[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by gtrwanka

...Since every guitar is different and all require different setups for intonation, any acoustic you buy will not come with the correct intonation? You must buy a custom made saddle?

Hi gw...
No. If you purchase a handbuilt, it is likely to come with a compensated bone saddle from the start.

Other considerations (not all them by any means) which factor into intonation are:

• Age of the guitar (as guitars age and the top lifts, the saddle tilts toward the nut)
• Height of your playing action - if it's high you'll bend the string sharper just pressing it down to the fret wire
• Quality of the build

Compensation is not necessarily a one-shot deal. Depending on your environment, humidity, and frequency of play, and if you travel to radically different locations in a hurry, intonation may need to be checked and readjusted every year or two.

If you never leave your home and the environment is stable, and you don't change your playing style then it may be set and remain spot-on for years.

If the guitar is poorly built, compensating will only provide a partial answer.

If your hearing of pitch is extremely acute, compensation will become more important to you as your guitar skills grow.

Hope this helps...