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Does anyone use the Stew-Mac fret calculator to get their intonation points? I found that it gave a string length almost 1.5mm longer than what I have been using so far on the bass string. I haven't particularly noticed any intonation problems doing what I have been doing, but I wonder if anyone has been using the S-M one successfully?
Thanks

I just took a look at the on-line calculator

http://www.stewmac.com/FretCalculator

and there was the following caveat below the compensation estimate:

"Please note that these measurements are based on a mathematical formula for compensation as well as an average of what "plays in tune" for a variety of instruments. Variables such as string height (action) and string gauge can affect the intonation of an instrument, so you may need to slightly adjust the locations given."

Since the calculator only asks for the number of frets and the nominal scale length and not string action or gauge, the compensation estimated has to be approximate. And in fact, string gauge in and of itself probably isn't sufficient but rather mass/unit length and Young's modulus would be needed.

Al, Parser, help me out here.

Of course if you don't want to do any calculations, you can always try this approach:

http://www.ukuleles.com/Technology/compensate.html

aloha,

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David C. Hurd
http://www.ukuleles.com

Alice laughed: "There's no use trying," she said; "one can't believe impossible things." "I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. Through the Looking Glass by L. Carroll

"Since my house has burned down, I have a much better view of the moon"

I dont know if its still over there, but the MIMF had a program I downloaded years ago, in order to figure out the comp on my first multiscale (yeah, that program does those too). It took into account action, string gauge .. all kinds of stuff ... and the comp numbers were certainly accurate enough to be able to place the bridge, and work your saddle break points out from there.

I think its called fretcomp ....

in greneral, I have found the average guitar needs about 1 mm or less comp on the high string, and about 4mm on the low end ... if you place your bridge such that you can get to these comp points in your saddle shaping, you should be fine ...

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

I have not used this but check out http://www.liutaiomottola.com/formulae/fret.htm#mozTocId525252
there are a couple there.

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
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Thanks Guys!