D string intonation problem of my MIA P

Chrisk-K · #1 03-28-2011, 06:10 AM

To get 12th fret note = 12th fret harmonics on the D string of my 2004 MIA P, the D string saddle has to be positioned way *in front of* the G string saddle.

When I set the D saddle so that 12th fret note = 12th fret harmonics, the notes below the 12th fret are slightly flat and the notes above the 12th fret are sharp. The current bridge is a Hipshot A type and the strings are nickel Lo-Riders. The same problem happened with the original bridge and other strings. The other 3 strings are fine. How do I tackle this problem? BTW, I use a Pitchblack and a Boss TU-2.

Zooberwerx · #2 03-28-2011, 06:33 AM

I'll assume you've ruled out the "usual suspects"...witness points, nut slot profile (!), etc.? Since the defect is constant despite changes in string genre and bridge hardware, I'd look more closely at the nut as a potential culprit.

Riis

sevenyearsdown · #3 03-28-2011, 06:37 AM

This is just a shot in the dark - how is the neck relief/action? If the action is set really high you could be "bending" the note slightly out of intonation when they are fretted - even if you have the 12th set correctly.

Chrisk-K · #4 03-28-2011, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Since the defect is constant despite changes in string genre and bridge hardware, I'd look more closely at the nut as a potential culprit.

Yeah, I guess the problem stems from the nut. The D string nut slot height is fine (when I press the D string at the 2nd fret, there's a micro gap between the string and the 1st fret).

Maybe, the witness point at the nut is wrong? The witness point should be where the nut meets the fretboard, right? If the witness point is where the nut meets the headstock, can it cause the exact problem I am having?

Quote:

This is just a shot in the dark - how is the neck relief/action?

The action is low. The neck relief is set to the Fender spec.

Zooberwerx · #5 03-28-2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrisk-K

Yeah, I guess the problem stems from the nut. The D string nut slot height is fine (when I press the D string at the 2nd fret, there's a micro gap between the string and the 1st fret).

Maybe, the witness point at the nut is wrong? The witness point should be where the nut meets the fretboard, right? If the witness point is where the nut meets the headstock, can it cause the exact problem I am having?

The action is low. The neck relief is set to the Fender spec.

You may be on to something. I press the 3rd fret and measure the 1st fret gap...should be ~.003-.005". Gotta love feeler gauges. The nut slot plays a major role; an incorrectly cut slot can cause a myriad of problems. Search for TBer "walterw"....he's a heckuva tech and has a lot to say on the subject.

Riis