Hi Guys,

I have just done the intonation on my Strat checked the 12th note fretted with the harmonic at the 12th fret and they both seem to be bang on..so does that sound correct to you?

Also when i bought the guitar the saddles looked wrong...i know there is a slight pattern when intonation is correct and mine seem to follow that now, why are some saddles on different strats in different positions (higher/lower)..is that down to string gauge, neck etc...and personal preference??

Thx

I use a third verification: The 12th note fretted, the 12th fret harmonic AND the open note.

As to your second question, yes to all, factor in the nut's cuts and most importantly (while being brief), the individual string's length, pitch and vibrational properties thereof, keeping in mind that fretting alters the length, the pitch and vibration.

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You dig?

The neck curve could change with time with result intonantion change too. Have you check neck curve before ?

Thanks man yep i have just done all three (open, harmonic, and fretted) and all seems fine so i guess i have it correct, and thanks for the info..i wasnt sure if there was a standard saddle length on strats but that has answered my question thx

Yep full setup done including neck curve all fine there thx

Any time!

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You dig?

It is correct that the three notes. Open, 12th harmonic, and 12 fretted should all be the same note. If you have a good ear you can do it that way. I don't trust my ear so I use a tuner. The tuner on my Digitech RP50 is very sensitive so I use it to dial the intonation in perfect.
Did you address string height?
you should check out youtube for several instructional videos. Several show you step by step about intonation, truss rod and string height adjustment. even tricks to help stabilize your trem so it stays in tune.

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TOO MANY GUITARS, TOO LITTLE TIME!

Current Stable:
Fender Stratocaster MIM 07
Squire II Stratocaster MIK 89?
ESP LTD MH-100QM
Jackson KE3 Kelly MIJ

+1! I always use a tuner....a sensitive one as tiny little adjustments are sometimes not that audible to the human ear. There are also 'rules' on how to use a tuner...........certain pickup selections and tone and volume rolled off slightly.....whether these work or not is....erm....debatable but I know some that swear by it...........

As far as saddles go, have you got all your saddles 'level' ie both grubs screws the same length (if you see what I mean ) or do they go by the shape of the neck....that is low E saddle shorter on the near side and going with the neck curve............man I'm sure there is an easier way to word that.....anyone.....Martian, Ceri or someone who has a better way with the 'lingo'. I know there is a lot of debate on whether the saddles should be completely 'parallel' to the bridge and the possibility of cutting your own saddle grooves or 'angling' the individual saddles in line with the neck curve.....mmmmmmmmmmmmm......there's one to discuss (not intending to hijack btw )

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speak slowly I'm a drummer too!!

And I proudly lack a stick or a kazoo up my arse...........

I know I have pondered it too. It could be that was the initial intention with the design. I've looked at it and I get the impression that the saddle could be tilted to match the crown of the neck for comfort sake but being a fan of Floyd trems (which are just plain flat) I just keep them flat. I know adjusting the string height isn't as easy as you would think. There are several tricks to really snuggling that action in low.

_________________
TOO MANY GUITARS, TOO LITTLE TIME!

Current Stable:
Fender Stratocaster MIM 07
Squire II Stratocaster MIK 89?
ESP LTD MH-100QM
Jackson KE3 Kelly MIJ