This is a starting reference line to aid in locating the saddle. This is rarely the case in the real world. Because it can make the difference between your guitar sounding as it should. Setting intonation on a guitar or bass is something that any player can learn how to do. 4. Hope you found this article interesting, and I’ll see you on the next post. Adjusting the intonation is something that should be done at the end of a setup. By using the L-saddles without the sleeves, or with any number of the three telescoping sleeves, four different saddle height options are available. 7. Players with a heavy fretting hand and a strong grip tend to go, when they play. A fully-compensated saddle can measure 3/16" or more in width. Many of these bridges have different ways of adjusting the intonation, but the basic principle is still the same. Only give the screw 1-2 turns to start. When all the strings are correctly intonated, pencil the position of the front and back edges of each saddle on the top of the bridge. "I want to help you get started on the guitar with step-by-step lessons for FREE!" Install the remaining strings with only enough tension to hold the saddles. Photo 6 6. Repeat the process with the remaining strings. Cords aren’t shimmering, riffs aren’t growling and leads aren’t singing like they should. This was written with guitar and bass players of all levels in mind. The guitar isn’t the only one responsible! Think of it as how in-tune the fretted notes sound in relation to the open strings. The Intonator finds the correct locations for acoustic flattop guitar bridge saddle placement. As always, if you’re not comfortable doing a job yourself, seek the advice of a professional in your area. MEMBERSHIP IS NOW AVAILABLE IN GERMANY! fret. Only give the screw 1-2 turns to start. Look straight down from overhead and mark perpendicular to the bridge top (Photo 6). Use an electronic tuner to make sure that all strings are tuned perfectly to pitch. We will be focusing on electric guitars and basses. Cut the slot, install the mid-width saddle, and use the block of wood from Step 10 to help transfer your intonation measurements to the flat top of the saddle blank. Photo 10 If your guitar plays in tune all the way up the fretboard, your audience will appreciate it and you will sound more like a professional guitar player. Don’t forget to hit the social icons below!! The truss rod should already be adjusted, the proper strings should be on the guitar, and the string height should already be set. You can tell when your intonation is out if an open … How to Set Your Guitar's Intonation. Adjust each L-saddle so that the fretted note at the 12th fret matches the tuner when set one octave above the open note. So why does intonation matter to you as a player? Also be sure to grab your free copy of the Guitar Buyers Guide below!! All the saddles should point in the same direction. 6. The adjustment screw should be at the. Black Friday Sale! Usually small adjustments go a long way when you are setting your intonation. 9. It can be a little tedious, but it’s easy once you know how. to complete. Just inspect your guitar to see how to adjust the bridge saddles forward and backwards. So you just tuned your guitar and your ready to play!! The four saddle height options are: the L-saddle without sleeves (3/32" / .093" / 2.4mm); the small sleeve (1/8" / .125" / 3.2mm); the medium sleeve (5/32" / .156" / 4.0mm), and the large sleeve (3/16" / .187" / 4.8mm) (Photo 3). File forward or backward to create slanted peaks for this partially-compensated saddle. The improved version of the classic Fender Strat Bridge, The most consistent, top quality Strat® replacement body on the market today. Photo 4 8. your guitar sounds up and down the neck. This is rarely the case in the real world. Direct: 1-604-855-7605 Photo 5 Record these measurements (Photo 8). Repeat the process with the remaining strings. This means that the saddles can be moved. If your guitar looks different from the one in this video, don’t let that throw you off. 11. This lets you approximate any saddle radius, flat or arched, and any saddle height. Look straight down from overhead and mark perpendicular to the bridge top (Photo 6). will sound in-tune anywhere along the neck. There is usually a screw on the front or back of the saddle to adjust this. Install the remaining strings with only enough tension to hold the saddles. Toll Free: 1-800-439-8921 Be sure to lay cloth or thin piece of cardboard on top of the guitar as you’re working on it. Butt a square-edge piece of wood against the front edge of the bridge, and measure from the edge of the wood to the marks for the saddle peaks. Set the Intonator in place on the bridge with L-saddles under those two strings. Fret the low E-string at the 12th fret. We recommend using the Intonator with an electronic tuner for optimum results. In my opinion, installing a wider saddle, with the concomitant added mass, to simply be able to extend the vibrating length of the lower strings to accomplish better intonation … The following are four ways to proceed in making the permanent saddle: Adjust each L-saddle so that the fretted note at the 12th fret matches the tuner when set one octave above the open note.