Intonation Problem

[tdalexandru]

Hello, I have a Vigier Excalibur Original, and it has a strange intonation problem. On the 5th string (A) the harmonic at the 12th fret is intonated with the open string but when I fret the 12th fret it's not intonated anymore (I don't push to hard on the fret, just enough to make it ring, so my finger is not the problem). However, if the fretted note at the 12th fret is intonated with the open string, the harmonic isn't. Could you please explain me what is going on?

Alex.

[Sascha Muhr]

here's what I would do:- change strings.if that doesn't help i'd make sure, that the half of the string (-> where the '12th fret-harmonic' is) is directly above the 12th fret.to do so you would have to adjust the little saddle on the bridge further TO the neck or away from it.( depends if the fretted note is higher, or lower than the harmonic)but i htink it's not very likely( if the guitar is new) , because my vigier was set up perfectly , and according to basically all others theirs ,too.

[tdalexandru]

here's what I would do:- change strings.if that doesn't help i'd make sure, that the half of the string (-> where the '12th fret-harmonic' is) is directly above the 12th fret.to do so you would have to adjust the little saddle on the bridge further TO the neck or away from it.( depends if the fretted note is higher, or lower than the harmonic)but i htink it's not very likely( if the guitar is new) , because my vigier was set up perfectly , and according to basically all others theirs ,too.

Hi, the strings are new. The guitars isn't new ... I bought it used. I think I'll take it to a luthier in January.

[1Patrice Vigier]

A new string does not necessary means a good string, what brand do you use?

[tdalexandru]

A new string does not necessary means a good string, what brand do you use?

I use Blue Steel.In order to get the fretted note at 12th fret in tune with the open string (A), I have to move the saddle in the back at maximum. So much backwards that the fine tuner can't go all the way down anymore and the action on the string gets higher.

[1Patrice Vigier]

No wonder! Dean Markley is one of the worst brand, use Ernie Ball or D'Addario.

[KEV V6 255]

Ernie's for me

[tdalexandru]

Fixed it! The strings were the problem, even though they were new ... I'll start using Ernie Ball's from now on! Thanks a lot guys! 

[1Patrice Vigier]

Strings are very important... it is where the sound start...bad strings = bad guitar.

[Fredrik Pihl]

Strings are very important... it is where the sound start...bad strings = bad guitar.

Amen to that Patrice.