Intonation problem...maybe

[Macdover]

Hi,

This is my first post to this forum so please bear with me. I have just bought a MIM Telecaster and it tunes up fine but when I play the A Major chord the G and the B strings sound horribly out of tune. However when played open or with the G chord they sound fine. Is this an intonation problem? If so, any clues on fixing it?

Cheers

[BuddyLee]

Search for intonation.

You want to use an electric tuner and make sure the 12th fret note is the same as the open note on each string. If you have the classic 3 saddle bridge you may need to compromise.

If the 12th fret is sharp iirc you need to turn the screw on the tail end of the saddle clockwise. You can also fine tune by raising/lowering one side of the saddle to help compromise, if the 2 strings on the same saddle are off from one another.

You need to retune after each adjustment of course.

[jazztele]

right--remember LONG/SHARP, SHORT/FLAT

if the fretted 12th fret note is higher than the harmonic (or open string), lengthen the scale (clockwise screw turn)

for flat, well, opposite process.

But intonation problems in the low frets is often symptom of an improperly cut nut. Take it to the local guitar doc if everything is kosher at the 12th fret.

[David Collins]

Emaj probably sounds pretty bad too, eh? As with all new Fenders, your nut slots guaranteed to be too high. You need to take this in to a good tech, who can cut the slots to a proper height of less than .001" above the plane of the frets. You'll still always have temperament issues with major thirds, but if the nut is cut proper, and assuming your finger pressure is even and not excessive, the 2nd and 3rd strings shouldn't sound any worse in an A chord than in an open G.

[Macdover]

Thanks for the quick replies (BuddyLee and jazztele). I have done some searching and it looks like the "improperly cut nut" is probably the culprit. The 12th fret and harmonic seem to line up well on my tuners (I have a Fender chromatic and the built in tuner in my Digitech RP200).

FYI, the MIM Tele has a 6 saddle bridge.

Cheers


PS what does iirc mean?

[BigDaddyLH]

Originally Posted by jazztele

But intonation problems in the low frets is often symptom of an improperly cut nut. Take it to the local guitar doc if everything is kosher at the 12th fret.

Isn't that the old joke: Hear about the shaky-handed Mohel? He got the sac.

[nvilletele]

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLH

Isn't that the old joke: Hear about the shaky-handed Mohel? He got the sac.

I'm kvellin' over that one . . . very good.

[jrfrond]

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLH

Isn't that the old joke: Hear about the shaky-handed Mohel? He got the sac.

But he gets paid in tips.

[jazztele]

see, that's the tough thing about being a mohel--your customers are all little pricks.

[mellecaster]

Originally Posted by David Collins

Emaj probably sounds pretty bad too, eh? As with all new Fenders, your nut slots guaranteed to be too high. You need to take this in to a good tech, who can cut the slots to a proper height of less than .001" above the plane of the frets. You'll still always have temperament issues with major thirds, but if the nut is cut proper, and assuming your finger pressure is even and not excessive, the 2nd and 3rd strings shouldn't sound any worse in an A chord than in an open G.

David has it...that's where I would start.

[Stevie 202]

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLH

Isn't that the old joke: Hear about the shaky-handed Mohel? He got the sac.

Oh man! I almost plotzed!

[Ormond]

Emaj probably sounds pretty bad too, eh? As with all new Fenders, your nut slots guaranteed to be too high. You need to take this in to a good tech, who can cut the slots to a proper height of less than .001" above the plane of the frets. You'll still always have temperament issues with major thirds, but if the nut is cut proper, and assuming your finger pressure is even and not excessive, the 2nd and 3rd strings shouldn't sound any worse in an A chord than in an open G.

Yes, Yes, a thousand times Yes.

[lonewolf]

It's called a set-up, all new guitars really need one, even the expensive ones. They can't do it at the factory because there are too many variables based on how the person plays, strings used, tunings used, etc. etc. etc. It's well worth the $40.00 or $50.00 that a good tech charges, to get it done correctly. If he's good, it involves many adjustments, about two hours worth, including radius, action at both ends, neck and nut work, and intonation with a good strobe.
Gene Warner
repairman

[mellecaster]

Originally Posted by lonewolf

It's called a set-up, all new guitars really need one, even the expensive ones. They can't do it at the factory because there are too many variables based on how the person plays, strings used, tunings used, etc. etc. etc. It's well worth the $40.00 or $50.00 that a good tech charges, to get it done correctly. If he's good, it involves many adjustments, about two hours worth, including radius, action at both ends, neck and nut work, and intonation with a good strobe.
Gene Warner
repairman

Gene...couldn't have said it better Myself !

[tazzboy]

Yeah I am looking at getting this for myself.

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Me...e1.1.&itmseq=1