Shimming the Nut

[TS Anderson]

Has anyone out there ever shimmed their nut?

That reads kind of funny... but I think my nut (even though it looks to be in good shape) is too low (if I capo at the third fret, the action of the 6th string at the 1st fret is about .006" and the 1st string at the 1st fret is about .004"). I believe that is resulting in some sympathetic buzzing when I barre.

Any input or similar experiences would be great.

TA

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Shimming the Nut

I wouldn't shim it or change it unless the open strings are buzzing against the first fret. Shimming a nut is kind of a temporary fix...it'll suck tone. If you need a higher nut get a new nut made. Lew

 

[aleclee]

Re: Shimming the Nut

Don't shim. Replace the nut. They're relatively cheap and you'll have better results (i.e., tone) than if you shim it.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Shimming the Nut

This all sounds so dirty :laugh2:

I agree with the other guys so far, replacing is a better idea.

 

[TS Anderson]

Re: Shimming the Nut

So is my diagnosis incorrect? Can a nut that is too low (even if there is only a minute bit of action - as I described) cause buzzing when I barre? I does my technique just suck???

Thanks for the input.
TA

 

[danglybanger]

Re: Shimming the Nut

So is my diagnosis incorrect? Can a nut that is too low (even if there is only a minute bit of action - as I described) cause buzzing when I barre? I does my technique just suck???

Thanks for the input.
TA

the nut only affects open strings. it can't make fretted strings buzz.
slade

 

[crazytooguy]

Re: Shimming the Nut

Sounds like your action measurements are right on target. I'm not sure the nut is your problem. Check the neck relief and adjust the truss rod if it's off, and/or consider having the frets leveled and dressed. The clearances you quoted are what I shoot for when I make a new nut, so I don't think that's your problem.

 

[TS Anderson]

Re: Shimming the Nut

so should I add a little relief to the neck?

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Shimming the Nut

I believe .003 or so at the first fret when capo'ed at the 3rd fret is about right. If you are rattling at the 2-4 frets your action or relief may be a little low.

Usually a low/high fret only rattles in one spot and you seem to have the issue across several frets so it's either your set-up is too tight or your barre chords need a little work.

A very small amount of rattle is usually acceptable with electric guitars unless it starts to really interfer with the string excursion and then it can cause a lack of sustain and it can make the guitar sound brighter and thinner than it would with a little more wiggle room.

I usually set my guitars to about 1/16" - 3/32" action at the 12th fret unfretted and maybe .001" relief at the 9th fret when fretted at the first and last fret. I set-up by eye and feel anymore but those measurements generally work out well as long as the bridge is radiused properly and there are no high/low frets.

 

[crazytooguy]

Re: Shimming the Nut

so should I add a little relief to the neck?

Well, not unless it needs it...

To check, fret the guitar at the 1st fret (use a capo if you have one) and at the 14th fret. Then, see how high the strings sit above the 5th or 6th fret. If the neck has proper relief, there will be a space of between 0.003" and 0.006" (about the thickness of three sheets of paper) between the strings and the 5th fret. If the strings are touching the fret, you definitely need more relief, which requires loosening the truss rod (righty-tighty, lefty-loosey...). You can also lay a strightedge of about 16 in or more in length on top of the frets between the strings and see if there's adequate relief. The 1st fret-14th fret is more reliable, though, because a lot of guitars have a "dive" in the frets after the 14 or 15th fret (especially acoustics...).

If you have enough relief, then your problem is likely a high fret or several high frets. That will require a fret leveling and dressing. Know a good luthier? If not, ask around and find one. Fret leveling/dressing is not difficult, but it's a little out of the DIY realm because it requires some specialized tools and a good bit of practice to get good at it.