| Author | Message | ||
| tdukes
Intermediate Member Username: tdukes Post Number: 173 Registered: 4-2008 |
I have strung my 77 Series I with D'Addario EXL115 strings. Theses strings start with a E string gauge 0.011 and have an unwound G string of gauge 0.018. I have noticed that the G string sounds sharp to me (and to my Peterson tuner) up to about the C note at the 5th fret. I haven't noticed (or checked) the other strings. The G string is in tune at the 12th fret and open. What can I do to remedy this? Would I be better off to try the EXL115W strings that have a wound 3rd? Todd. | ||
| tdukes
Intermediate Member Username: tdukes Post Number: 174 Registered: 4-2008 |
I was able to go out and buy a single wound 0.021 string and replace the G string. It intonates very well compared to the unwound 0.018. I guess I'll have to start buying a different string set it I want to be in tune. Todd. | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 127 Registered: 8-2008 |
Todd I was about to suggest that maybe your nut was set too high (at least for the G) forcing you pull it sharp to play the first few frets - but it sounds like you've solved the problem. Sometimes it's just a single funky out of spec string that can be "false". Try another .018 just to see. Jimmy J | ||
| tdukes
Intermediate Member Username: tdukes Post Number: 175 Registered: 4-2008 |
Thanks for the idea. I had thought the nut may be high, but was hesitant to adjust it since it "feels" ok. Also my nut is one piece and would have to be filed. This is the second unwound 0.018 I have had this problem with. I can get a wound 0.018, but went with the 0.021 because that is what D'Addario puts in their set. I think the smaller core in the wound 0.021 doesn't increase in tension as much as the unwound 0.018 does when played near the nut. Is there any reason to shun the wound 3rd? Todd. | ||
| jimmyj
Intermediate Member Username: jimmyj Post Number: 128 Registered: 8-2008 |
Todd, Keep in mind I'm a bass player so I don't know nothin' about strings smaller than an .045... I'm just trying to figure out the physics of your problem. My feeling about the nut is that it should be like a zero fret (this might just be my preference, others may disagree). In other words, I think the open G-string should clear the first fret by about the same distance as playing a G# clears the second fret. This way you are not deflecting the string any further than normal and pulling it sharp. Make sense? However, since your changing to a .021 fixed the problem my idea probably doesn't apply here. UNLESS the unwound .018's additional tension is upsetting your entire guitar's action. I guess that's possible but you would likely notice it higher up the fingerboard. All the guitar players I know are VERY specific about the string gauges they use so that's a personal thing. Figure out which combination you like the best, sounds the most even or full or whatever you're looking for, and then make the guitar cooperate by adjusting the setup accordingly. Good luck with it, Jimmy J |
