H
Holby
New member
What do you guys use to file your nut slot? I have a Gibson Flying V and the top string keeps flying out of the nut slot, i think it needs to be deeper but I don't have any special tools. Anybody got ideas?
gbdweller
Structural Member
Take it to a pro. It's most likely a cheap repair. Much cheaper than attempting to fix it yourself if you don't know how. Also cheaper than a set of nut files which runs about $90.00.
D
Dani Pace
New member
Look at the slot, is it worn (V shape) or chipped? If it is an older guitar it may have had heavier strings which will wallow out the nut slots. Cutting the slot deeper may help but be carefull not to cut it too deep and get a first fret rattle. Needle files (not the tapered ones) are commonly used to file nut slots, a fine hacksaw blade will work for the wider slots, be carefull with either. If you have any doubts about your ability to fix it then take it to a repair shop. Chances are that a tech can fix it fairly fast and easy, or tell you if the nut needs to be replaced. If it is a fairly new guitar the shop where you bought it might fix it without charge. The cost of replacing a nut will vary depending on the guitar and the type materal the new nut is made of.
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Ed Dixon
New member
For those who want to actually try this, this is one site that sells tools and supplies how to details.
http://www.stewmac.com/nuts
Ed
http://www.stewmac.com/nuts
Ed
Light
New member
buying the tools to adjust the nut slot costs more than getting it done by a professional, and then you have to consider the fact that you are PROBABLY going to get it wrong for a while (it is not difficult, but it is very precise, and it is very easy to go too far).
I use a variety of gorbet files (like the ones from Stew Mac) and a very thin straight edge to check against the tops of the frets.
Light
"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
I use a variety of gorbet files (like the ones from Stew Mac) and a very thin straight edge to check against the tops of the frets.
Light
"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
H
hungovermorning
Dr. Caveman.
Ed Dixon said:
I got tired just reading that.
F
flamin-gitaur
New member
Slow and easy...you can do it! Just use common sense.
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goldtopchas
New member
If you try this, make sure the back side of the slot is slightly lower than the front(which faces the fretboard). If the slot is level, it will create a dead sounding open string. It can sound like a sitar(you know, one of those eastern indian sizzly stringed instruments).This angleing of the slot may help your string hold in the nut better. If you drop the front of the slot when it doesn't need to be lower, it's gonna buzz on open strings.
If you lower the slot too much you can fill it with super glue and re-cut it.
It definitly takes practice to properly cut nut slots. It can be real frustrating till you get the hang of it. The correct files to do this are rounded on the bottom. It doesn't really work well to use a square shaped file. Not that it can't be done, it just would take some extra care.
This is a real easy fix for someone with experience. Cheap too I would imagine. Probably worth making a few calls to some shops. Someone who was smart would offer to do it for nothing, and gain a future customer. Not to mention referals.
If you lower the slot too much you can fill it with super glue and re-cut it.
It definitly takes practice to properly cut nut slots. It can be real frustrating till you get the hang of it. The correct files to do this are rounded on the bottom. It doesn't really work well to use a square shaped file. Not that it can't be done, it just would take some extra care.
This is a real easy fix for someone with experience. Cheap too I would imagine. Probably worth making a few calls to some shops. Someone who was smart would offer to do it for nothing, and gain a future customer. Not to mention referals.
Light
New member
goldtopchas said:
Bad idea, at least for anything more than a temporary fix. The filler wears a lot faster than bone, and is more likely to stick.
goldtopchas said:
Naw, it takes too long for that. We do truss rod adjustments for free, though.
Light
"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi
E
Ed Dixon
New member
Light said:
Depends. The original problem was one string, so he does not need all the tools, and that is reasonable in cost.
It's also the case that if this is something you would do on multiple guitars, then the cost per iteration is quite low.
In either case it does presume you have knowledge on how to do this, and are willing to risk messing it up and paying more to have a pro fix it. Given the fact that many on these boards are hands on folks, I suspect there are more than a few of would not hesitate to do this.
Ed
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