Nut question

[nexion218]

After buying my latest guitar I've jusr realized that I have no hands-on experience with non locking/nonFloyd type nuts. In some mysterious ways the factory strings are still on the guitar despite it being second hand (I know this because they feel lighter than the 10s I use on my other guitars and they are all flakes where I pick which rhymes perfectly with the 9-42 Elixir strings specified by the ESP product page).

The nut seems to be percetly cut for the current setup, so my question is: should I expect any problems/nutwork when going up a gauge or the difference will insignificant?

 

[greekdude]

Re: Nut question

9-42 for a 7-string? 9-54 sounds more appropriate anyways the only way would be to fit those 10s in there and give it a try. If you feel the 10s tend to stick in their slots, give it some runs with 11s, this will work the holes a little bit, and then go back to 10s.

 

[nexion218]

Re: Nut question

Yeah that's what I meant. Im drunk, sorry. Goins from 9s to 10s, thats less confsusing

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Nut question

I needed a new setup going from 10s to 11s with a wound third. No way to tell unless you try though.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Nut question

i wouldnt think youd need to do anything to the nut but id assume a setup will be needed with the extra tension

 

[greekdude]

Re: Nut question

After buying my latest guitar I've jusr realized that I have no hands-on experience with non locking/nonFloyd type nuts.

hehe I missed that! well suffice to say that difficulty-wise : Ibanez locking systems (major PITA) >> Floyd locking systems (PITA) >> non locking trems >> good old fixed bridge/non-locking nut. Believe me you won't have any problems to tame those.

 

[nexion218]

Re: Nut question

i wouldnt think youd need to do anything to the nut but id assume a setup will be needed with the extra tension

yeah thats expected. ive reallyno idea how i never had a non locking nut for almost 20 years. go figure. but thnks , its nice to hear that probably i wont have troubles with it. would hate to ruin thething, its such a nice guitar

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Nut question

Whenever you go up a size or more in strings there is a good possibility you'll need to do some filing of the nut slots or your strings will bind in the slots. Not only will this make it difficult to tune your guitar, but it won't stay in tune as you play. If you don't have the expertise to do it yourself you should take it to a competent tech to do it.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Nut question

My rule of thumb is that as long as you don't go so heavy that you get a wound G string you will only need a setup, but no nut work. At least if you lubricate the nut.

 

[orpheo]

Re: Nut question

When I cut a nut, I always make the slots just a tiny bit wider than the intended string gauge. I.e.: if it's a 10 on the high E, I cut it to 11; if it's a 46 on the low E I cut it to 48 or 50. That way the strings don't bind but don't rattle either.

My point is: if it's a properly cut nut, you'll likely have to widen the slots just a bit if you take strings with a bigger gauge.

 

[nexion218]

Re: Nut question

Thanks everyone! I guess I'll leave it be then until this virus situation goes away and then most probably it'll end up in the shop where I take my guitars for the jobs that are beyond my level of knowledge. He is a very popular builder and tech and I guess the shortened opening hours and the more free time the people have due to the quarantine made his schedule even busier. At least I can use the guitar until then. Or maybe change strings, see what happens and then decide. I might get lucky and maybe if I leave the Evertune in the "ignore" setup, it may save me from the nutwork...:scratchch

@Orpheo: ever since you posted a comparison in a thread about properly and inproperly nuts, I keep looking for the way you do it and this one seems to fit the bill: strings not sitting deep, slots deep enough to hold the strings but nothing more.
@Doc: Good to "hear your voice" too, you've been silent lately and I started to wonder what could be up with that ..khmm... "less young" lad from the forum in this current situation!

 

[orpheo]

Re: Nut question

Thanks everyone! I guess I'll leave it be then until this virus situation goes away and then most probably it'll end up in the shop where I take my guitars for the jobs that are beyond my level of knowledge. He is a very popular builder and tech and I guess the shortened opening hours and the more free time the people have due to the quarantine made his schedule even busier. At least I can use the guitar until then. Or maybe change strings, see what happens and then decide. I might get lucky and maybe if I leave the Evertune in the "ignore" setup, it may save me from the nutwork...:scratchch

@Orpheo: ever since you posted a comparison in a thread about properly and inproperly nuts, I keep looking for the way you do it and this one seems to fit the bill: strings not sitting deep, slots deep enough to hold the strings but nothing more.
@Doc: Good to "hear your voice" too, you've been silent lately and I started to wonder what could be up with that ..khmm... "less young" lad from the forum in this current situation!

I'm glad to hear you heed my warnings! Yes, this nut seems to be as I would want a nut to be

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Nut question

My rule of thumb is that as long as you don't go so heavy that you get a wound G string you will only need a setup, but no nut work. At least if you lubricate the nut.

Your "Rule of Thumb" needs to be modified.

If this is truly the way you've been doing things, you don't know what you're missing in terms of tuning ease and staying in tune.

A really good nut job makes a world of difference.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Nut question

@Doc: Good to "hear your voice" too, you've been silent lately and I started to wonder what could be up with that ..khmm... "less young" lad from the forum in this current situation!

Hey, thanks for your concern, I appreciate it.

Yes, I'm ok. Just very busy packing, cleaning, repairing, painting, etc. We are preparing to sell our current house and move.