S2 Custom 24 - Intonation issues in Drop C

[deathbyguitar]

So usually I'd take my guitar to a tech for this kind of thing but every music store in NC is closed so...

I can't get my low C to intonate properly. I have the saddle all the way back but the 12 fret is still really sharp. I'm very experienced with intonating my other guitars but they're all 25.5 scale. Any suggestions? How much of a problem does the 25" scale length create for this low of a tuning?

In case it makes a difference:
I've got an S2 Custom 24 that I'm having troubles intonating. It's got 12-52 strings, tuned to C G C F A D with action set to 1.5mm on trebble side and 2.0mm on the bass. Neck relief is at about .010. Tremolo is blocked and parallel with the body.

 

[aPeRSon]

I had the same issue when I set my Cu22 up for drop C. I used the same string gauge as you and couldn’t get the low E saddle back far enough for it to intonate. I got round it by removing the spring behind the saddle block - that gave me (just) enough travel.

 

[deathbyguitar]

I had the same issue when I set my Cu22 up for drop C. I used the same string gauge as you and couldn’t get the low E saddle back far enough for it to intonate. I got round it by removing the spring behind the saddle block - that gave me (just) enough travel.

I'll try that. Thanks!

 

[andy474x]

Having any trouble with the other strings?

One thing I’ve had experience with on my SECU24 in the same tuning, is that I have to be careful how I tune that low C string. If I pick lightly on the open string when tuning, and I’m right on pitch, when I actually start to play I hit that string harder, and that open C likes to go sharp (and other notes as well, in decreasing severity as I move up the neck). So if you get it just right, that low string can kind of “temper” itself when it comes to tuning. As @aPeRSon said, removing that spring is also a good thought. Might also consider a beefier string there, I use a 54 and wouldn’t go less because I feel I’m just barely big enough to splay in tune with it.