Cutting a nut deeper ? What tool ?

[littlewing6283]

Excuse me for being a newb.

Just purchased an SX STL50 from Rondomusic. I purchased it so I could learn how to mod guitars.

Well I need to start now.

Everything works fine actually. Except for one string. I'm having tuning issues with one string only, it goes out of tune after approx 1-2 hrs of playing. I've tracked the issue down to the nut. I dont think it's cut deep enough.

the string is the "G" string. i'm also havign trouble intonating this one. every other intonates and stays in tune.

I think I need to cut the nut a little deeper.

can I use something other than a nut file.

anyone have any tips ?

ive just tried putting graphite in the slot as well as using my exacto knife to attempt to make it a little bit deeper.

any comments are appreciated, thanks

[vortexmike]

To alter the nut you should really use the proper tool which is a nut file; however these are pretty expensive so people have come up with ingenious alternatives such as welding tip cleaners (cheap, work well for small adjustments, easily available) or cutting teeth into feeler gauges (very accurate widthwise but a bit fiddly to do without a dremel thingy).
Just remember that it is easy to remove material but if you go too low not quite so straightforward to refill (baking soda and superglue seems to get recommended here).
There is masses of information on the net regarding nuts so have a good lookaround before deciding what's best for you.

[jivetrain]

if you don't use a real file, you won't be able to improve the slot in the way you want. i had a problem getting the g in tune on a guitar before and the problem wasn't the height of the slot, it was the shape. if the bottom of the slot looks like a 'V', you've got trouble. you want it to be more of a 'U' shape, so that it cradles the bottom of the string evenly. a sharp bottomed 'V' shaped slot means the string is resting on the sides of the nut slot and not the bottom, leaving you with very poor tuning stability.

you can check the shape of the slot yourself easily, just take the string out and look. if it needs to be more rounded, you'll only be able to do it with a real file. anything else will preserve the misshapen slot bottom as you lower it and then you'll be left with a slot too low to possibly reshape ever again.

[Nick JD]

A hacksaw blade is about the same size as the G string slot.

[mellecaster]

Originally Posted by jivetrain

if you don't use a real file, you won't be able to improve the slot in the way you want. i had a problem getting the g in tune on a guitar before and the problem wasn't the height of the slot, it was the shape. if the bottom of the slot looks like a 'V', you've got trouble. you want it to be more of a 'U' shape, so that it cradles the bottom of the string evenly. a sharp bottomed 'V' shaped slot means the string is resting on the sides of the nut slot and not the bottom, leaving you with very poor tuning stability.

you can check the shape of the slot yourself easily, just take the string out and look. if it needs to be more rounded, you'll only be able to do it with a real file. anything else will preserve the misshapen slot bottom as you lower it and then you'll be left with a slot too low to possibly reshape ever again.

+10...What Mr. Jive said....That is the Proper way, if you desire results

[Old Cane]

Originally Posted by jivetrain

if you don't use a real file, you won't be able to improve the slot in the way you want. i had a problem getting the g in tune on a guitar before and the problem wasn't the height of the slot, it was the shape.

Ding, ding, ding. Yes. The shape or width. I think thought that width has more effect on wound strings but can on plain if tight enough.

[littlewing6283]

thanks for the input

wheres the most cost effective place to purchase one of these files ? im pretty cheap

[Old Cane]

Most come in sets but stewmac and may sell individual files. You may want to get a whole set and some other stuff. It really makes a good excuse to start buying and working on more guitars. Well, I have all these tools..........

[jefrs]

Needs a U shaped bottom to the hole so it rests properly in a Vee shaped valley so it doesn't bind. All new nuts are too high.

File the slot with the strings in place, lift the G out, guard the headstock, gauge the depth to the height of the first fret. Do /not/ cut it too deep.

Best tool, expensive nut files. There are two types, ones for cutting the slot (actually precision saws) and ones for shaping the slot.

For the G, a leaf shaped swiss needle file will likely do it, the one with two curved sides, not one with a knife edge. This file is generally to thick for the top two strings though.

Tip - if this is your first nut job, get a couple of spare replacement nuts before you start.

[Colt W. Knight]

A torch tip cleaning tool has worked for all my nut adjustments without dissappointment. I think they are about 3 or 4 $ available at any welding supply store or hardware store that carries oxygen and acetylene torch supplies.

[rextasy]

Originally Posted by Colt W. Knight

A torch tip cleaning tool has worked for all my nut adjustments without dissappointment. I think they are about 3 or 4 $ available at any welding supply store or hardware store that carries oxygen and acetylene torch supplies.

+1

I got one for $3.00 shipped on ebay. Takes a little more work, but combined with an x-acto it does the job well enough.

[rs2345]

Hi, can anyone tell me if there are any Telecaster bridge plates available with humbucker sized holes cut into them? If so, where can I order one? I know your not supposed to, but I have an abundance of single-coil guitars. I know about the GE Smith style...but not sure about the styling.
Thanks

[scubadoo]

Originally Posted by rs2345

Hi, can anyone tell me if there are any Telecaster bridge plates available with humbucker sized holes cut into them? If so, where can I order one? I know your not supposed to, but I have an abundance of single-coil guitars. I know about the GE Smith style...but not sure about the styling.
Thanks

A bit off topic aren't we? Post a separate thread if you want replies.

or you could spend exactly three seconds on a google search and find them at
www.fake58.co.uk
Gotoh do one, see Allparts
WDMusic
http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?im...%3Den%26sa%3DN

Not exactly rare are they?