JimInAlabama - Posted - 10/27/2014:  10:32:41

I put Nylgut Red Classic gauge on my Chuck Lee 12" wood rim last week.  The 3rd string notes flat up the neck.  Using the chime/fret test at the 12th fret the 1st string frets just a tiny bit sharp, 2nd and 4th strings are perfect .... but the 3rd string frets WAY flat at 12th.  It's pretty good through 4th or 5th then gets progressively flatter going up.  If there were intonation issues with steel strings it wasn't enough that I noticed it.  I'm using a good quality 5/8" straight bridge, goatskin head set medium/tight, nut is Chuck's original scalloped nut, string height at 12th fret is between 3/16th and 1/4".  Is this just the nature of the beast with synthetics or am I missing something?

darwinyarwin - Posted - 10/27/2014:  10:42:52

Try a compensated bridge?

Bart Veerman - Posted - 10/27/2014:  12:31:22

I haven't heard of it enough to use the word common but yes, I have heard of some of those strings intonating flat.

In your case, if you happen to have a bridge with a compensation notch at the third string (Snuffy or whatever), then try using it the wrong way around so you shorten the 3rd string instead of lengthen it (negative compensation). With luck that'll solve your problem.

JimInAlabama - Posted - 10/27/2014:  12:38:18

quote:

---

Originally posted by darwinyarwin

Try a compensated bridge?

 

---

I do have a couple of compensated bridges but on the ones I have the 3rd string is set back closer to the tailpiece, making the string length longer, which would flatten it even more.  I've not seen one that shortens the 3rd string but I'm hoping some of the bridge maker members will join in.

JimInAlabama - Posted - 10/27/2014:  12:45:16

Aha, and as I was typing Bart replied, thanks!  Yep, I considered the option of turning one around, I would need to tweak the slots, and the "tilt" would be forward instead of back, maybe that's not a big deal.....?  I guess if it sounds ok it's not an issue!  (I have a Yates non-compensated bridge that I believe is actually built to tilt forward)

banjered - Posted - 10/27/2014:  13:11:25

You may simply have a defective 3d string. Since the strings are made in a secret underground lab in Italy that is assaulted by all kinds of influences, your string may be not perfectly symmetrical, thicker and thinner at different parts affecting the pitch at various frets. I've learned not to try  to stretch the strings too quickly for this very reason. Try another string. Banjered

Bart Veerman - Posted - 10/27/2014:  14:25:50

quote:

---

Originally posted by JimInAlabama

I guess if it sounds ok it's not an issue!

---

Always the golden rule

Joel Hooks - Posted - 10/27/2014:  19:09:05

Yes, as Banjered wrote, this is likely what is known as a "false string."  That is why I stopped using fishing line.  They were often false enough to really bother me.

JimInAlabama - Posted - 01/14/2015:  21:23:19

I just stumbled across this post I did last year and thought I'd follow up for anybody who might happen across it with intonation issues.  It turned out that I did have what's evidently known as a "false" string, that would not intonate correctly.  The seller replaced the set for me and that issue went away.  I do have to set the bridge at a pretty sharp angle, treble end toward the tailpiece, but all the strings intonate correctly.  And I really like the way they sound and feel.