Thanks again. Yes I think it's cheap and (not) cheerful

It does have a 6 1/2 fret but the issue is much lower on the fretboard and my ears and theory are pretty good :)

I have measured the frets against this fret calculator and while it is not spot on it is close enough that it wouldn't be given the difference. Top and bottom strings are ok(ish) the D and the D (whether there are one or two melody strings) it is the middle A string that is horrible!

I may do a little video sometime and you'll see it much clearer. The problem has been there since I bought it and was there after the last string change.

I think I paid £50 or £70 for it second hand so it is very much a beginning thing I think.

On balance I think it is just a piece of crap that isn't worth messing with but I get a bit irked if things that should work don't so I will make the most of it!

I also feel that the action is really high so will address that too