So I just got a new MIM Strat with the HSS configuration (Deluxe Fat Strat), and love everything about it except that I have this really weird intonation problem. Basically, I can get any barred chords or fretted notes pretty well in tune. But when I play an open string, however, it's usually quite noticeably flat. To try and remedy the problem, I replaced the factory strings, tuned the bridge, and adjusted the string action, none of which worked. One interesting observation was that on the G string especially, the best it could be tuned was with the open string a little over 10 cents flat and a little over 10 cents sharp at the 12th fret, which is noticeable enough to make me cringe at chords. To get around this, I just leave the open strings alone and fret everything. But it would be really nice to be able to play some open chords, so I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you all might have.

Welcome to the Forum.

I would have the nut checked, sounds to me like the strings are getting hung up in the nut.

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Chet Feathers

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Thanks CAFeathers, yeah that might be the problem. Is there a way I could check and/or fix the nut myself?

I would lightly run a piece of emery cloth or super fine wet/dry sand paper through the nuts slots. Then apply some graphite to them.

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Chet Feathers

Authorized TonePros Dealer
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F/A Official Southpaw Compliance Certification Tester http://faamps.com/

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

I once had the same problem with a cheap imitation strat, the problem was that the neck was twisted! This is ofcourse more severe, if this is the problem they should give you a new one instead of trying to straighten it wich is basically impossible!

heres your problem mate. Its prevelant on all guitars or modular instruments. Piano's and linear instruments rectify this with tempered tuning i.e interval to interval. Play the 2C's either end of a keyboard and you'll hear that their flat of each other though the instrument is intune.

http://www.lucytune.com/index.html

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No no and no