String Intonation - Peavey HP Special Operating Manual

also allows for a combination of ways to string the instru-
ment. For instance all treble strings thru the body, and all
bass strings thru back of tailpiece, or any combination of the
two, allowing you to customize string tension for each string.
s
tring Intonation
Accurate string intonation settings ensure that your instru-
ment will play in tune at any point on the neck. Although
"perfect intonation" is an impossibility with a fretted instru-
ment, 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
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).
9
This process should always be performed with