Changing acoustic strings from 13s to 12s - will this wreck my intonation?

hatrickpatrick · 21-02-2013 09:21PM #1

I'm playing a Takamine guitar (not sure exactly which model) which has had some intonation problems in the past, although it seems to be ok at the moment. I'm using strings which are 13-56, and I was hoping to change to 12-53.

Will this change the intonation? I have a gig audition on Wednesday and while I'd definitely like lighter strings for it, the last thing I want is to find myself with an unplayable guitar just days before the audition.
What do ye think? And can an acoustic guitar with its truss rod inside the hole be adjusted without taking off all the strings, if worst comes to worst here?

wild turkey · 21-02-2013 10:45PM

Bring it to a reliable shop & ask them to do it !
Should be just a slight adjustment on the truss rod
A lot of shops change strings & a small neck adjustment wouldnt be a bother to them

martinedwards · 22-02-2013 09:33AM

truss rod will have no effect what so ever on intonation.

changing the gauge of the strings will.

the CORRECT length of the string is the scale length plus the diameter of the core. complicated physics, but it explains the bridge wiggle on the B string.

lighter strings will mean less tension and so the truss rod MIGHT need a 1/4 turn, but this will effect the relief of the neck and NOT the action or intonation.

every guitarist should be able to do basic maintenance on thier instrument.

making a new saddle is pretty straight forward if you have access to a vice some sand paper and a file.......

http://martinedwardsluthier.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/making-bone-saddle-for-acoustic-guitar.html

Changing acoustic strings from 13s to 12s - will this wreck my intonation?

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