Intonation. Tune-o-matic.

[almazurenkin]

Hi,

 

I've recently got LP ULTRA II, now try to set it up.

The problem I met is I couldn't get proper intonation on 6E. It always sounds a bit higher fretted on 12 then the open string.

 

The saddle is in it's maximum (away from pickups) position, means there is no space to move it any further.

 

Is there any easy way to fix this?

Would it help to increase strings gauge (.009 currently)?

 

Thanks!

[brianh]

Post a pic of the bridge. You may be able to flip the saddle around.

[animalfarm]

Post a pic of the bridge. You may be able to flip the saddle around.

 

That is one way I've had to deal with intonation problems, but mine have

always been the opposite - a bit Flat with no more adjustment room.

 

1. How's your Git neck? Straight, or with slight "upbow"?

2. How high is the action set? Extra string travel will pull

the note a bit sharp when fretted.

3. New strings or old strings? I've actually had a string out of a

"new" set go bad in 2 days, could not intonate it. Changed string,

all normal again.

 

If desired, go to "Epiphone Lounge", click on STICKY "D.I.Y" thread

at top of page, scroll down a little to "Guitar set-up" links. Click on some

of the links - may help answer your question. String gauge is a personal

preference, won't matter if neck is adjusted properly. I use .009s myself.

[almazurenkin]

Here it is:

 

 

 

animalfarm, I didn't replaces the strings, it's still original manufacturer's set. Well, I'll try to change the strings (thinking about .010).

 

The rest looks ok, bow seems to be fine. Action is a bit higher that I prefer, but I hope more thick strings will allow me to lower it.

 

Thanks!

[animalfarm]

No telling how old original strings are - good idea to replace,

stretch out for a day, the attempt to re-intonate after setting

action to your liking. Definitely interested in results, as OLD

strings go bad after a period of time.

What year model is the Ultra?

[almazurenkin]

animalfarm, it's 2008. I'll definitely let know if new strings would help or not.

brianh, if I understood the point, in my case there is no space to flip it, as it's already "flipped".

 

So rely on new strings for now.

 

[peeper]

You need to raise your tailpiece as well.

 

And the Gotoh bridge has a few extra mm for the saddle adjustment to get you in tune.

 

And have it set up by a pro the first time, it will be easier for you to maintain.

[brianh]

brianh' date=' if I understood the point, in my case there is no space to flip it, as it's already "flipped".[cool']

Yep, no more room on that bridge. As Musikron says, get a Gotoh for a scosch more adjustment.

 

New strings will probably help too.

[tflanster]

The bridge on my '93 Samick LP is flipped - screw heads facing the tail piece, exactly opposite of the bridge on almazurenkin's guitar . Intonation perfect with 11 - 50 d'Addario flats.

[almazurenkin]

Thank you all.

 

I'll try to follow the suggestions, will start with new strings and play with a tailpiece, then will see if I need to buy a new bridge.

Will update you about my story.

 

Cheers.

[Guest icantbuyafender]

guitarfetish.com sells a tuneomatic bridge that is reasonabley priced that is like the gotoh bridge.

http://store.guitarfetish.com/labutustgobr.html

[almazurenkin]

To understand how it actually impacts intonation setup I tried to google a difference between LockTone Tune-o-matic installed by default and this Gotoh version you suggest .

 

Initially I thought that it just had more space for each saddle, but now I give up.

What is the point?

 

 

(icantbuyafender, thanks, I'll bare in mind)

[deflepfan]

Before you start changing hardware (except strings - replace them immediately), check this site out.

 

http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/tutorial1.htm

 

It will help you understand how adjusting the bridge and tail (along with the saddle) will get you where you want to be.

 

There are also some YouTube vids that are pretty good.

 

Sheila

[peeper]

To understand how it actually impacts intonation setup I tried to google a difference between LockTone Tune-o-matic installed by default and this Gotoh version you suggest .

 

Initially I thought that it just had more space for each saddle' date=' but now I give up.

What is the point?

 

 

(icantbuyafender, thanks, I'll bare in mind)

 

 

More travel for each saddle, dead on.

[snookelputz]

You can also install a compensated nut to give you more length from the other end of the string. Something like the Earvana nut...

 

[almazurenkin]

Hi, short update on the topic.

 

New strings (.010 - .046) + raised tailpiece (~2 mm).

Now it intonates perfectly, and the saddle is in the middle of its run on [formerly] problematic 6 E.

 

So managed without buying a new bridge, thanks to your help!

 

[kiddakidda]

Hi' date=' short update on the topic.

 

New strings (.010 - .046) + raised tailpiece (~2 mm).

Now it intonates perfectly, and the saddle is in the middle of its run on [formerly'] problematic 6 E.

 

So managed without buying a new bridge, thanks to your help!

 

 

Theres a lot to be said for regular string changes. The guy who set my Tele up recently advised on a string change every month based on around a couple of hours average play per day.

[epidotstudio]

There's also a lot to be said for the logic that says if only 1 string in 6 won't intonate, then the guitar or bridge, or nut, or tailpiece is probably NOT the problem.

[Muskank Sally]

Have it professionally set up. You'd be amazed what a little adjustment of the guitars neck and bridge will do.

Tighten the tuner screws (kidney button), make sure they file/graphite the nut, adjust it all out and choose a good string weight,

tell them your tuning prefence, and have the person dial it in to your liking.

I know I'll be the first to admit I'm no good at bridge adjustments, but the person I've chosen to help me with these things always listens

and takes the time to do it right. He's there whenever that call has to be made, and he's reasonable too.