String Gauge and Setup

[Two hands31]

I decided to restring my Schecter with a 10-52 set using a 58 for the low-B string. The only problem is, the intonation's off on the low-B string. Ok, I thought, just adjust it. Only problem is, the saddle won't move far enough back for it. However, I've noticed that, because of the heavier string guage, the neck-bow needs major adjustment, as the action's now really high towards the end of the fretboard. My question is, will fixing the neck fix the intonation, or should I just not bother, and go back to my old string guages?

[Two hands31]

Anyone?

[steve]

Straightening out the neck will have a major impact on the intonation range available, so yes, have at that - it should allow you to get that string into proper adjustment.

[Two hands31]

Well, I straightened the neck, now it plays real nice again, but the intonation still won't go far enough. Tho, I'm beginning to think I've got a flawed string, as the sound is very wavery rather than being a true note. Is this the intonation, or is it the string?

[Ancestor]

My schecter A-7 has an intonation problem, too. It's weird... it's like Ibanez has this great intonation, but IMO, very little to offer in the way of tone (compared to Schecter).

A heavier guage string should help the intonation, not hurt it. The neck has to be straight, as you pointed out. You may consider taking it to a pro to have set up, if it's driving you crazy. The repair guy here had mine playing in really good tune until I changed the strings on it.

My low string is a .60 BTW. I've fortunately only had to make one intitial truss rod adjustment when I first got it. I would say just keep working with it, and remember that the tuning is never perfect on a guitar. You can approach perfect intonation, but it's mathematically impossible to achieve (unless you play some killer slide or bend the notes into tune).

[Two hands31]

Actually, I've decided that my bridge just doesn't have enough room to intonate properly for anything heavier than a .54 It won't even come close.

[Ancestor]

I've got my saddle for the last string jammed against the bridge as far as it will go. A friend of mine with the same guitar took the spring out and has to finagle the string through the hole.

I forgot to even ask if you have string through body like I do!

Ah, well. Good luck.

[Two hands31]

Yep, it's a string-through-body hardtail type thing (it's a Strat-type hardtail). I'll consider taking the spring out. Are there any downsides to this?

[Scott of Actual Time]

an old hardtail Strat setup trick is to cut the spring, say in half, so you make it shorter. you could use a pickup spring or one out of a ballpoint pen if you wanted to keep the original unaltered.

[Two hands31]

What's the purpose of the spring being there, anyways?

[failsafe306]

I had the same problem on my PRS. I tune down to B, like the bottom six of a seven string, and use the Earnie Ball Power Slinky's 11-58. I took the spring out, and still couldn't get it back far enough.

I ended up taking the saddle off of the bridge and grinding it down some in the back so it would go back further, and now it intonates perfectly on all six strings.

Also, make sure your action isn't too high. If it's too high and you fret the 12th fret it'll make it go sharp even if your intonation is perfect.

Christian

[Ancestor]

Originally Posted by Two hands31

What's the purpose of the spring being there, anyways?

I think it's just there to help move the saddle towards the neck when adjusting.

[Two hands31]

Originally Posted by Ancestor

I think it's just there to help move the saddle towards the neck when adjusting.

Wouldn't the combined force of the screw and the string itself do that enough?