Tuning

[jserrap]

I just recieved an Antonio Aparicio AA50 for Christmas. I had been playing a Yamaha C-40 (cheapest full size classical?) and the AA50 looks and sounds way way better. One thing that is driving me nuts is I can't seem to get it in tune. My guitar playing knowledge is far better than my actual guitar knowledge, so I'm not sure if this brand new guitar could be messed up somehow. I usually tune by ear, but since I got frustrated I used my buddies tuner, and the same problem keeps happening no matter what I seem to try: it's in tune for some chords and not for others. Does anyone have any ideas? If it's important to know which chords are in tune and which are out then I will gladly write in again. Please help!!!

[daniel711]

First, do a basic intonation check. Play the 12th fret harmonic on each string followed by the fretted note. Both the harmonic and the fretted note should be exactly the same pitch (an octave apart). If it is not then the intonation is off for that string. If this is the case there is very little that can be done, short of a refret, which on a cheap guitar probably costs more than the guitar itself. You should always perform this simple test BEFORE you buy a guitar.

[nebula_34]

Most times when I've encountered this problem it has been the set of strings, not the guitar - which is the problem. Try re-stringing it and if the problem still exists then you know it is a structural problem (which to my knowledge - isnt usually the case)

[jserrap]

I did the intonation check and some strings read just a tad bit higher on the twelth than the twelth fret harmonic. See I got this as a gift, and my parents bought it through Amazon so there's no way to pre check it. It's not a cheap guitar, either, by my standards... Could it still be the strings? Or do I need to send this guitar back (it's under a 90 day warranty)?

[nebula_34]

it could totally still be the strings - I wouldnt discount it. You might want to check with some of the luthiers on the forum - they always have good advice!

[jserrap]

Is there a certain way to contact them?

[cdikland]

I agree with nebula on this one. I would try a different set of strings. Any idea which are on there now?
When I started to play again about 1 year ago I strung my Yamaha with Augustine (Blue) and had the same problem. I thought that the years of storage of this guitar caused a structural problem. My teacher told me to try Pro Arte strings and the problem went away.

[Jubilee Valence]

Is there a certain way to contact them? :lol: Yep! Just like that! & there's another column just for specific stuff. Welcome & congrats on new guitar! On my various instruments, I'll actually re-check each open chord against the rest after harmonic tune-up(I start if way out or re stringing w/ tuning fork)& tweak ,if necessary,very slightly to eliminate any obvious clashing,also any major intervals in piece...due to ? occasional string, weather, "brain" inconsistencies...granted, I'm referring to acceptable "intonation" as standard.. --Jubi ps.. actually,when "brain", it gets real tough,eh? :twisted:

[jserrap]

Hey! The Pro Arte's are in place and I can switch between a d and a g chord with peace :D The g still rings higher on the 12th than the 12th fret harmonic! And now it's getting a buzz... The chords, even the powers, are fine, now, but the buzz is new. Pretty sure it is buzzin on the 3rd fret. So close!!! Thanks everyone for there help, and if anyone has an idea for the buzz please help just a bit more so I can have my baby rockin!