Isn't this nuts?

B

brainiac

New member
Hey everyone!

I recently purchased a partscaster that came with the Super Vee double locking trem system. While setting it up I noticed that the intonation for the high E was half-step flat on the 12th fret (if that makes sense). The string was making contact on the 1st fret and then realized that the previous owner had (for some reason) filed the nut slot deeper on the treble side. As a result, the nut sits higher on the bass side and sinks deeper into the fretboard on the treble side, thus resulting in the said issue. Picture is attached.

Seeking advice on how to fix it. Should I try to shim the nut on one end? With paper?

Thanks :) 25086903_10160218484280112_665837911_o.jpg
 
Re: Isn't this nuts?

The nut slot in the fretboard is lower on one side? You can shim it, but I would use wood or brass.

Is that part replaceable?
 
Re: Isn't this nuts?

Thanks Ayrton!

Yes, the nut slot appears to be deeper/lower on one side. I found brass shims on eBay but was afraid it'd rattle if I don't do a good job. Do I need to file the nut slot even first? Is there a way to shim on just one side?

I'm afraid the nut is not replaceable as I don't see replacement parts listed anywhere.
 
Re: Isn't this nuts?

I looked, and while it does appear to be replaceable, I don't know if the slots can be filed.

However, the fretboard slot is the problem anyway. Brass is commonly used to shim Floyd locking nuts so I see no reason why it won't work here. I don't know where you are located but your local arts crafts or Ace Hardware will have brass sheet in various thicknesses (cheaper to cut your own).

Any idea how much you need to raise it? I would start with a paper shim from say a business card or a magazine subscription card to get a better idea of the thickness needed. Once you know what thickness you are after, you can buy some brass sheet and stack what you need to fine tune.

Yes, you can certainly shim only one side. A bone nut is usually lower on the high E side and this is really no different.
 
Re: Isn't this nuts?

Thanks Chris!

I don't currently know how much it needs to be raised. I like your suggestion - I'll try using a business card cutout to see how much is required.
 
Re: Isn't this nuts?

Whoa! Thanks Chris. I ended up reading the entire thread - excellent job there :bigthumb:

I'll go ahead and try what you suggested. Will keep you posted :)
 
Re: Isn't this nuts?

I tried to shim it with paper today and it seems to have worked, for now. The nut came off with a bit of tapping and I scraped off the solidified glue. I used 2 thin bits of (some plasticy) paper and stacked them inside the treble half of the nut slot. I then used two more bits even shorter and stacked them just below the high E nut slot. That raised the nut a little above what I required. Put the nut on top of it, didn't glue anything and reassembled the nut and tuned to pitch. It seems to be working but I haven't glued it down. Picture attached

Does paper compress over time (this one has a very thin plastic coating)? I didn't notice any difference in tone acoustically and if anything, I feel the sustain has improved! o_O
 

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Re: Isn't this nuts?

If the previous owner just filed a slot, you should repair just this individual slot. Not raise the whole nut. What works wonders for me is this :
http://www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/...ss----Two-component-adhesive----PSE6N----80-g

You just have to let it cure for about a week before it gets super tough and strong. Then you file a new slot in there. If you are lucky you can get it right from the first time, adding just sufficient material to raise this specific slot.

This pattex stuff is hard like slow curing epoxy or 2k poly, but has a nice "woody" touch that makes it feel more like hard plastic rather than metal.
 
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Re: Isn't this nuts?

You can leave the paper in there if you want. However, if the nut is where you want it, I would look to replace the paper with some brass sheet. Thin stock is cheap and easy to cut with scissors.
 
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