Ernie Ball Not Even Slinkys on a Graph Tech Tusq XL nut in a '66 g400?

[gilla409]

So, for the second time, the cheap plastic nut on my '66 g400 broke above the low E. The first time was within a few weeks of owning it, so I got a brand new replacement guitar. Now, I'm stuck fixing it myself, or shipping it off for warranty repair... so I ordered a Graph Tech Tusq XL nut. But I'll need to slot it for heavier strings.

 

So. I'm wondering what the easiest and cheapest way to get this done, and right. I only have basic tools (hand file, sandpaper, etc,) and if I need to buy anything for the install, I have to go the poor route.

 

The nut looks to have angled slots, not straight like the stock nut... would heavier strings work with this style slots? Has anyone used 12s with this nut?

 

Any help with this is greatly appreciated!

[Bender 4 Life]

If you can't/don't want to take it to a guitar tech, use an old string as a file and size the slot..........if it's wayyyyy too small, I suggest a round needle file of the correct diameter, just don't go too deep, or it'll buzz forever..

 

needle files should be less than $5 each at your local hardware store

[animalfarm]

Looking at the pix of the graphtech Tusq XL in their website, it doesn't

"appear" to be angled...

The "FAQ/Tutorial" page on their site indicates it can be used with any

string guage, just have to file to fit. As Bender mentions, the correct Files

would be prefereable, but please read thru the different NUT topics in

the following links to get different thoughts/ideas. I do like the fact that

the Tusq XL is impregnated with teflon...

 

You're a BRAVE MAN to be filing your own NUTS!!!

 

 

From Epi Lounge "DIY" thread, Tech Tip Section, STEWMAC link:

 

http://www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/Nuts,_saddles.html

 

From Graph Tech Site ("Knowledge Base" Section):

 

http://www.graphtech.com/kbase.html?CategoryID=16

[AlanH]

The "FAQ/Tutorial" page on their site indicates it can be used with any

string guage' date=' just have to file to fit.

 

[/quote']

 

I couldn't find that bit anywhere on the website for the Tusq XL. Could you provide the right link. Presumably the one which fits Epiphone is cut for 10-46. Am I right?

 

Alan

[bynapkinart]

I have a Tusq XL on my Casino and I string it up with 11s (power slinkys)

[Bender 4 Life]

I do like the fact that

the Tusq XL is impregnated with teflon...

 

the higher quality Agiles come stock with "impregnated" graphite nuts............they're the best thing since sliced bread

[Whitmore Willy]

But I'll need to slot it for heavier strings.

 

 

 

Torch Tip Cleaner. You can get them from any welding supply company for under $5.

Not as rigid as a file but more so than guitar strings. I wouldn't use them if I was doing it for a living...but...they

work good enough for a one time job. You can also use a small file to make saws out of feeler gauges.

 

To those that do not know me...Hello!!

To those that may remember me...I have had health problems over the last year. I hope to be posting more

in the future.

 

Willy

[james_edward]

I find Tusq nuts work with strings up to 11's without filing, but 12's are too big.

 

Is your E string wound on the correct side of the post?? if not the end of the nut will keep blowing off...

[brad1]

To those that do not know me...Hello!!

To those that may remember me...I have had health problems over the last year. I hope to be posting more

in the future.

 

Willy

 

Hi Willy! I certainly remember you.

Glad you are feeling better and are able to post now. :)

Welcome Back.

[Whitmore Willy]

Brad,

Thank you for the welcome.

I do not wish to hi-jack this thread so I will keep this short.

I am going on vacation today. When I get back next week I will write a "Good to be back" post in the lounge.

I wish all members a happy and safe weekend.

 

Gilla409,

I see this is your first post. Listen to these guys. I have learned much from them and they know what they are talking about.

 

Willy

 

(Please excuse my English, I was born and raised in the U.S.A.)

[gilla409]

Thanks for all the tips everyone!

 

I'll probably try an old string first, and hit the hardware store a needle file set f that doesn't work. I'm definitely not stringing it wrong, it seems like the nut just binds, and breaks when inserting/removing strings. I wasn't using 12s then, either... I think its just cheap soft plastic. I would rather let a tech handle it, but nut work tends to be pricey.

 

Again, thanks for the help! I'll post results when I'm done.