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I'm wondering why I can't get my D string to intonate on my new electric. I just swapped the strings after my final nut filing, (filed the top of the nut but didn't alter the depth of the string slot or molest it in any way), and set my ABR bridge posts to depth. I had no problem getting the D to intonate before this and I'm only having the problem on this string, everything else is fine. My action is where it was and I didn't tweak the truss rod and dangit, no matter how much I move the saddle up or down, (completely bottomed out in both directions) it doesn't seem to have any effect on the intonation of that blasted string!

Is it the string? Ever just get a wonky string?

C'mon, man - there's about a nickel's worth of steel there.
Toss the thing and get another.
Strings are the first things to go wrong on a guitar.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

not being cheap, I'll gladly swap strings if that's what it is. Just wanted to see if that's a reasonable explanation. Sounds like it is, thanks Chris!

Just curious, did it remain flat or sharp as compared to the partial?

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

You can definitely get a crappy string that won't intonate. Swap it out. I find that to be especially common with DR brand strings.

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Old growth, shmold growth!

Yep. Happens from time to time. Toss it and get a new one.

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

how did you know I was using DR's?

I'm starting to freak out a little...

the 12th fret note is flat compared to the open string and the 19th fret harmonic

I hate to jump in on this, as I'm such an inexperienced builder compared to those that have already spoken, but if the 12th fret is out, isn't that most likely an issue with the saddle location on that string?

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David Morris

Not to be mean, Dave - but go back and read the whole thread.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

That's not mean, Chris. I was legitimately trying to understand, for my own edification. When he said he moved the saddles up and down, I assumed he meant away from and closer to the body of the guitar. If he was moving the saddle for intonation adjustment, I don't understand why it wouldn't affect intonation, unless, as you suggest, it has something to do with the string. Even then, it should have some affect on intonation.

Sorry if I seem dense. It's not on purpose.

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David Morris

should have been more clear, when I said up and down I meant towards and away from the head stock, so yes back and forth I guess. I don't have a bridge with height adjustable saddles so I guess I didn't think it could be taken that way but I can understand the confusion.

so last night I did something I haven't done for a long time, I put a different brand of strings on one of my guitars. I've used DR's for 16 years happily, but the comment by the Guitar Whisperer, (if that is his real name), got me thinking it's time to try something new. I put a set of GHS Boomers on her and the intonation is fine, tuned up faster than my DR's and they're cheaper too. I may have found a new brand, sorry DR.

Sorry to add to the confusion. I'm glad you got it worked out.

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David Morris

Interestingly enough you tried my favorite string!

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Old growth, shmold growth!