Intonation
Most
guitar repairmen spend much of their time trying to correct problems
that were caused by an inexperienced owner's attempts to fix their own
instruments. Be cautious about repairing your own guitar. If there is
any doubt about correct procedures, take it to a PRO.
INTONATION, what does that mean? In a nutshell it means
that if your guitar is properly intonated it will play in tune in any
position up or down the neck. If your guitar is consistently playing
out of tune at some positions, then follow these steps to discover and
remedy the problem.
1. If necessary, change the strings. Up to 90% of intonation problems
are caused by strings that are worn, rusty, corroded, or dead. Remember,
change them ALL.2.
Test the tuners to see if they are slipping. If adjustable, tighten
or loosen them as needed. If they are stiff, a drop of oil will loosen
them.3.
Test the bridge adjustment for correct string length. (More on this
in future tech tips.)4.
Sight down the neck and check for any bends, bows, warps, or twists.
Correct the defect by having the truss rod properly adjusted. IMPORTANT!
NEVER ADJUST THE TRUSS ROD MORE THAN 1/4 TURN AT A TIME. Give the neck
at least 1 day to move after you adjust it. Remember i have seen guitars
ruined by over adjusting the truss rod.5.
If the fingerboard is grooved, pitted, or covered with accumulations
of dirt, wax, or grime, remove the strings and rub it down with frett
oil or lemon oil.
6.
Check for uneven, worn, high, or low fretts. If they are any of those
then they should be dressed or replaced accordingly.
And
lastly, if you have followed all of these steps, and the damn thing
still plays out of tune, then take it to Northland Music and tell Mark
or Bob to call me in and i will remedy the problem for you! Later folks,
as i'm pluggin in my '58 ES-335 into my Mesa Boogie Mark IV stack and
wailin!! -------------Greg (Big Willy) Wilson.
