filing nut

[Sgt.]

There's been discussion on the tuning stability problems with new Les Paul Studios with the stock tulip tuners.

The strings do sit above the nut considerably on mine and i do notice the g string ping when it tunes. mine does have tuning issues.

i read an opinion in regard to the nut being the issue and that a properly filed the nut fixes tuning problems.

Question: with a 'properly filed nut' on the les paul, should the strings be sitting more on top of the nut or should they be recessed and sitting in the nut, like for example on my other guitar, an Ibanez AG86.

Will filing the nut down affect the action and intonation so that I will have to set it up again because i pretty much have got that where i want it.

i have switched to medium guage strings (from the light stock guage .10s, to .11-.48). Should i have the nut filed to fit the medium guage strings, will it help the tuning also, will i have to have it set up again?

[rct]

A guitar string should ideally sit halfway down, that is, half the strings diameter in the nut slot, half above. I barely slot a nut, I keep much less than half above, that's how I like it.

 

Yes.

 

Yes you should have a nut cut to what you usually use, and yes, you will set it up again.

 

A well cut nut also is wider on the t00ner side than on the neck side to allow it to go off in whatever direction it has to.

 

Knock the old one out with a small chisel and a hammer and get a few and have at it. Not much to them really.

 

rct

[milod]

RCT pretty well nailed it.

 

Some guitars will have the nut designed on purpose to have the strings further down in the nut, though.

 

Cutting one is more complex than he said, too. <grin>

 

But the bottom line is ... yup, you can't expect to make a fairly significant change in strings without expecting at least the possibility of problems at the nut, whether electric or acoustic, high quality material or crud.

 

m

[pippy]

...I have switched from .10s, to .11-.48. Should i have the nut filed to fit the medium guage strings?...Will I have to have it set up again?

 

Yes.

 

Yes.

 

P.

[Eracer_Team]

remember there is a difference between width of a slot and depth of a slot

 

if your string is too high above the first fret you need to cut a deeper slot

 

if you're trying to prevent a string from 'pinging' then you'll be looking at the width of the slot

 

P.S. remember that once you remove material from something like the nut; it ain't growing back.

 

make a mistake and you'll be replacing it.

[abilbay]

Do be careful and take your time if your going to do it. Make sure you buy the proper tools. You can get them from Stewmac. The first time I tried to file a nut I got the G string too low. Three nuts and many hours later, I got it "close enough". It is really easy to get the slot too deep if your not up to the challenge or not willing to try and try agin take it to a pro and let them file your nut

[Sgt.]

Do be careful and take your time if your going to do it. Make sure you buy the proper tools. You can get them from Stewmac. The first time I tried to file a nut I got the G string too low. Three nuts and many hours later, I got it "close enough". It is really easy to get the slot too deep if your not up to the challenge or not willing to try and try agin take it to a pro and let them file your nut

 

is it going to fix tuning issues? i don't have a problem getting a repair shop to do it, but i want to know why what for before i do it.

[Bender 4 Life]

good topic !

this past weekend I had to clean up the nut on my new '62/50 Sheraton as the g&b strings were both dragging & pinging/popping.

a set of GOOD Swiss needle files are a must for many many projects including this.

I also lube them with American Scientific "teflon grease"...the slickest stuff on this planet !

[Guest Farnsbarns]

is it going to fix tuning issues? i don't have a problem getting a repair shop to do it, but i want to know why what for before i do it.

 

 

Yes, if you hear pinging while tuning you definitely need nut work. No ifs, buts, or maybes.

[Gunner]

Yes, if you hear pinging while tuning you definitely need nut work. No ifs, buts, or maybes.

I agree 100%. I am cheap and usually widen the slots myself with a piece of folded over sandpaper, but you have to be careful. I have about 15 guitars and I think maybe two of them didn't need nut work when I first got them, either to improve tuning stability or improve intonation on the lower frets.

[abilbay]

is it going to fix tuning issues? i don't have a problem getting a repair shop to do it, but i want to know why what for before i do it.

 

Try a good string/nut lube first. I use GHS Graphitall. It has stopped the "pinging" and tuning issue on my 08 LP without having to file the nut. It's cheap and easy. If it does not work then you have only lost a few days. I use it every time I change strings.

 

If that does not correct the issue then a little nut work WILL fix 99% of tunning problems. Even if you have sloppy tuners. Most tunning issues are caused by the nut. I have the worst sloppy tuners on my Sheraton and could not keep it in tune. I made a new bone nut and now it holds a tune for ever.

 

If you did not have the problem with 10s then did have them when you put on the 11s. I would bet that a little nut work will fix it, but I woul still try the lube first.

[moparguy]

You may also try on of these if your going to replace the nut, this is pretty cool