for alternate tunings. When I got the Dot I immediately put .11 - .54 Ernie Ball strings on, tuned to standard C and did all the adjustments I usually do with any new guitar. However, it appears my low C (so E in standard tuning) and D# (G in standard) strings are impossible to intonate properly. All other strings were very easy to adjust, but no matter how far back I move the saddles on the problematic strings, the intonation just won't budge. Both stay sharp no matter what I do.

 

Everything else is set up properly and I have never run into such a problem with any of my other guitars. This is getting rather annoying, as playing even open chords is unbearable!

 

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do next?

 

Thanks1

[Elias Graves]

My first guess would be to look at the nut. That's a pretty big string and it may not be sitting right.

 

EG

[Hiwhat]

I had the same problem with my Riviera. Had to flip one of the saddles on the bridge. That gave me enough room to properly set intonation. Another option is to switch to flatwound strings. They usually intonate much better.

[brianh]

I had similar problems with my Dot, could not intonate it no matter what I did.

 

Then I installed an Earvana compensated nut, problem solved.

[joeluck]

You can place a 'spacer' on the ball end of the problem stings to compensate...IE: your still altering the s/s length of the string. There is room in the Bridge tailpiece for this...

 

Make sure the neck adjusted properly as well.

[Dot.Com]

Hi all!

 

Thanks a lot for all the replies so far!

 

I looked at the nut and while it may be the culprit in the case of the low E string, the G string seems to be sitting in there properly and that string sounds a lot worse than the E string...

 

As for changing the nut, I looked into the Earvana ones and they seem like a good investment if all else fails, so I will bear that in mind.

 

I will try a spacer first, what would you recommend using for this? Otherwise, I'll try flipping the saddles.

 

Thanks again!

[Dot.Com]

Well, I tried spacers (ball end from old strings), flipped the saddles on the problematic bridge and still the guitar is impossible to intonate... Any advice on what to do next? Could this be down to the guitar's construction?

 

Advice is appreciated!

[Munky]

For the G, get yourself a wound G string instead of plain - had the same problem with my Dot, but this cured it instantly. Its a common problem, and im 90% certain it will sort you out.

 

As for the E......hmmmmmm..................................

[brianh]

Still say Earvana.

 

It made an unplayable Dot into a sweet sounding player in all registers.

 

Installation was fairly straight-forward.

[Caramello Koala]

I put a bone nut in my dot and the intonation is much better as a result.