Intonation and string tension?

[SteveB]

higher tension strings = "shorter" string from an intonation standpoint compared to a lighter tension string, correct? Or am I backwards?

I have a classical that has intonation issues on the B string. Before I take it somewhere to see about a new saddle I'm wondering if different tension strings would be worth a shot. In this case when the open string is in tune, the fretted notes are sharp, which on an electric would necessitate lengthening the string, but thats not so easy to do on an acoustic. So I'm thinking lower tension strings on the classical might help, but I might be confusing myself.

[tobereeno]

different gauges will help. I remember stringing a 12 string acoustic with nylon strings, and in order to get the G to intonate, I had to find a very specific gauge (or tension) and then it worked. I *think* going lower tension would help, as higher gauges on an electric require lengthening the saddle, but you're right. It's easy to confuse oneself about such things!

[SteveB]

different gauges will help. I remember stringing a 12 string acoustic with nylon strings, and in order to get the G to intonate, I had to find a very specific gauge (or tension) and then it worked. I *think* going lower tension would help, as higher gauges on an electric require lengthening the saddle, but you're right. It's easy to confuse oneself about such things!

Thanks. I guess I'll find some low tension strings and see what that does. I don't actually remember if last time I strung normal or high tension on that thing.

[hardheartedbill]

Intonation equal length not tension. If its just the b you can compensate the saddle w a file and gain just a little. Id try a new string first

[velorush]

Intonation equal length not tension. If its just the b you can compensate the saddle w a file and gain just a little. Id try a new string first

I think what he's getting at is, other things being equal, the higher-tension string reduces string length due to the additional pull on the neck, compressing the scale length ever so slightly (I think).

Do correct me if my understanding is wrong.

[zenmindbeginner]

Saddles are cheap. If yours is not compensated, I'd get a TUSQ and a new set of low tension strings... Maybe try a new brand?

[SteveB]

Intonation equal length not tension. If its just the b you can compensate the saddle w a file and gain just a little. Id try a new string first

yes length, but for example on an electric 9's won't intonate in the same place as 12's. The string tension itself also seems to affect it. I believe higher tension strings generally mean bridge saddles need moved toward the neck to shorten the string. or maybe it's the other way.

[tobereeno]

I recall a formula from high school, that string frequency (pitch) equals length times tension divided by density. Or is it divided by length times density? Can't remember - that was the 80s! Anyways, it might be that tweaking either tension or density and leaving length as a constant (because there is no adjustable saddle), as well as pitch, one could find a string that would work...perhaps?

[SteveB]

I recall a formula from high school, that string frequency (pitch) equals length times tension divided by density. Or is it divided by length times density? Can't remember - that was the 80s! Anyways, it might be that tweaking either tension or density and leaving length as a constant (because there is no adjustable saddle), as well as pitch, one could find a string that would work...perhaps?

thats my going theory.