Really odd problem...

[exclamationmark]

So while trying to intonate my guitar I noticed something very odd... As we all know, the 12th fret harmonic should be exactly equal to the open note on a given string, no questions asked. Even a rubber band strung between your fingers exhibits this property. But not on my guitars high E string, apparently.

 

There is literally a 10 cent difference between the open note being played and the harmonic on the 12th fret, with the harmonic being flat. No other strings on my guitar behave in this manner, but the funny thing is they SOUND different (ie, normal) compared to the high E string. You know that "beating" sound when you play two notes like G and F# together (11 semitones), my high E string sounds exactly like this when I play most singular notes, only VERY SLIGHTLY noticeable when unplugged, though annoying none the less. It could just be my trem springs resonating, but I have a strong suspicion it's related to the harmonic problem (plus it only seems to be localized to that particular string).

 

I had experienced a similar problem with that "beating" sound on another guitar when the string was not properly seated in the saddle, but with this trem and all, the string kinda seats itself. Anyone else experience anything similar in the past and care to share their secrets? :poke:

[mrbrown49]

 

I had experienced a similar problem with that "beating" sound on another guitar when the string was not properly seated in the saddle, but with this trem and all, the string kinda seats itself. Anyone else experience anything similar in the past and care to share their secrets? :poke:

 

 

It could be a similar situation but happening at the nut. If the lead edge of the slot is worn and no longer the last point of contact with the string it can effect your intonation and/or cause weird sitar like buzzing.

 

Really worn strings can affect intonation too, especially on a trem guitar, so change those before you do anything.

[exclamationmark]

From everything I've learned about the physics of a vibrating string, the 12th fret harmonic should be exactly double the frequency of the fundamental note, the open string. I realize that guitars are not exactly perfect instruments and I could maybe attribute a couple cents difference in pitch to the mysteries of the cosmos, but I think there may be an underlying problem with this large of a discrepancy. Before anyone asks, I did adjust the saddle distance just to see if it had any affect on the harmonic vs open string pitch, and as expected... it had none. Still about 10 cents out.

There is a little bit of fret buzz with only this particular string even played open (which I think is probably the cause), so I will probably get some new strings and if that doesn't solve it, a fret level and some nut shims (My locking nut doesn't show any signs of wear btw).

[Pope on a Rope]

The first thing you should do before dicking around with intonation is to put fresh strings on the guitar.

 

Your saddle is most likely in need of being filed into shape to fix the buzz which is likely to be the cause of your intonation problem.