intonation problem

[stip78]

first post. i have a jeff beck strat. and i recently set the intonation and the g string is flush with the back of the bridge plate. i thought it was maybe because the neck was too loose (up bow would cause less string length) but even when i tighten it, the intonation stays the same...please help!

[justrc]

stip78,
If I understand you correctly, you are saying that you have tightened the G string saddle intonation screw all the way to the back of the bridge and touching the back portion of the plate. If this is the case you must not try to force the screw any further since this will result in stripping the screw or, ever worse, the saddle. I assume the G string is still sharp as you can't move the saddle far enough to the rear to lower to correct pitch.It sounds to me like you may have more than just an intonation issue.

If this is a new model JB you should take it back to the dealer and have a complete setup done. If not new, I would certainly take the guitar to a competant repair tech.Since 1987 the American Series Strats, including the JB, have the Biflex truss rod, neck tilt adjustment, and 2 point syncronized tremolo bridge with the stainless steel saddles. All of these work together to keep the entire system operating correctly. It takes a very competant tech to get the American Series functioning perfectly.
RC

[dan P]

Hey Guys, wow does the low e set? usually you will have the g and low e pretty close the same in the bridge plate, anyway that is where I would adjust the g to, sometimes a very high pickup will affect intonation caused by the string pull of the magnets, may just lower them to the guard level and try again... may also try to shorten the spring behind the screw...

[justrc]

True regarding the springs. Back in the 70's Fender's quality was really suffering. Some models came with chrome plated solid brass saddles and were apparently too long. You'd have to remove the spring from the G & E6 to get them to intonate correctly. Occasionally that was not enough, so, you would grind the rear of the saddle a hair untill it would intonate. Have never seen that issue on the Am Series though. That's why I think there may be other issues to address.

[thaus]

I think DanP has it right.......sounds like a screw length issue. I had this happen on an Am. Std once and I just replaced the screw with something a little longer. Did the trick!

[Tremblock]

Dan P's got the easy out. Clip the spring (a spare) mid-point with a wire snip and see if a shorter spring will do the trick. I've found a real inconsistency with saddle springs over the years –*some might seem to be the right length, but are a fatter gauge and don't compress as tightly.

[stip78]

and get back to you guys. thanks for the advice.

[stip78]

the e string has no problem with intonation and the pickup height is stock...i am going to look into the spring.