intonation setting

[evan]

I have a epiphone les paul, and it seems moving the saddles has no effect at all on the intonation. The fretted 12th is sharper than the 12th harmonic/open note on every string, especially the G string. any suggestions? Thanks

[EADGC]

your action might be too high

if it's not, move the saddle back farther if you can

[evan]

I've moved it as far back as possible and as far up as possible but it made no difference either way. I'll try lowering the action. thanks

[exit]

I think the G string has always been a prob with those LP guitars. They detune very fast

[EADGC]

I've moved it as far back as possible and as far up as possible but it made no difference either way. I'll try lowering the action. thanks

that's pretty unusual

I'd take it to a tech

[darrell]

If every string is out of wack, you probably need to adjust the neck, no? (waits for someone smarter to applaud my idea or shoot it down)

[Slight Return]

First, put on a new set of strings. Buildup on the strings can cause them to go out of intonation to the point of not being able to be fixed; this happened to me on my Strat. Changed the strings, and the problem was fixed.

Make sure the relief in your neck is set properly. While fretting the low E string at the last fret and the first fret -- i.e., using it as a straightedge -- check for clearance between the string and the fret around the 7th - 8th fret area. You should just be able to slide a matchbook cover underneath the string...IOW, there should be a bit of relief, but not too much and not too little. If the gap is too big, tighten the truss rod adjuster. If there is no clearance, loosen the adjuster. If the adjuster doesn't seem to be working that well, take it out, clean it off (get all gunk off of the adjuster and clean out the inside threads with a Q-tip dipped in mineral spirits or lacquer thinner, then dry it out and apply 3 in 1 oil to the first four or so threads VERY LIBERALLY), put it back in, and try again (also, clean out the slot for the adjuster by wiping it with a DRY Q-tip and tapping the headstock so any junk rattling around in there will fall out).

With new strings and properly adjusted neck relief, your intonation should be adjustable via the saddles. I'm thinking it's just the strings, but properly setting your neck relief is never a bad idea and it can't hurt anything (unless you strip the adjuster, but that takes some doing). Once all that is straightened out, try again.

If you still can't get it to work, take it to a tech. Good luck, and let us know how it goes.