INTONATION

Intonation is the tuning of the instrument.  When a ukulele is tuned as normal, G, C, E, A the G is one step above the A (thus the memory aide “My dog has fleas”.  When the instrument is tuned with a low G the G is one octave below the standard tuning.  This creates an issue with the ability of the instrument to switch back and forth.  Because of the physics of string vibration lower notes have a lower frequency (longer wave length).  Thus, the distance from the nut to the bridge needs to be slightly different for each note.  Usually, a ukulele with high G has almost exactly an equal distance for the G string and the A string – remember, they are only one step apart.  When a low G is substituted the distance for the G string is now required to be slightly longer – it is now an entire octave lower.

More detail about bridge adjustments and intonation can be found at:  http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Musician/Guitar/Setup/Saddle/saddle01.html

 Unfortunately, when my tenor ukulele was built it was set up for standard tuning.  When I changed to low G I was faced with a problem.  When playing up the neck on the G string (lower to higher notes) the ukulele didn’t stay in tune all the way down the fret board.  The distance requirement for the G string had changed.  I wrote to Bruce and explained the problem.  The first check was to make sure the grove in the nut was large enough to let the string seat properly (a common cause of the intonation problem).  It was correct.  Bruce then suggested I take the instrument to a Luther to have him correct the issue.  Bruce offered to pay.

Based on recommendations from someone we knew I contacted …. who lives in Mendocino.  He agreed to take on the project for $100.