Ibanez nut files!

[Sludgenutz]

Some things like dentistry and heart surgery cost an arm and a leg...and there is no escaping the auto repairman at times. It sorta kills me to spend $90 for a set of nut files (plus shipping, and CA sales tax for a total of $108)...but dammit, there is simply no use for me to buy more guitars/gear/paraphernalia if the guitars I own are just so-so when it comes to setup.:drill:

Anyhow, I have been looking at Stew Mac nut files, as well as others (new and used) for months. I finally spied a set at LMI. They claim the Hiroshima, Japan file mfr., is a supplier for Ibanez Japan.

http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdpr...bmit=Search&NameProdHeader=Nut+&+Saddle+Files

These are NICE! They transformed my Epi Iommi into a far more focused metal machine. Gone were many of the stray tones in the fretting (I kinda blamed the guitar itself, as I know what Iommi's sound like in other bodies). I am not a wild whammy bar owner, so this set did the best for my cash considering the string gauges I currently use:

I still have a few more guitars to do, so this naturally defrays the cost.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Ibanez nut files!

Thanks for the tip on those files. I've been needing to get some, but Stew Mac is such a ripoff. Even these Ibanez files are no huge bargain, but at least they're a little cheaper.

You're right about having guitars setup properly. I'm always amazed at how many players use guitars that need a pro setup. So many, in fact, that it keeps the locking tuner companies in business. They're only a bandaid for the real problem, which these files will correct.

 

[itbepopples]

Re: Ibanez nut files!

the stewmac nut files are absolutely ridiculous. they're diamond shaped and completely misshapen for the purpose. ive been waiting to buy a good full set from lmi.

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Ibanez nut files!

Sorry

http://www.warmoth.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=84_91&products_id=25197

 

[Pierre]

Re: Ibanez nut files!

I've had good results with the Stewmac set myself.

 

[itbepopples]

Re: Ibanez nut files!

I've had good results with the Stewmac set myself.

as have i, but i still believe their shape is less than optimal.

 

[Sludgenutz]

Re: Ibanez nut files!

Sorry

http://www.warmoth.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=84_91&products_id=25197

Not quite. I saw them already, and the two largest files are of no use to me. A .040" and .050" are smaller than the strings of the EB set I'm already using. To get the proper gauge would mean more money/shipping from LMI, or other e-tailer. My next step is to go lower anyway, if anything. :cool2:

 

[Sludgenutz]

Re: Ibanez nut files!

UPDATE!!!

These files are fantastic! I "did" my Epi LP (The Southern Stoner Metal Machine), and I was floored by not only the ease of play this guitar has now...but how "flat" the tuning became after the cutting was done! It was over a semi-tone if my recollection is correct. This guitar was nowhere near as heinously high at the nut as my Epi Iommi. The result was 100% positive as well!

You have heard the Good (the results!), The Bad (the cost!)...and now THE UGLY! ME!:smack:

I ended up breaking off 1/2" (14mm or so, metric) of the thinnest file of the set. The .010" file was getting heavy drag on the sides of the file as I was cutting the slot for the top E. I was thinking that a little Vaseline or Chap-Stick would help, but I just went ahead. Anyhow, a minute later I snapped the file! :headache: It was 100% my own fault, and not the file set or the manufacturer.:butkick: Steel files by nature have brittle alloys, so I should have lubed the file anyway.

The good news is, that the files were made with a cutting edge on top and bottom edges...and I actually found better control on the narrow files, by holding them closer to the center. They are plenty long enough as they are. trimming the ragged end of the file will not hinder the future performance one bit.

One other tip, files of ALL sorts regardless of size, need a to be protected from moisture as the alloys tend to rust as fast as razor blades. Keep them protected by a fine oil, and stored away from moister, and indoors (not in the garage). Cleaning the oil may be necessary before actual use, but they need to be re-oiled before storage.

 

[theodie]

Re: Ibanez nut files!

I've had good results with the Stewmac set myself.

I have no problems with them either. They have gave me the results I was looking for.

I guess skills help get the job done. Its just not the files. LOL!

Hell, you can give me a very thin bladed saw and I can make an impressive nut. It takes longer but, it gets the job done.