Intonation/problem with tuning

[SeanTracey]

I'm having trouble with my Avalon, and it's actually just happened out of the blue so I haven't a clue what could be wrong...

I just changed strings today, I always use Elixir light gauge strings and the last set I had on was Polyweb coating, these ones are Nanoweb (I don't think this should make a difference, but it's probably worth mentioning). After tuning all the strings and bending them to settle them and re-tuning etc, I noticed as I was playing further up the neck that the open A string sounded out of tune with the rest, which has never happened before. I had to bend it quite considerably to get it to play in pitch. There's something funny about the open G string too, it's not exactly in perfect pitch anymore either.

Anyone any ideas why this could be happening? It's strung well, ie 2 or 3 wraps round the peg, so I don't think it could be due to the string being too long. I'd appreciate any help, can't bare to hear her sound like this!

[JB]

Certainly sounds like a strange one ... check that the srtings isn't slipping in the bridge pin hole, unlikely but worth checking ... in the past I've found Elixir coatings to be very slippy.

Changing strings one at a time is the best way, keeping tension on the neck and no saddles falling out
Did you take all strings off at once ?
Did your saddles move or fall out ?
If yes check the saddles are seated correctly.

You're fairly local to us ... if in any doubt call in and we'll sort it for you.

JB

[Colin Johnston]

Hows the action? Neck relief can affect intonation. Perhaps the change to this cold weather (or turning up the central heating!) has had an affect?

[SeanTracey]

Thanks for the replies, but I think I managed to sort it! I was due to bring the guitar to a houseparty last night so I just dug out a spare .042 Elixir (Polyweb coated this time, funny enough) in haste and replaced the one giving the trouble - sounded fine again! What could have been the problem? A dodgy string maybe?

To answer the questions, I'd actually put it down to the quite sudden drop in temperature here at the minute myself Colin, before I changed strings. And the neck is as straight as a poker. And Jim, I replace strings one by one, too. But thankfully it's sorted now anyway

[Dattan]

I am glad you sorted it out. It makes me curious though, even if this probably was a coincidence, what the real difference is between poly- and nanoweb coating. Does anyone know?

[SeanTracey]

Straight from the horse's bake!

What's the difference between NANOWEB® Coating and POLYWEB® Coating?

The difference between our coating ‘flavors’ is found in the tone and feel of the strings. Strings with NANOWEB® Coating sound and feel like uncoated strings – they are bright and lively, and the coating is so micro thin that you can barely tell it’s there.

Strings with POLYWEB® Coating have a balanced tone and smooth response – they sound like strings that have been ‘played in’. In addition, POLYWEB® Coating feels comfortably smooth and helps reduce finger squeak.

Nanowebs seem to be really lightly coated and a lot brighter-sounding, but supposedly last as long. I actually prefer the sound and feel of Polywebs after using both types on and off.

[JB]

I'm a Nanoweb guy

[Brewster]

I'm a d'Addario EXP man myself. 12s seem to give the fullest sound whilst still being easy enough to bend when I want.