Cutting Nut Slots

[K-man]

When cutting nut slots, what would cause a string to have a sitar effect? I'm pretty sure its the slot because if I dampen the string behind the nut the sound goes away. It's the A string I'm having the problem with, so it's not an issue with the string angle over the nut.

Could the slot be too wide? Is it cut to flat or with too much of a back angle?

Thanks.

[HandOfTheHost]

If the nut slot is too deep, the sitar sound might be the string vibrating against the first fret. A secret I've heard of, but not yet tried is to fill the slot with bone dust and drop a drop of superglue in it. Then you can refile the nut slot.

[blueguitar]

The sitar thing is usually a result of slotting the nut so the back (closer to the tuners) is higher than the front (nearest the frets) and the string buzzes on the front of the nut slot. You state "It's the A string I'm having the problem with, so it's not an issue with the string angle over the nut." But then say, "Is it cut to flat or with too much of a back angle?" I would call the situation I describe as too much back angle but referring to the angle up and higher at the back. I'm not sure what your definition is here. The only other thing that comes to mind is that your string wraps may be finishing at the top of the tuning machine capstan instead of at the bottom and this will cause lift of the string in the nut slot resulting in the same sort of sitar effect.

[operanonverba]

If the slot is cut too deep and is plastic, you can also go to CVS and get one of those nail repair kits that uses the acetone and powdered plastic. Follow the directions, fill the slot and work it back down. Pays to have a good nut file. It usually matches the color good but it's supposed to be a temp fix. I have a pesky special that I did this on two slots and I'm a year later with no sign of cutting through and no change in tone that I can tell.

[Jimi Ray]

Baking Soda And Ca Glue Is What I Use, Works Great.