• Registered: 2008-09-13
  • Posts: 4

Topic: How good is good when setting intonation?

I'm adjusting the intonation on my Gretsch.

I can tune the open strings to within a cent (using a Seiko tuner), and the 12th fret octave to within 2 cents, but the bass E string at the 12th fret I can only get within 3 cents.

My ear isn't that good, so my question is, "How good is good for intonation adjustment?"

  • From: Frederick, MD
  • Registered: 2006-12-28
  • Posts: 851

Re: How good is good when setting intonation?

Well, I can say that 6 individual saddles are easier to intonate than the vintage Telecaster bridge.

lol,
Dm

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but mediocrity knows nothing more than itself."

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  • Registered: 2011-02-07
  • Posts: 4

Re: How good is good when setting intonation?

Thats near enough- to be honest, even if the 12 was dead on, I would bet that many, many notes on the fretboard would be off by lots- its the nature of the beast, unless you have a compensated fret guitar, with nut and bridge also!

  • Registered: 2010-02-15
  • Posts: 45

Re: How good is good when setting intonation?

Is the low E flat or sharp?  Flat is better, as you can always press/bend it up.

  • Registered: 2008-09-13
  • Posts: 4

Re: How good is good when setting intonation?

It's 3 cents flat.  I figured that was the "better" error, I know I'll never have a consistent pressure, but if I take the error out of the instrument, then I'm the variable to fix.