Help: low string goes abnormally sharp when picked

[Fretmelter]

I play in a band that uses drop C# tuning, and am having problems with the low E (C#) string. Every time I pick the string it goes abnormally sharp (20-30 cents) before returning to its correct pitch. The guitar is an ibanez prestige, with a 50-gauge string for the low C#. On my ibanez jem10, I have a 46-guage string on the low C# and the note plays much less sharp after immediately picking. I would think the thicker gauge string would vibrate less sharp at the same pitch due to increased string tension.

Could it be from a better neck or setup, such as the nut? My Jem10 was setup by Rich Harris (who has done the best setup I have ever played on), but I have had 2 other techs look at the prestige and neither fixed it right. Does anyone have an answer for what causes abnormal sharpness to a plucked string?

[rainonthegrave]

did u set the innotation???

[Rotti]

I'm thinking intonation or high action.

[Fretmelter]

I paid to have the intonation and action setup, so I'm not sure. The action is pretty good actually, so I wouldnt think it would be the problem.

[NaHuELoidE]

make sure your technique is ok, i mean, not pressing the string so strong, or maybe, you should look at your picking hand: in my 7 string I had .52 for low A, and depending the attack it went sharp. now i use .11 gauge strings ( a whole tone drop) and dont have that problem at all now. maybe you should try heavier gauges

[Fretmelter]

Well, I know that I definitely play harder live then when sitting at home, but it still seems puzzling. I will have to ask Rich Harris since he set up my Jem10 and it plays wonderfully at the same tuning with lighter gauge strings