discussion of intonation
Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2023 8:36 am
these is a lot of discussion on this topic and I would like other experts to chime in
Through the years we seen changes on the saddle angle. Martin in the early days of steel used a flatter angle and now its about a 3 degree , and gibson was a touch more.
So how can you determine the proper angle for your guitar? Remember that the compensation for intonation is based on scale length. The string to string intonation is based off string gauge .
I like to think first of the Variables we face.
A The action height
some player like higher action than others so the higher the action the longer the compensation length
Neck relief , A the neck curves again this requires more length
Top bow this is a guess to a degree as RH will also have something to say on how the top reacts and again
higher sharp lower flat
Bridge twist as the bridge loads the saddle will roll forward and again this creates a sharp condition
Players style some are aggressive and play with a tight fretting hand
Age of strings work hardening will change the strings characteristics
so now , how can we control all this?
The key is how you set the saddle on initial set up. Know that in the end all of these variables create a sharp condition. How much is as individual as the player. So I have been using a .100 inch wide saddle and I know some go as much as 1/8 inch , so with a 3 degree slot on the bridge you have some room for working the length of each string to dial in the compensation. I also shoot for .150 to .180 saddle height off the top of the saddle. Know that in the summer , the top may rise and drop in winter so a lighter braced guitar may need a winter and summer saddle.
I make my bridges .400 in high to start. When I set a neck I am looking at .375 in height at the top , on the line of the saddle. So when I set the bridge I shoot for this height. Now I can assume ( I know this is dangerous ) the top rise may be about 1/16 of an inch. So that will take us to a .325 height on the saddle for the initial set up.. This can change a bit so if you get close just remember to be about 1/16 off the bridge. Too much and you have too high a saddle and too low not enough.
Once you get the saddle height and set up allow a few days for the guitar to settle in. It is not uncommon to see changes in 3 to 14 days. The top will come up and bridge will roll a bit. I like to see a few cents flat on initial set up because I know things will go sharp during settle in. Don't touch the saddle yet but after settle in time you can now address the saddle for final intonation adjustment by tweaking the saddle on each string.
there is nothing magical , its all physics. Learning these skills are part of the trade. The better you can set up the more work you get. I am sure you noticed that in the end , its always just how long does each string need to me. All the variables have a tendency to make stings play sharp so learning how to dial that in is very important.
Through the years we seen changes on the saddle angle. Martin in the early days of steel used a flatter angle and now its about a 3 degree , and gibson was a touch more.
So how can you determine the proper angle for your guitar? Remember that the compensation for intonation is based on scale length. The string to string intonation is based off string gauge .
I like to think first of the Variables we face.
A The action height
some player like higher action than others so the higher the action the longer the compensation length
Neck relief , A the neck curves again this requires more length
Top bow this is a guess to a degree as RH will also have something to say on how the top reacts and again
higher sharp lower flat
Bridge twist as the bridge loads the saddle will roll forward and again this creates a sharp condition
Players style some are aggressive and play with a tight fretting hand
Age of strings work hardening will change the strings characteristics
so now , how can we control all this?
The key is how you set the saddle on initial set up. Know that in the end all of these variables create a sharp condition. How much is as individual as the player. So I have been using a .100 inch wide saddle and I know some go as much as 1/8 inch , so with a 3 degree slot on the bridge you have some room for working the length of each string to dial in the compensation. I also shoot for .150 to .180 saddle height off the top of the saddle. Know that in the summer , the top may rise and drop in winter so a lighter braced guitar may need a winter and summer saddle.
I make my bridges .400 in high to start. When I set a neck I am looking at .375 in height at the top , on the line of the saddle. So when I set the bridge I shoot for this height. Now I can assume ( I know this is dangerous ) the top rise may be about 1/16 of an inch. So that will take us to a .325 height on the saddle for the initial set up.. This can change a bit so if you get close just remember to be about 1/16 off the bridge. Too much and you have too high a saddle and too low not enough.
Once you get the saddle height and set up allow a few days for the guitar to settle in. It is not uncommon to see changes in 3 to 14 days. The top will come up and bridge will roll a bit. I like to see a few cents flat on initial set up because I know things will go sharp during settle in. Don't touch the saddle yet but after settle in time you can now address the saddle for final intonation adjustment by tweaking the saddle on each string.
there is nothing magical , its all physics. Learning these skills are part of the trade. The better you can set up the more work you get. I am sure you noticed that in the end , its always just how long does each string need to me. All the variables have a tendency to make stings play sharp so learning how to dial that in is very important.