Intonation

[longboard_ric]

I recently purchased Peterson Tuners Strobosoft 2.0

http://www.strobosoft.com/

I set the intonation on my 330 and 620, and while the it was initially not that far out, the difference was incredible.

I then had a go at my 360/12 and again while it was not far out, I could not believe my ears when it was set properly.

The 330 and 620 are fitted with Ric strings and the bridge saddles are staggered in the typical "two sets of three" configuration, if you know what I mean. The 360/12 is fitted with POTR's TI set. Having only a six saddle bridge I set the intonation for the main strings only and the octave strings were within a cent or two. Strangely enough, when I finished, all six saddles were close enough to being in a straight line, basically not staggered at all.

If you don't own a strobe tuner and have a spare $50, this piece of software is worth the investment.

[jdogric12]

I think Tony uses a strobe tuner, perhaps he'll chime in here. I remember using one in my college band classes, but haven't used one since.

I've found that most strings, when plucked, will over shoot the pitch, then return to a slightly lower pitch, making tuning tricky. If I use the 12th fret harmonic, it is quite rigid, and much easier to tune. Thoughts on that?

[ajish4]

Yep, I have an old Peterson Strobe Tuner similar to the one pictured. I use it every time I change strings.

Not that my ear is so good that it can detect the slightest cycle off, I'm just OCD!

Besides, I play with a number of folks who have perfect pitch, so I'm just extra careful about being "in tune".

It's a bit of a dinosaur, but I love it.

Funny thing is, the technology has improved so much over the years, when I double check myself by hitting the open note then fretting the 12th fret octave on my $14.00 Korg digital tuner, it's PRETTY darned close!

[bitzerguy]

I use their Stobostomp tuner both live and most definitely for setting intonation (every string change now). If you use a strobe tuner to set the intonation, tuning for playing by using 12th fret harmonics would then be accurate.

It's nice to see Peterson offering a less expensive way to get a strobe tuner. I wonder if the AD converters in the sound card may have an effect. If you have cheap or low resolution AD converters, will the Strobosoft be accurate?

[StringTheorist]

It's nice to see Peterson offering a less expensive way to get a strobe tuner. I wonder if the AD converters in the sound card may have an effect. If you have cheap or low resolution AD converters, will the Strobosoft be accurate?

Peterson even have a $9.99 strobe tuner app for the iPhone. As you say, I wonder how accurate it will be using the iPhone's audio circuitry and AD conversion. I'm probably going to give it a try.

[ken_j]

I use a Peterson 490 for all of my set-ups. I have never had a complaint yet. http://www.strobosoft.com/index.cfm?category=67

[rikk]

AD converters might add noise, but it's not going to change the pitch of anything. And I don't think the noise is going to be loud enough to effect anything.

[BuddyDog]

I've been using a Strobo-Flip for a while and the sweetend tunings really work well. Also much easier to tune my 12 string.

[jingle_jangle]

+1 on that. Indispensable for consistent 12 string tunings.

[johneek]

+2.....Stroboflip....love it!

[JakeK]

My local guitar tech usually changes out the strings on my 12-strings as I'm too scared to do it myself. I don't know how, and I'm afraid I can damage something if I'm not careful. When I go to get my V64 restrung this week, I'll have to ask him what he uses.

For tuning (and restringing 6-strings), I use a Boss TU-2 Tuner Pedal.

I don't (and probably never will, shame on me) know how to check for intonation. When it comes to guitar setups, I'm the least technical guy you could ever come across. I don't know how to check for straight/bowed neck or intonation. I don't know how to solder guitar electronics/pickups, either. My saying is, "If it feels good in my hands, I'll play it".

[ozover50]

Thanks to the kind assistance of Jeff Scott I have a Strobofilp also. Jumps all over any other tuner I've had. I use rechargeable batteries in it and they last for a couple of months minimum if you turn it off after tuning.

The trick is to tune to when the string is first struck as the note tends to flatten out after that.

One of the great things about the Stroboflip is the fact that it comes with a bracket that enables you to attach it to a stand. I use A Hercules triple hanger and I can mount the tuner on it at around chest level. No staring at the floor for me!!

Stroboflip

Er..... please excuse the non-Rick content.

[Janglyman]

JakeK: IMHO it is a point of honor on this forum to suffer for your art and change your own strings on the 12er. There is nothing more frustrating, especially on the 360 when the R falls off. Numerous and sundry are the ways to avoid this. The best advice the Forumites have given me, and it is true, is that the most necessary tool in changing your 12 strings is a 6 pack of Heineken.

[jingle_jangle]

My local guitar tech usually changes out the strings on my 12-strings as I'm too scared to do it myself. I don't know how, and I'm afraid I can damage something if I'm not careful. When I go to get my V64 restrung this week, I'll have to ask him what he uses.

For tuning (and restringing 6-strings), I use a Boss TU-2 Tuner Pedal.

I don't (and probably never will, shame on me) know how to check for intonation. When it comes to guitar setups, I'm the least technical guy you could ever come across. I don't know how to check for straight/bowed neck or intonation. I don't know how to solder guitar electronics/pickups, either. My saying is, "If it feels good in my hands, I'll play it".

None of these are points of pride, Jake. It's true that neither John L. or Paul (or possibly George) and who knows how many old-timers, never learned to do simple stuff on the tools of their trade, but these days, when information on everything is right in front of all of us, there's simply no excuse!

I don't mean to sound too rough when I say that you've got a hobbyist/dilettante attitude towards an important aspect of your musical avocation. This is especially out-of-round in one who professes the intelligence that you possess.

Use your limbs for other than practicing windmills...in the end, you will gain respect for yourself and earn that of others.

[jps]

+4 (I think at this point).....Stroboflip....love it!