How do you adjust intonation on acoustic?

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mrx

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I have a Takamine steel string acoustic with an intonation problem - with open strings tuned correctly, by the third fret certain notes are quite sharp. Since the bridge/saddle is not adjustable for each string (like an electric) - how does one correct this?

Thanks!
 
Well, first of all, have the neck adjusted so you have low action--low enough so that it doesn't buzz, but is easy to play. Put some fresh strings on too. If that doesn't help, you'll need a luthier who can compensate the saddle. This is done by filing the saddle so that each string is intonated properly. You might need to have the nut slots lowered a bit too.I saw a thing a while back--think it was called the Grandaddy--its a saddle you drop in that actually allows you to intonate each string. Try Stewart-MacDonald for that.

See, if the action is high and you have to press hard, you are making the strings go sharp. A good setup will really help this.
 
Most new acoustics need to be adjusted after about a year. You've got to bring it to someone who can adjust acoustics. Quiz him on experience first and make sure he calls you before doing anything after he evaluates it. (Kind of like a car repair.)
 
every tak i have ever played has had some sort of prob.
a bud of mine bought one newand it had a bad fret buzz.he took it back to the dealer three times. to be fixed.the fouth time the
dealer sent it back to the factory.the factory sent it back and it was still fucked up.the dealer sent it back to the factory again and the factory sent a new guitar back.it was fucked up too.
intonation was out and it had fret buzz.they never did get it right.
can you beleive that when he got ready to buy a new guitar that he bought another tak?it also had fret buzz and fucked intonation.
if its still under warranty go get yer money back!
 
If you can deal with it, consider changing your string guage.

I have a cheapo acoustic that just loves medium guage sets. Put anything lighter on it and it turns into a buzzy, sour beast.

My acoustic/electric is just the opposite: if I put mediums on it won't intonate, and get's all boomy in the low mids. With lights it plays/sounds fine.

Truss rod adjustment is critical on most acoustics. If you live where the weather changes drastically or travel with your axe you should learn how to adjust it yourself.
 
I agree, you can experiment with string gauge with some success. Several things can be fighting you here. If you are using light gauge strings and you have particularly high fret wire, there is a tendency to press the strings down to the fingerboard. The higher up the neck you go, the more this affects intonation by stretching the string over it's shorter length. When it's played in unison with an open string, the difference in intonation can be quite noticeable. I'm using 12/53's but I have to watch it when using alternate tunings and the strings are tuned below standard pitch, because the get a bit more floppy and easier to stretch to the fingerboard.

Also, try to fret the string as close to the fret wire as possible. Fretting in the middle between 2 frets gives you more chance to press down harder than necessary. With your finger close to the fret, less force is needed. This also helps when using a capo, to have it practically on top of the fret wire.

For a good link on guitar set-up and maintenance try THIS LINK

Christine
 
Lighter gauge strings would help - it would be the equivalent of moving the bridge back a little, which is the direction it would need to go if fretted notes are sharp. To some degree, even the best intonated guitar will have certain notes that will sound a little off. The g string is usually the worst offender, I usually tune mine a little flat to compromise. A few years ago , around 1995, I saw an ad in an acoustic guitar mag for an acoustic bridge saddle replacement that had intonation adjustments for each string - I think maybe it was called the Grandaddy or granddad or ?
here's a link about acostic guit intonation
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~coleman/intonati.htm
 
sheppard said:

can you beleive that when he got ready to buy a new guitar that he bought another tak?
Click to expand...

First off, thank you all for your advice! I have room full of guitars that need some kind of professional care, so it's time to find a good luthier...

Sheppard - the way a Tak plugs into anything and instantly sounds like something produced in a Nashville studio is a hard thing to give up. It's a miserable guitar to just "sit and play", though. I know so many singer/songwriters that could use the convenience live, but go another direction because the Tak is so dead when not plugged in.
 
You need a compensated bridge !

Go to a reputable music store that sells guitar accessories
buy a compensated bridge (plastic piece) it will have the 3rd string area adjusted forward to correct the problem you have

Dom:p
 
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