I had two guitars that exposed interesting issue:
1) tune all strings up to pitch (E A D G B E)
2) take any string, A for example, note at fret#2 is a little sharper than B and so all the fretted note on this string. Of course fret#12 is also sharp
3) put a capo on fret#2, and tune the A string to B as B was sharp
4) all the fretted notes now sound correct (as shown by the electronic tuner)
5) all strings have similar issue and capo at fret#2 take care of the problem
I am sure some of you may have got guitars with this issue and wondering how you go about fixing it.
My method is to add a zero fret, sitting very close to the nut, retune the strings to pitch again and all the fretted notes are to pitch or very very close to pitch. However, it takes some trial and error to position the zero fret.
I do not have extra fret and have to create one using a nail, filed flat on one side such that it is just a bit taller than fret#1, then slide it under the strings at between the nut and fret#1, then slide it very close to the nut. Once the proper position is determined, I superglue the "zero fret" on the fretboard. Of course I have to file the nut slot as deep as I like, as the zero fret comes in to play here. I wish I have a real fret.
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