Trying To Intonate

[Rickengretsch]

Hey Guys, I changed from the factory strings (are they really .008s?) to .011s. I am trying to intonate the G string for a wound G and as I turn counterclockwise, the screw just backs out and the saddle itself does not seem to move at all. What's up. Should I maybe gently tap it with a punch. Thanks for the help.

[doctorwho]

I've had this problem myself. My solution was to 'help' the saddle move in the direction I wanted it to go while turning the screw. IIRC, if pushing with just my finger wasn't enough, I used a stick or other harder object as a tool.

BTW, welcome to the Forum, Carl!

[Rickengretsch]

Thanks for the quick reply and the welcome.

I apologize for the lack of introduction. As soon as I get my new 370 set up, I will post a big hello to the forum. This seems like a friendly place. I have been lurking a bit this week and I hear good things from those on the Gretsch forum, where I post regularly. Thanks again for the help.

[jingle_jangle]

Welcome, Carl. I also post on Gretschpages, where I'm "cardesnr99" and a big fan of Proteus'.

[Rickengretsch]

Welcome, Carl. I also post on Gretschpages, where I'm "cardesnr99" and a big fan of Proteus'.

Thanks. I think we're all big fans of the infamous Proteus!! I am Wishinfora(nother)falcon over there.

FYI, I FINALLY got the 370 intonated. I found that the easiest way to do this was to back the screw all the way out of the bridge threads, and then hold onto the saddle as I continued to actually back it out of the saddle threads. Then I maneuvered it back into the threads on the front of the bridge.

The problem was, the screw was backing out of those bridge threads and not really moving in the saddle threads. The spring wasn't really doing anything. BTW there was no issue when moving the saddle back towards the tail since it was turning clockwise into the bridge threads.

It took forever, but with a truss rod tweak and intonation, this baby plays like butter. It's got a nice low action and NO BUZZES!! I wish I could get it that good on my Gretsches!

Now I just have to figure these Toasters out a bit. It's a bit of a balancing act to get volume without too much midrangey mud. I have the 7.4 Ks. I generally like lower output single coils but I think I can see some benefits of the 12Ks. I don't have it all quite dialed in yet though.

I also put on some Pyramid Golds that I love with Dynasonics, but I'm thinking maybe stainless flatwounds or back to roundwounds might actually suit me better on this guitar. It just seems to have really lost it's sparkle with the Pyramids.

[jingle_jangle]

Carl, you could try SIT S12-946 or Rotosound RTS R30SL. I tried Pyramids, but agree with the consensus that tension is too great and sound not as bright as I'd like... The "ordinary" Rick 12 string set is about the best you'll find for general work with those 7.4s IMO. Others may chime in and give their own "take" on this.

[Scastles]

Carl, I think you'll find the RIC sets to still be your best bet. They're not .008's, if that was what you were asking in your first post, they're .010's. Welcome, BTW.

[Rickengretsch]

Carl, I think you'll find the RIC sets to still be your best bet. They're not .008's, if that was what you were asking in your first post, they're .010's. Welcome, BTW.

Yeah I figured they were .10s but the owner's manual does say .008s. So, they are a compressed roundwound? They sound great, just a little thin. I may try to grab some in .011s. Thanks for the advice.


Hmm...they don't seem to come in .011s from RIC. I'll try to find another brand

BTW I have a 370/6. I'll have pics as soon as I can put it down long enough to take them.

[jingle_jangle]

Yeah, there was a typo in a batch of owner's manuals. Tens are correct...

[Rickengretsch]

So I did put on some Pure Nickel SIT Power Groove .011s. OH YEAH!! Perfect! Thanks for the help guys

[doctorwho]

I always love a happy ending!