Does changing tuning on a tenor require different saddle?

[bretterb]

On tenor guitars that come setup in CDGA, if you change to GDAE tunning, does the slant or compensation on the saddle have to be adjusted to maintain correct intonation?

How about if moving completely away from 5ths tuning to DGBE (Chicago) tuning?

Thanks for any info.

-Brett

[sunburst]

First of all, 'compensation' is a compromise. Tuning can never be perfect at every fret and every string (with standard frets). So, with that as background, going from CGDA (I assume you meant that rather than CDGA) to GDAE would work OK with the saddle as is if the string gauge changes are consistent. In other words, if each string is about the same percentage size difference. Also, only if no strings are changed from plain to wound or vise versa.

As for changing to Chicago tuning, 'compensation' and tuning would likely suffer. How much? I don't know. It would probably would be manageable unless you have a really good ear and are easily annoyed by slight tuning deviations.

[AndyV]

It would probably would be manageable unless you have a really good ear and are easily annoyed by slight tuning deviations.

So glad I don't have a good ear!

[sunburst]

So glad I don't have a good ear!

Ha!
I have a pretty good ear, but once in a while I have customers who can hear pitch variations of seemingly about 1 cent or less! Those folks can never feel like they are actually in tune, and it drives some of them crazy (so to speak).

[bretterb]

Thanks for the reply sunburst!

-Brett

[Steve Ostrander]

You may have to file the nut slots.