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mwh4456 - Posted - 08/27/2024: 08:25:55
hello. question about this neck I purchased recently. the third string slot seems to be compensated, but Ive always thought scale needed to be lengthened on third string, not shortened. Am I wrong about this? thanks
deestexas - Posted - 08/27/2024: 08:36:27
I don't think you are wrong
sunburst - Posted - 08/27/2024: 09:07:53
Well, yes that is wrong... but, it is correct if you are compensating at the bridge. In other words, we 'compensate' in the same direction at either end, so compensating at the bridge lengthens the string while compensating at the nut shortens the string.
From the picture I see that the second string is lengthened at the nut also, so you have a fully compensated nut. (Still a compromise, but from my own experiments I know that compensating at the nut is more accurate than compensating at the bridge, and yes, that includes using a capo.)
deestexas - Posted - 08/27/2024: 10:54:34
Stelling compensated nut
mwh4456 - Posted - 08/27/2024: 12:20:25
Thanks for the info.I understand a little better now
banjo roo - Posted - 08/27/2024: 14:55:08
quote:
Originally posted by deestexas
Stelling compensated nut
Is the stelling compensated to compensate for diffetences in string tension between the various string guages, or for just intonation on the 3rd note of the scale in open g tuning?
Seems to me like it would be great for just intonation, but less so for adjustment of string tension.
sunburst - Posted - 08/27/2024: 15:22:45
The compensated nut adjusts for equal temperament on all frets, not just intonation. Just intonation is impossible with frets.
It adjusts intonation by changing string tension.
Dan Gellert - Posted - 08/27/2024: 19:04:07
Compensation at the nut and at the bridge address two different problems.
Let's assume we've got everything set up right-- everything measured and built correctly, and the bridge placed (and, if necessary, compensated) so you get a perfect octave at the 12th fret. Unless a string's height is EXACTLY right at the nut, it's either going to buzz on the first fret, or it will stretch a bit sharp at the 1st few frets. A compensated nut allows you to have action at the nut that's a couple thousandths taller than "perfect" and still have excellent intonation in the "1st position"-- even with the (IMO way too) skinny 3rd strings that many bluegrass pickers seem to prefer.
The lowest-pitched unwound string will always be the one which goes the most sharp with a given amount of deflection, and will require the most compensation-- the bridge must be moved away from the 12th fret, but the nut must be nearer to the 1st fret. I haven't ever messed with a compensated nut, but I imagine it would lessen, though not eliminate, the need for compensation at the bridge. That's if you're way pickier about such things than I am...
Edited by - Dan Gellert on 08/27/2024 19:08:04
steve davis - Posted - 08/28/2024: 18:39:09
The compensation works at either end,but absolute intonation (all notes) is only possible with stepped frets as per Mr. Nelson's banjo and a few guitars over the years.
Edited by - steve davis on 08/28/2024 18:40:26
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