Stogy1 Posted January 1, 2011 Posted January 1, 2011 Hey everyone, I just purchased an '08 Gibson SG and love it, but I found at certain frets on a few strings, that the note is flat or completely off. I was told by a reputable guitar tech that nothing can really be fixed. Has anyone ran into this problem and if so has it been fixed or do you just put up with it? Thanks.
AlanH Posted January 1, 2011 Posted January 1, 2011 Dead or choking out frets are not acceptable and can be fixed with either a good set up or, if that doesn't work, fret and/or nut work by a reputable technician. If, when you say "flat/completely off", you mean in terms of the pitch of the notes then that sounds like an intonation problem. You can intonate your guitar yourself with a screwdriver and a good tuner but even a well intonated guitar is not perfectly in tune with itself across the entire length of the fretboard. May I recommend that you purchase the book How to make your electric guitar play great by Dan Erlewine. This book tells you all you need to know about home set up work on your guitar. Alan
Lungimsam Posted January 1, 2011 Posted January 1, 2011 Is there a section for bass in that Erlwine book?
Lungimsam Posted January 1, 2011 Posted January 1, 2011 Stogy1: Are they new strings? Has it been set up, with the neck checked for proper straightness and relief? Truss rod checked to ensure it isnt broken? Has it been intonated properly? These are all things that can cause the prob you are having. I am shocked that the repair guy told you it was unfixable. I don't believe that at all, unless he gave you a real reason why. My notes around the 7-12 th fret sound flat if my neck starts to bow. But after proper adjustment, everything is fine. I would start with a new guitar tech.
AlanH Posted January 1, 2011 Posted January 1, 2011 Is there a section for bass in that Erlwine book? Not really but............it says "Indispensable for any guitar and bass owner" (Bassist Magazine) on the back cover. Alan
strat-o-steve Posted January 2, 2011 Posted January 2, 2011 +1 on finding a new repair guy! Anybody that deals in repair of musical instruments would have known to check the intonation and setup the instrument. WORST CASE would be the fret placement on the fretboard is wrong, but I doubt that, since in 26 years of playing guitar, I have NEVER seen any guitar with this issue, even on the cheapest of guitars. And even then, that could be repaired as well, if the cost wouldn't be more than the value of the guitar. I believe a good setup will fix your problem, at the least have the intonation set. I don't think there is anything wrong with your instrument, it is just out of adjustment.
Stogy1 Posted January 2, 2011 Author Posted January 2, 2011 Hey, Thanks for the responses I really appreciate all the info I was told. I'm definitely going to look for that book and probably a new tech. Like I said before, I absolutely love this guitar and just want to make sure I keep it in top shape. Thanks everyone.
diveplane Posted January 4, 2011 Posted January 4, 2011 sounds to me like a string action height issue. gibsons design is great just loosen the string tension and raise the tune o matic slightly always test playing on the 12th fret, if the strings dont rattle here, good chance it will play smooth all other frets, also as someone mentioned the intonation is adjusted 12 fret as well. also check for warping of the neck , not a massive bow in the neck either. just a basic rule of thumb.
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