I'd appreciate any help on this subject; I've read the written tutorials but need some help.
I understand how to create the Harmonics over the 11th, 7th, 17th frets then aligning the fret crown directly underneath the Harmonic point. Most articles then state to adjust the layout of the other frets. What exactly does that mean and how does one go about doing so and checking for accuracy?
If it is harmonics, and/or overtones you want to achieve you don't need to mess with the frets, remember that a pressed string on a fret is under more tension verses just placing your finger on the string above the fret. So all you basically have to do is find where these overtones and harmonics are strongest and maybe use a sharpy and mark down where they are on the string itself. Memorize where they are, you will eventually be able to find them quickly. Just remember your finger touches the string very, very, very, very, (notice the emphasis) gently, if you push you will get no overtones.
Beenkar Ted Ceplina
Thanks for the advice Ted. I'm not necessarily trying to do anything with Harmonics at this stage, except to use them as a reference in the tuning process. I'd like to get the Sitar to the point where its set up properly.
So if I'm to understand correctly, the only need is to position these frets under the main Harmonic points on the Ma string; The rest can be left alone?
When you move your "key frets" according to the overtone, you will allso have to adjust the other frets. Im not talking about bigtime fret moving, but just adjusting frets so that they produce a clean tone (are in tune). If your hearing is well developed you will do this by ear.
So you get your sitar tuned and the key frets are in the correct place. Use a reference that are in tune (a piano, guitare, synth, or some shareware synth on your PC/MAC) Start at the top fret on your sitar and compare it to whats comming out ofoyour reference instrument. If needed your frets will be adjusted a little up or down to reach the perfect pitch.
If your ears is out of tune, then skip all above and play on : )
your cat will love it anyway. .
Rob, Make sure yor bridge is in the correct postion also. I went thru a week of frustration moving frets alittle here then alittle there then moving some more but never really getting the whole neck in tune with its self.
How you do this if you dont know is, adjust the bridge until you have F open, at that (11th fret) center harmonic and fretted at the 11th fret. Now check harmonic at 7th fret, should be C fretted and harmonic, if not adjust the fret till it is. Now you can go along and do your fret adjustments.
Jeffrey R King
Thanks Jeff for the info. I've played guitar for almost 35 years so I have the Harmonic scale adjustment down.
When I adjust the position of the frets, do I base the correct intonation by fretting in between the frets, or on the crown of each?
The harmonics on my MPS is slightly off of the frets so yes between frets. Its not right above the fret. I guess this is due to the distance of the string to the fret when hitting the harmonic and when holding it down. Make sense? I hope.
Jeffrey R King
