weird tunning issue

Paulius Volkovas

I have a problem with a D string intonation.
It is in tune as open string and also at 12th fret, but around 7th fret is very flat.
How can i fix this?

pickitjohn

I'd try another string just to find out if it's your guitar or STRING that's the problem

pick on

pickitjohn :peace:

Mandobart

How do the harmonic and fretted note at the 12th compare? They should match perfectly. Use a tuner; don't trust your ears (says the ear-trained classical violinist). How do the frets look? Do you have a lot of playing hours since the last time you dressed the frets? Is it in tune all the way from the zero fret up to the 5th - 6th and then go flat at the 7th? How is it from the 7th up to the 12th?

Paulius Volkovas

From 0 to 3rd fret its good, then from 4th it starts to go flat, 5 is worst , then from 6 to 11 its gradually getting better, and 12 is in tune again. I think fret dress was made long ago, but frets dont look too bad. Maybe i should try changing strings first.

Paulius Volkovas

i don't know if it is related, but there is one more issue:
Some strings are buzzing even when not plucked. Lets say i fret b string 6th fret and A string 8th fret but only pluck b string with a pick. The A string buzzes (somewhere from nut to 8th fret). Or if i fret B string 6th fret and low E at 6th fret. If i pluck B string - E buzzessomewhere from nut to eight fret.

Jazzaferri

Is the intonation out just on the one string, or is it to some degree or other, all 6

Paulius Volkovas

intonation issue is on D string, other strings are norm.

jonpowl

Have you changed string gauges lately? Is the climate changing where you live, i.e. summer to fall, dry to wet, etc.? I'm assuming it is rare to have a selmer style guitar be perfectly in tune, but my Gitane DG-255 is really close. 4 out of the 6 strings on my Paris Swing are in tune, but the others are off. Could it be the grooves in the bridge? Just guessing, but if you are also getting buzzing, you might need to adjust the neck, especially if you have recently changed the string gauge.

Paulius Volkovas

Well there are a couple things: my Pattenote 254 does not have a adjustable truss rod. The bridge is not a standard mustache, but it is a thin one piece bridge. The plastic saddle was recently replaced with a hand made wooden saddle. Could this be the problem?
Regarding climate is is definately colder now than in summer, a bit more rainy also.
I will change strings next week to see if its just a string issue.

Jon

I've had this problem too with several different guitars. Interested to hear from the luthiers on here as to an explanation.

Jazzaferri

If you have tried a different string then either that guage of D syring doesnt work or something is very odd. The only thing I can think is that maybe it is contacting at the back edge of the saddle. Are the fretted note at the 12 fret and the harmonic the same pitch on a tuner....like identical