Official Luthiers Forum!

I've looked pretty intently at the Intonator from StewMac
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for:_Bridges/The_Intonator.html?utm_source=newsletterutm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ts0006-ss
Have you tried it? Do you think it is worth it or not? I would love to hear opinions on it pro or con.
I personally think it's a bit pricy for something I could fabricate myself. Is anyone out there using
something similar or of their own design to do the same thing?

I look forward to your replies.

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Bill Hodge


One does not simply, own enough guitars!

If you are building a step toothed saddle where each string has it's own saddle it is great or even for a split saddle where the 1st and second string have a separate saddle from 3-6. But to a single line saddle only the first and last roller is really relevant, and then only if you are slotting after the bridge is glued in place. If you slot your saddle slot in the bridge prior to locating the bridge it is a pointless tool IMO

That was pretty much my thinking too Michael. I have contemplated the possibility of step toothed and split saddle designs
but if I were to use some kind of tool to help, I think I'd fabricate one of my own design. I just like building jigs I suppose

How many woodworkers does it take to change a lightbulb?

Only one, but they have to build a jig first

_________________
Bill Hodge


One does not simply, own enough guitars!

I built a version of my own (hardwood block, 4/40 screws, tapped six little pieces of round UHMD plastic rod). What I discovered is that if I had just one bridge the best angle was exactly the usual angle we copy from Martin (or cumpiano).

I guess there is a reason it is standard. After all, scale and string stretch are pretty consistent. I won't bother with the Intonator again.

A danger with the innotator is if you use it with string height too high at either nut or saddle it will give you a false reading and then you will be out when you refine your setup.
I don't really see a problem with slotting for the saddle before gluing it on with careful measurement.
Maybe there is a need for the innotator with strange scales/tunings but you need to get the bridge positioned right anyhow or the pin to bridge spacing will be less than optimal.

Over kill . To get great intonation is not rocket science. I use a .100 saddle and using the line of the 1st E string I take the scale length and add 1/8 of an inch. That is the point I set the front of the saddle. With the thicker saddle you can compensate the saddle and get perfect intonation..
Compensated saddles are going to be individual to a guitar. The other influences you need to take into consideration are action height and string gauge. If you like a higher action with medium gauge you can use a .125 saddle. I have used this method for about 6 years and it works every time. I had one if these tools once. I don't anymore.
john hall
blues creek guitars.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I tried one several years ago, sent it back. Neat idea, but in practise, no; shotgun, to kill a flea.

Don Teeters' method, pp 121-125, "The Acoustic Guitar" vol 1.

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https://soundcloud.com/jeffreylsuits/he ... -runnin-13

Thanks Y'all,

Looks like my impression of it is being confirmed that it's just worthless overkill. I suppose I'd be better sticking with the
way I learned from Charles Fox and from Mike Doolin's article in American Lutherie #92. That seems to be the best resources
I've found to date. At some point I'd love to do like Hesh did and spend some time one on one with an accomplished luthier
who is well respected for their instrument's playability and tonality. The key is finding one willing to allow me to hang around
for some time to learn The rest, comes from doing it over and over and over again and again. Did I just repeat myself?
Hey Pro's I'd be willing to sweep vac and take out the scrap exotics for a week or two just to be able to hang around, watch,
and pick your brain.

_________________
Bill Hodge


One does not simply, own enough guitars!