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To decrease bridge height, turn the bridge height screws clockwise. To increase bridge
height, turn the bridge height screws counterclockwise. The stop tailpiece may also be
adjusted to increase or decrease string tension across the bridge. Lowering the tailpiece
(turning screw clockwise) will increase the string tension, while raising the tailpiece
(turning screw counterclockwise) will decrease the string tension.
String Intonation
Accurate string intonation settings ensure that your instrument will play in tune at
any point on the neck. Although "perfect intonation" is an impossibility with a fretted
instrument, the proper adjustments will maximize the accuracy of individual notes up and
down the neck.
Intonation is set by comparing the pitch of an open string to the pitch of the same string
when played one octave higher at the 12th fret. The actual "vibrating length" of that string
is varied until the notes are both at the correct pitch. The vibrating length of the string
is altered by adjusting the individual saddles either forward or backward, depending on
whether the fretted note is sharper or flatter in pitch than the open note.
Note: This process should always be performed with new strings. Intonation problems can
often result from worn strings. It is often difficult for the untrained ear to determine when
the open note and the fretted note are at precisely the same pitch. Some players find that
comparing the 12th fret harmonic of the string (rather than the open note) to the fretted
note is much easier.
A harmonic is played by plucking the string with the right hand while touching the string
with the left index finger (as lightly as possible) directly above the 12th fret. The left finger
is drawn away as quickly as possible after the string is plucked, producing a "chime" effect.
This chimed note is then compared to the fretted note. For greater ease and accuracy, we
recommend one of the many types of electronic guitar tuners that are available from most
music stores.
1. Ensure that the torsion rod and string-height settings are accurate and the strings are new.
2. Tune the instrument to standard (A-440) pitch.
3. Hold the instrument in a normal playing position or place the guitar on a clean, flat
surface so that the body is in contact with the work surface. Any pressure on the neck
will affect intonation settings.
4. Play the first (E) string open and compare it to the pitch of the same string when it is
played at the 12th fret. These notes should sound the same (actually, there is an octave
difference).
5. Using a wrench for the tremolo or a small, flat blade screwdriver for the fixed bridge,
adjust the string saddle so that both the fretted and open notes are the same. If the
fretted note is sharper than the open note, the vibrating length of the string must be
increased. Move the bridge saddle to the rear, away from the pickups. If the fretted note
is flat, the vibrating length must be shortened. Move the bridge saddle forward, toward
the pickups to shorten the length.
Note: It will often be necessary to retune the open string to standard pitch after the bridge
position is altered.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the remaining strings.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 until the intonation of all the strings is accurately adjusted.
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