Disadvantages of a miss-cut nut?

[bbking1021]

What are the disadvantages of having the string slots of the nut cut too wide. I was just looking at my tele and the string slots especially on the G, B & E string are bigger then what they need to be. The string slot is cut to the same width as let say the D string. The depth of the cut is correct its just that it is too wide for these strings.

Is this going to cause any issues? It's playing fine and is intonated but does having the slots too wide detract from anything sound wise with the guitar?

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Disadvantages of a miss-cut nut?

There's a higher likelihood that plain strings will ring duller, or sound like there's undertones.

By having a big slot, the string can roll around in there and make the sound of overly low action.

That's what happens when it's too loose. When it's too tight, you hear that 'ping' when turning the tuning peg. That's the string sticking in the slot, then breaking free when the tuner is moved.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Disadvantages of a miss-cut nut?

When it's too tight, you hear that 'ping' when turning the tuning peg. That's the string sticking in the slot, then breaking free when the tuner is moved.

You get that on 3 to a side anyway -tight or not, because of the angle. Thus the rule on an LP-tune UP.

 

[Redmist]

Re: Disadvantages of a miss-cut nut?

I agree with you Ace that 3 a side tends to bind if there isn't a straight string path, hence the tune up only business,- but because this leads to a slightly higher tension in the strings from nut to tuner than nut to bridge, do you find it worse if you lube the nut slots :- as this will allow that extra tension to possibly pull the string sharp during playing?