project Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I've had a problem with the 4th slot on my LP Custom nut giving me tuning problems. It's obviously not wide enough to let the string pass through freely. Sometimes the string sticks in the nut slot while I'm turning the key to tune up. Can I simply file the slot to make it a little wider and solve my tuning problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackie Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 carefully Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
project Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 If that is the solution then what file would you recommend for me to use? Or, how about sandpaper? Would that be a viable option? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeoConMan Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I've heard of using a wound string sort of like a file to remove a little material. Be careful not to push DOWN and cut the slot any deeper - just run it back and forth a few times. Even a string the next size up would likely be fine, only a couple hundredths of an inch difference. If you know a GOOD set up guy, just take it to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba_leon Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Have you tried lubricating it first, with some graphite? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GibsonByBirth Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 Have you tried lubricating it first' date=' with some graphite?[/quote']My sugestion too. I had the same problem. Lubrication solved it. Is there anything lubrication dosnt solve? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
project Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 Thanks for all your suggestions. I'll be sure to give it a shot and let you know how it comes out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sktn77a Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 If you don't have the right tools (nut files) you will probably do more harm than good. Take it to a guitar tech for a setup. Nut only - $10-$20, but you might as well get a full setup for about $30-$40. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobv Posted October 14, 2009 Share Posted October 14, 2009 A tech will use nut slot files, which are a gauged set that are no thicker than the strings. A hack will use a filet knife and won't know any better. If you're getting a little binding in the nut slots on the wound strings, it's okay to put a little coarse polishing compound on a wound string and pull it back and forth through the slot to burnish it a little bit. Just a little bit. But if you take it to a tech, you can have the slots lowered as well as widened so the action at the nut is lower. Most guitars come from the factory with the nut slots too high. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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