577 RSW The Strangest Intonation Ever! - Installing an L R Baggs Anthem Pickup

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Website: www.rosastring...

[@markstewart344]

Thank you Jerry for having the patience to work on my guitar. Totally satisfied with the job you did. Hard to believe that guitar is 21 years old now. I figured since I bought it new, I never really had any work done to it. So when I got the LR Baggs system I figured that if I was going to have it installed, I might as well have it fully checked over and have any work done that was needed. That way it can last another 20 or 30 years with no issues. Also makes a nice piece to hand down to my kids when I check out. Enjoyed watching the video. God bless.

[@Medicated1]

You have a beautiful guitar, glad Jerry was able to give it the love it so needed. I wish I was one of your kids!

[@genewest3386]

Hi again Jerry, I don't know if this will help, but it's my answer to dealing with my hands. It helps get the job done and maintains some sanity. The first tools to the job are magnets and pickup tools. If I can retrieve everything I drop it makes the day go a lot better. Best of luck to you. And thanks for all the help from your videos. Gene

[@sculptureshard377]

Great video Master Jerry, thank you. I especially liked the idea of adding an additional sliver of bone saddle to the rear of the original.

[@scaira60]

Very good Jerry, There’s a guy from Canada (Stringtech Workstations) He make saddles like that all the time he calls them cantilevered saddles He also does the nuts like that too, He has been at it for over 50yrs it’s quite genius. That is a Beautiful top on that jumbo.👍👍🙏🇺🇸🎹🎼👨🏻‍🦯👨🏻‍🦯

[@phil36135]

Yea, I watch him do the setups like that' and gets them perfect. I would love to have set up table he uses

[@scaira60]

@@phil36135 Yea i spoke to him the least expensive one is $550usd. Plus shipping from Canada, I almost bought one but something came up 👍👍👨🏻‍🦯

[@jthonn]

Yep, he does the compensated nut, I'm not a fan of that, but he does great work.

[@peachmelba1000]

​@@jthonn Try one, if you can get a luthier to make one for you. It was transform your guitar.

[@jthonn]

@@peachmelba1000 To each his own, my guitar intonates perfect without it. I'm glad it does, because not only do I not like the way it looks, when you cord, the nut is out of the picture anyway. It would only make a difference on an open string. If you have a guitar that is way out of wack then maybe I would consider it. Only people with trained ears may notice that a guitar is not intonating well anyway, think about it. We notice because the guitar seems like it is out of tune going down the neck. All the power to you if it works for ya. I'll stick with Jerry's methods, they have always worked well for me.

[@pablo7182]

Greetings from Hamilton, Ontario. I feel like I learn something new every time I watch your videos. Thanks for sharing your amazing knowledge and humor. God bless you.

[@Mikee535]

Great job! I had a $250 guitar that had the same problem. The whole saddle needed to be moved. I was scratching my head too. Trying to figure out a way to get it back so I just sold the guitar.

[@nicolen.9642]

Thanks Jerry for the tip about L.R. Baggs pick up. Never knew which was best. Inspiring video! 🎶🎶🎶

[@wadehampton1534]

Jerry, I have LR Baggs Anthem True Mic Pickups on two of my acoustic guitars, and I absolutely love them! They're not terribly difficult to install, and I believe that they're the best pickups available for acoustic guitars. That's a beautiful Gibson, but like you, I'm not a big fan of maple sides and back. I think that you're right about the top, Gibson didn't scrimp on that one, it's a gorgeous piece of spruce! I really enjoyed watching you install that Anthem pickup, it brought back some good memories of when I installed them on my guitars. Thanks for sharing this with us, Jerry!

[@Medicated1]

Jerry, I love the way you think so methodically, most people would have moved the bridge and probably destroyed it in the process. It's pretty disgusting that such a high end guitar left the factory like that. Love your videos and hearing your methodology to fix a complex problem. Your videos are enlightening.

[@amitnewton]

Thanks, Jerry! You've again taught us (at least me) how to take care of another common issue. Will come real handy!

[@dfz6925]

Installing that pickup is sorta like humpin in the dark.

[@FunsongsMusicByPeterRahill]

That's one of the nicest-looking Gibson jumbos, IMHO... different from most of the ones I've seen, anyway. LIKED it 261 times.

[@lrstaf6]

Hi Jerry; Sounds great. I've seen videos where they made a solid stepped saddle that did exactly the same thing as you did. I do believe it took a lot more work though. That's the first time I have heard a L R Baggs pickup. It sounds just like the guitar without a pickup only louder. That's a compliment to the pickup, as that's just what you want. As usual practical and a great job. Thanks for the video.

[@bruceducker2029]

Interesting approach to solving intonation issues. Thanks Jerry and Emeri for the content

[@hcioasis6828]

That was a great work, the intonation was spectacular...

[@theflash1425]

Call me a pain in the butt, BUT if I had spent several thousand dollars for a high-end guitar, and it could be shown to have been factually incorrectly assembled, I would go back to the store and demand either a replacement or a refund. There's really NO excuse for such a fundamental error at that price point. Other than that, great work, Jerry, as always!

[@marktestoni6483]

That’s Gibson’s lack QC a constant problem for them

[@theflash1425]

@@marktestoni6483 Which is why, other than my Dixon-era 1970 Hummingbird that I bought new, I've never purchased another Gibson product, and now that I'm older than dirt, I probably never will. I always vote with my wallet!

[@marktestoni6483]

@@theflash1425 I agree Flash for what Gibson, Martin and Taylor are charging you can buy a Huss and Dalton, Boucher, Koop, etc and have an instrument that is superior than the big 3

[@kd5nrh]

I just spent $300 on an Ibanez and if it was even close to that bad I'd have sent it right back.

[@bj.roberts6410]

Mr. Rosa that was just awesome. Absolutely fantastic and it sounds so so good. When you pull a cord wow..you are a genius, seriously,

[@jeffgrier8488]

Nice work Jerry, that guitar sounds great!

[@crabbyhayes1076]

I know nothing about musical instruments, but truly enjoy watching a true professional like Mr. Rosa work his magic - another great video - thanks so much.

[@briancleminson6156]

If I was paying the bill I'd be delighted with that fix.Hate to think how much it would cost to remove that fancy bridge, pocket the finish for the new location, then repair and re-finish the scars from the old location.

[@JubileeValence]

My initial panic was in the inevitable closer/taller break angle due to edge of rear blade moving toward the original pins. In a perfect world we want the tallest break angle to get maximum string to top pressure. Your repair actually improved/maximized this relationship without going over square (or ruining) the distance from edge to original pins. Once again “perfect”! The pickup might be overkill now lol as this instrument will pump out maximum volume on it’s own. Outstanding upgrade in every respect! Cheers!

[@stevefiorito5379]

Jerry, you're a man with nerves of steel and legendary patience. Great vid. Glad the work was a success.

[@scotmartin4460]

I've only been blind for three years, but my hearing has become Much more acute. I used to have sensitive tuning. Now it's within 2 cents. Cheers, dude. People keep giving me crap about being blind and typing on the computer. The computer audibly says every letter and space that I type. I will very definitely post your response in every conceivable forum. Cheers, whoever you are.

[@BillWebb-ih4hg]

I had someone asking about installing the same pick up in an acoustic guitar so I’m watching this video again.

[@Daniel_cheems]

Excellent! Great looking guitar too!

[@adamkempa5157]

Loved the intonation with the close ups on Korg tunner - I am working on a new saddle and found this very helpful - now if you could mail me two buckets of patience ..... P.S. The Gibson maple backs really do sing, (got one) Keep Smiling

[@autochrome1234]

Think you did a good job working within the cost constraints. Personally I would have paid for a new Rosa bridge and neck reset. regards

[@jimhendricks4394]

I have a ‘99 j-100 xtra just like this one but mine never came with a pick guard. You’re correct when you say the top is what makes it ring.

[@CapnBubbaa]

this was the sign of a true master craftsman's at work.

[@Mulgy]

Great job Jerry, would have been such a shame to take the bridge off and leave a scar on that beautiful top. 💜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@markdesjardins3153]

Very nice fix, innovative as usual.

[@nels9382]

It seems to me (I could be wrong) back in my model airplane days, I learned moisture first would draw the CA into joints.

[@pawwalton2157]

Very good fix that did not mess with the looks of a very nice guitar. Having the intonation correct is key to a great sounding guitar that makes you want to play it. Keep up the good work.

[@paulshea7022]

It should have been rejected by Quality control by Gibson when built .They obviously don' have that department , sort of thing you expect with a budget brand. Well done Jerry for sorting it.

[@jthonn]

Those Gibsons are famous for that, but Jerry has the cure. Great Job!

[@matthewbartolone7036]

Jerry I can't believe that you got the intonation right, agenius solution. I learned a lot, It saved a bridge and ton's of work and yea I think its "perfect" no matter what some guys say.

[@butchd18]

You need 2 holes in the saddle slot n they need to be bored at an angle for pickup come up on low E string side n to incert it down into second d hole passed the high E string or first string n stick out 10mm or so beyond bridge plate it insures best pickup sound transmission I always do it like that n really they are fantastic pickup ye moving bridge or saddle back a 32nd can be a headache but lower action n tighter saddle could leave it pretty good re grooving saddle slot be my easiest way n refill with a fine slip of rosewood you wont ruin anything that Gibson done on that guitar You are correcting their wrong doing good work n keep it up love your videos

[@mfc4591]

Great fix for an "ingrained" problem !😊

[@Ericejazz]

I love the solution that you came up with for the intonation and saddle, Jerry. Nice work!

[@mikecurtin9831]

A couple of slick fixes. Thanks very much. Liked, long-time subscribed, and now commented.

[@phillipbingham487]

i learn something good every time i watch your videos.. sure would love to meet ya...

[@savedaz]

Fantastic job Jerry Like the way you solve the internation problem with no permanent effects on the guitar!

[@dstdenis01]

Great job, Jerry. I appreciate that you're a stickler for intonation. I don't know how some expensive new acoustic guitars with poor intonation make it through quality control inspection, but they do. I've never seen a remedy like you showed in this video. Fantastic work!

[@robertmoore6700]

Great work as always Jerry

[@stevecroft5068]

I've got a 1994 Gibson J-100 Xtra, same as this but Mahogany back and sides. Exactly the same issue intonation wise. Luckily the bridge is flat on top, so I made a cantilevered one. Does the job perfectly.

[@phil36135]

Very good Jerry, I would have probably done the same things you did considering the situation the guitar was in. Thank you for another great video

[@cugir321]

You can intonate a bit with the nut. You'd need a new bone nut. That's the lessor of evils and it works. I believe you move the contact point back on the nut. Been a while since I've done it. Did a LP knock off. Had to get a new nut because the Gibson type nuts are angled and it doesn't leave enough movement to go back. (the strings were sharp) Need a square nut. You're lengthening the string from the 12th fret back.

[@perihelion7798]

Handsome guitar. It's a shame an expensive instrument has such an amateurish issue. However, Martins were also known for having intonation problems. Nice repair and installation.

[@jamesduncan578]

!8 years in the business on the retail side, for the money Gibson and Martins were the worst for intonation coming from the factory.

[@perihelion7798]

@@jamesduncan578 They have that reputation, don't they? Well-deserved, for the most part.

[@roywayneandthunderridge]

That'll be my next guitar purchase. I want the Gibson SJ-200 same color as that one. Beautiful guitar and great job!

[@migalito1955]

Well Jerry, your videos have been great. They taught me enough to have scratch built a Tenor Ukelele where I just installed the tuning machines on it and expect to carefully adjust intonation either tonight or tomorrow. While making the first I had cut enough thin slices for sides, top, & bottom for a second Tenor Uke and it is half way to the set up stage in terms of build the neck and body. Now, you think that would be enough for a 67 year old fellow like me or I should say us but no. I swear this hobby is addicting. I wanted a Classical Guitar too. Trouble was I can't cut the pieces for gluing up a top and bottom wide enough for the bigger body with my Band Saw without buying an Accu-Slicer. So I looked at kits. Wow, kazoow, nice prices for sure. But, Stewmac had a sale on a Baritone Uke having a Mahogany soundboard and since its essentially 2/3 of what I wanted plus I have small hands that struggle with the wide neck of the Classical Guitar I bought it. The Baritone is somewhere in Ohio being shipped, but it will be number 3. Actually, it will be a breeze since most of the more difficult stuff is done at the factory. With all that being said, thanks for the videos, it's been a ton of enjoyment making the instruments.

[@charlesbranch4120]

I'm certain you'll appreciate the baritone ukulele, and the kids, too, since tuning is the same as the four strings on acoustic guitar, plus nylon strings are easier on the fingers. Unfortunately, most get used to the soprano uke and trying to tune a baritone to "My dog has fleas" (the method taught us kids in Hawai'i in the mid 1960s) should quickly be discouraged. (I heard the bridge start to pop when friends of my kids started to tune Mom's old baritone from her Oahu classes. Stop!)

[@julianmetcalfe1070]

boy oh boy great fix no damage sounds perfect cracking job done

[@byroncrump4390]

Excellent video thanks

[@guitareveryone]

I think the saddle looks fine Jerry. Especially considering that Gibson used to put tune-o-matic bridges on their acoustics which looks much worse in my opinion. Plus it now sounds and intonates much better. Great job.

[@jerrywalaszek2473]

missed for awhile.I did not get feeds and got sidetracked on amp and current event b.s. I last watched when you were building a guitar out of paducah wood? You just were setting up your laser burner machine,I will have to go back. I am really interested in how it sounded.I remember all the tedious labor intensive appointments the guitar had,beautiful but never heard that kind of wood I don't believe?

[@larryquokka]

Jerry just blows my mind with his solutions ..

[@rafaelcuadra5009]

not the first time you did this...super. You did this on a bass guitar for a local soldier. Good job then as well...!!!

[@tonywampler217]

Very very good

[@bobl2995]

Thanks Jerry great video 🇬🇧

[@zibbezabba2491]

Excellent job on that intonation.

[@iestyn2597]

Well I guess I'm first to comment. First time that's happened!! Lovely looking guitar, this

[@maverickdallas1004]

That guitar was undoubtedly expensive. It should have been perfectly intonated before it left the factory! I'd have a bone to pick with Gibson if I were the original owner of that guitar! EXCELLENT job getting that guitar to play the way it should!

[@billsterling6485]

Very good Jerry close enough for Jazz lol You won!!!!!

[@scottrill17]

Jerry, it's called a moist ache bridge and you're right, it's delicate to try and remove. One thing you did not mention was if the neck relief was out before you started making adjustments. Did you check it? Was is a candidate for a neck reset? You also didn't mention that.

[@scottrill17]

Moustache

[@scottrill17]

You're pretty sensitive about so-called detractors but this is a valuable guitar and a ho-hum approach about shaving braces sounds very unprofessional.

[@Shergar50]

Great job 👏👏

[@chris5355]

Great content, thanks.

[@ctcards2636]

Oh the intonation was bad, that would of made that unplayable for me. Strum an Am or C... you will hear it obviously is out. Nice work as always ! 🙂 Not a huge fan of Gibson acoustics (call me crazy) dont like the look of them or the feel overall. Im addicted to Yamaha acoustics and Ovations myself. But i learn something new watching your videos and have great respect and am very grateful for all the work you post on here for all of us to watch. Thank you. :-)

[@gregalexander4258]

Would a neck reset bring down the action and bring intonation into the ballpark for a standard saddle? Maybe cost prohibitive?

[@russbeston1729]

Good one Jerry.

[@stranarn1]

Amazing work 😅👍

[@johnservant6748]

Enjoying your work very much. I agree with comments about incorrect original placement of the bridge. Very poor show Gibson, on such a magnificent and expensive instrument. Clever solution tho' Jerry. I'm assuming the accessory bridge insert will need to rest on the upper wood surface of the bridge behind the channel slot to avoid breakage ? Also, I did wonder if you really needed to desolder/cut the wires leading to the to the original Fishman PU, wouldn't the under saddle piezo sensor strip just pop back down the hole the way it came ? "Small potatoes" anyway John

[@ronh1752]

Serious question: I've been watching Jerry measure string height with "a pick", shoving it under the string and listening for a tone change, which a totally get. But I haven't heard him say what he's using as a pick. Is he using a certain kind of pick? Material? Thickness? Has he done. . . . *gasp* . . . MATH to figure out the right size? lol. Thanks!

[@philbrown6787]

Yeah, that guitar sounds great for maple even with its inherent trebly nature.

[@mandolinic]

I guess this is where a mandolin's floating bridge comes into its own...

[@drjcwardjr]

Master luthier to the max!😎👍

[@noelgrant-henderson1950]

I would have plugged the old slot and recut it back.

[@jonerlandson1956]

i've heard hide glue works really well for antler....

[@zombeatle01]

I think you need a bigger soldering iron 😆

[@DD-dx3ei]

Shame about the issue on such a nice guitar. With the L shaped saddle, I wonder if having the strings pressing on the part of the saddle that is not above the contact point between the bridge, pickup and guitar top, whether the transfer of sound was slightly affected?

[@DD-dx3ei]

Also wonder if there could have been a problem at the nut that was affecting the intonation - e.g. I wonder if the same issue could have been due to the strings not leaving at the back edge of the nut but in the middle or front of nut?

[@morbidmanmusic]

Intonation will be sharp lying on its back.

[@morbidmanmusic]

If you cut a brace out of my guitar for a pickup, and didn't check first... the end

[@adirondackcomposer]

How was Mountain View? Somehow I managed to miss running into you. :)

[@nancymilawski1048]

He is still there I believe

[@RosaStringWorks]

Well it's almost 10 PM now but I'm still here

[@Yoda8945]

If I were the original owner of that guitar, It would be going back to Gibson to remedy the problem under warranty. Gibson QC has always been spotty. A second owner does not have that option.

[@francisdasta8646]

What about plugging the saddle slot and recutting it further back?

[@RosaStringWorks]

You can do that but I made the comment I didn't want to because I didn't want to modify the original guitar

[@francisdasta8646]

@@RosaStringWorks I understand Jerry. I guess I just look at things as if it was my guitar. The customer has their own preference. I'm all about playability. I'm not saying the customer is wrong but I have seen the slot be plugged and refilled with pretty good results that are pretty hard to detect. I would never buy a Martin no matter how "valuable" it is if it doesn't play in tune all the way up the neck. I would never own a guitar that I could only play nut chords on

[@dave7010]

@@RosaStringWorks Maybe if you had contacted your client he may have been fine with that solution. Since he or she sent the Guitar to you I doubt the cost would have been a problem. But I guess we will never know.

[@lyndamcardle4123]

Pardon me Jerry......a spruce top and maple back and sides....?What's wrong with you ? What's not to like about this specific combination of tonewoods... I love 'em !

[@stringpicker5468]

I cannot quite see the difference between shaving a brace and say filling and recutting the saddle slot. Both seem a little intrusive on the original design, one is well nigh necessary, the other has more choices.

[@redlaur]

You need a stobe tuner!!!

[@nmd14723]

Enjoyed the video, unfortunately in my humble opinion I think both of the adjustments have spoiled the overall look of the guitar, the bridge really needed to come off and re positioned but totally understand the risk factor in doing that, all the best Jerry

[@rickylakemusic]

Just unboxed an Epiphone masterbuilt TEXAN. Paid way too much for my income. Played it unplugged. Seemed a bit off to my many decades of playing professional guitar. THIN and brittle. Strings? Then plugged it in and almost cried. String volume balance was out of whack. The bass strings boomed and the treble strings were almost non existent . The peizo QUACKY QUACK was front and center. The guitars voice was brash, boomy and cacophonous . Not at all what I was expecting.

[@harryodum5598]

I don’t know if I missed it or not but what kind of guitar is that?

[@johnmeeks9618]

Why not fill the saddle slot and cut a new one in the proper location?

[@RosaStringWorks]

I guess I mentioned that in the video perhaps you didn't hear it

[@TeleCaster66]

Man, I have a beautiful sounding acoustic that is off about just as much. Bums me out...

[@abloke8834]

I'm happy to be 4th

[@Purple_Pixel]

You need an electron microscope to see 1/30,000th of an inch. I think you mean to say 1/30th of an inch or perhaps 3/10ths of an inch.

[@andrewwhiteman6228]

Why not fill the original slot on the bridge with rose wood, then reroute a new slot?

[@stringpicker5468]

Jerry sort of explained that, but if you are going to shave braces I am not sure his argument is valid. I kind of agree with you.

[@jonerlandson1956]

the world is becoming more strange isn't it?...

[@keithsaulsbury4304]

these are not inexpensive instruments. these sell for over $2000. for Gibson to sell a guitar at that price and have the bridge so far out of position that it can't be intoned is unforgivable. horrible quality.

[@philbrown6787]

I concur

[@Murcans-worship-felons]

What does RSW stand for?

[@Alex_S_Ander]

Worlds best system is Aussie Maton AP5

[@сергейсолоницкий-м9ь]

Of course , it will overestimate the tuning , and even how ! When about 3.0 mm at the 6th over the 12th . No one does that high . The maximum allowable value of the 6th string on an acoustic guitar with metal strings is approximately 2.8 millimeters. And it depends on the caliber of the strings . In the 11-52 caliber, no one would even think of a violently attacking guitar player doing 2.9 mm at the 6th over the 12th. Of course , he will be able to ask the master to do this , the customer 's desire is important first of all, but the game of such a guitarist will not be easy at all ) , it is better to throw the guitar with such an action into the wardrobe , and the guitarist will feel much better I think getting free of nessecity of suffer playing guitar with strings with such high action ,and it is best to do the action below , which depends on the caliber of the strings . I listened for five minutes , and looked , of course , Mr. Luthier hadn`t said what caliber the strings were .

[@doormasterjohn]

Sounds like maple

[@davidsparks6146]

What's going on at Gibson? Didn't they test and design it to be correct before shipping? Apparently NOT! I have 2 Epiphone J-200's and they are perfect, and literally I paid $450 each ... I have a Taylor that has the best tone and a Blueridge that destroys any Martin for half the price. Gibson, Martin and Guild are banking on their SNOB appeal, and we as a community need to STOP this!