Intonation in D

[flaggerphil]

I have a new (to me) Larrivee OM-40 12 fret. I just put a new set of Elixir PB light hd's on it and, though the action is a tad lower than I prefer, it plays and sounds great.

However, when I try to tune down a whole step to D, which is where I keep most of my guitars, so far I cannot keep it in tune. The G and B strings just seem to be slightly out of whack no matter what I've tried. Granted, the strings are still new, but do you think it's from the strings, or because it's a 12 fret, or do I need to just have some patience and let things settle in?

I've also had a similar problem with my Taylor 710e short scale.

[merlin666]

Originally Posted by flaggerphil

I have a new (to me) Larrivee OM-40 12 fret. I just put a new set of Elixir PB light hd's on it and, though the action is a tad lower than I prefer, it plays and sounds great.

However, when I try to tune down a whole step to D, which is where I keep most of my guitars, so far I cannot keep it in tune. The G and B strings just seem to be slightly out of whack no matter what I've tried. Granted, the strings are still new, but do you think it's from the strings, or because it's a 12 fret, or do I need to just have some patience and let things settle in?

I've also had a similar problem with my Taylor 710e short scale.

You may want to try some medium strings to increase tension. This little app might help to find some suitable strings:

http://stringtensionpro.com/

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by flaggerphil

I have a new (to me) Larrivee OM-40 12 fret. I just put a new set of Elixir PB light hd's on it and, though the action is a tad lower than I prefer, it plays and sounds great.

However, when I try to tune down a whole step to D, which is where I keep most of my guitars, so far I cannot keep it in tune. The G and B strings just seem to be slightly out of whack no matter what I've tried. Granted, the strings are still new, but do you think it's from the strings, or because it's a 12 fret, or do I need to just have some patience and let things settle in?

I've also had a similar problem with my Taylor 710e short scale.

Hi fp

When intonating guitars I always start with fresh strings, and have them setup and intonated in the tuning I'm using most. For me that means dropping the 6th to D (because I play about half the time in Dropped D).

If you are going to play most often a step low, it only makes sense to string it with a new set of the weight of strings you will use and tune it a step low as part of the setup/intonation process.