problem with intonation of 8th string on my RG2228A

[Santuzzo]

Hi,

when I got my RG2228A the intonation of the 8th string (F) was way off (12th fret fretted sharp compared to 12th fret harmonic).

I just tried to adjust the intonation by moving the saddle of the 8th string back, and the intonation did get better, but it's still not 100%, but the saddle is already almost all the way back (only about 1mm room left for moving it back).

Is this normal for the 8th string to not be 100% in correct intonation? Or what can I do to adjust the intonation when the saddle is already all the way to the back but the 12th fret fretted note is still sharp compared to the 12th fret harmonic?

This is how far back I got the saddle on the 8th already, while intonation is still a bit off.
As you can see the saddle is already all the way back:

[drache713]

I currently have a 74 on mine that won't intonate properly the entire way, i'm gonna try a 65 on there and see if it makes a difference in intonation. I'll let you know

[Santuzzo]

Originally Posted by drache713

I currently have a 74 on mine that won't intonate properly the entire way, i'm gonna try a 65 on there and see if it makes a difference in intonation. I'll let you know

Thanks!

I didn't know you were on this forum, too!

Mine has a 065 on now. When you got your 2228 did it have a 065 on initially?

[drache713]

Yeah it had the stock strings Ibanez include 9-42+54+65 tuned a half step down, then I put on a set of Crazy Eights from La Bella (9-12-15-22-30-40-54-74) tuned to F#

[Santuzzo]

Originally Posted by drache713

Yeah it had the stock strings Ibanez include 9-42+54+65 tuned a half step down, then I put on a set of Crazy Eights from La Bella (9-12-15-22-30-40-54-74) tuned to F#

Yeah, mine is in the stock tuning, too and with the stock strings still.

How was the intonation on yours in stock tuning and with the 065?

[drache713]

Couldn't tell ya, I put on the la Bella's as soon as I got the guitar do I didn't have a chance to measure the stock strings although the set I'm putting on next is the same as the stock gauge so we will see.

[Santuzzo]

Originally Posted by drache713

Couldn't tell ya, I put on the la Bella's as soon as I got the guitar do I didn't have a chance to measure the stock strings although the set I'm putting on next is the same as the stock gauge so we will see.

OK, thanks!

I checked on my Agile 8-string and I realized there the bridge saddle of the 8th string is also all the way back but the intonation on the 8th string 12th fret is not 100% right (a bit sharp). But playing it, I had never noticed this, as I barely ever fret the 8th string up there.
I kinda assume that maybe the intonation on the 8th string may always be a bit of a problem and won't be 100% ....

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by drache713

I currently have a 74 on mine that won't intonate properly the entire way, i'm gonna try a 65 on there and see if it makes a difference in intonation. I'll let you know

If you go lighter, it'll be even worse, no? A 65 gauge tuned to F# on a 27" scale is going to sound like a wet fart.

[drache713]

Originally Posted by Jeff

If you go lighter, it'll be even worse, no? A 65 gauge tuned to F# on a 27" scale is going to sound like a wet fart.

In theory no it should make it better. A smaller core intonates more easily than a bigger core/gauge, which is why the saddle goes further back the lower the pitch goes for your other strings and you get the angled look across the saddles

tension will be lower from the smaller gauge which may attribute to the "wet fart" sound, but smaller gauge strings typically have a higher attack and sound less compressed so as long as your picking hand is kept light and controlled it should be fine. Dino Cazares (not the best example for some folks but i digress ) uses a 65 gauge for his f# (if i remember correctly) and a 52 for his low B, and the guy's tone is definitely not a wet fart

[Blankplank]

Originally Posted by drache713

In theory no it should make it better. A smaller core intonates more easily than a bigger core/gauge, which is why the saddle goes further back the lower the pitch goes for your other strings and you get the angled look across the saddles

tension will be lower from the smaller gauge which may attribute to the "wet fart" sound, but smaller gauge strings typically have a higher attack and sound less compressed so as long as your picking hand is kept light and controlled it should be fine. Dino Cazares (not the best example for some folks but i digress ) uses a 65 gauge for his f# (if i remember correctly) and a 52 for his low B, and the guy's tone is definitely not a wet fart

I used, and will be going back down to a 56 in A soon, it sounds awesome.