nut slots too tight, best solution?

[kurt1981]

Hey guys, I've got an anderson classic, a strat style, and the strings seem to not be returning to pitch if I pull up on the bar. If I push the bar down, they'll restablize, so I'm thinking the nut slots may be a bit tight. Any ideas on how to fix this? Also, since I have locking tunors, do I need the string tree on the E and B strings? I'm sure Anderson has it there for a reason, but I didn't know if that could cause some hang-ups too.
Thanks,
Kurt

[XKnight]

First thing I'd try is some graphite or nut lube.

[kurt1981]

What's the best way to get graphite or anything else in the slots? I've heard pencil lead, does that really work?

[Leonardo]

I'd expect a TA guitar to have a nicely cut nut, and wouldn't mess with it.
Make sure to strech the strings well. If you're using the bar mostly to pull up, try bending the each string and pulling the bar all the way, then retune until it doesn't go out of tune.
But in reality, I think what you're experiencing is normal and you just have learn to discreetly yank it back into tune. :)

Regarding the string tree, if the tuners are staggered it might be fine not using them. Just don't pass the strings under it and see if it makes any difference.
You can also try lubricating the nut slots and/or string tree. There are several guiar oriented products you can buy.
I use regular graphite powder, which is cheap and readily available. During my last string change I came up with a new way to apply it! :idea
Mix the graphite powder with isopropanol to form a dark liquid, and add a few drops of oil (I used extra virgin olive oil, for optimum tone ;)). It's easier to apply than the powder, the ispropanol will evaporate quickly and the oil will help the graphite powder to stick into the nut slots, saddles and underneath the string trees.

[kurt1981]

Thanks, I just thought it's a nut issue as I can hear a tiny ping sound at the nut when I move the bar up and down, I'll try and find some graphite powder. I really don't want to mess with the nut unless I absolutely had to. Thanks,
Kurt

[brianr0131]

If you hear pinging it's a nut....doesn't matter who built the guitar nut slots can have issues. Did you change string gauge by any chance? Maybe some Big Bends Nut Sauce or some vaseline with pencil shavings will get you set. If you do vaseline/shavings, a toothpick works pretty well for application.

[XKnight]

What's the best way to get graphite or anything else in the slots? I've heard pencil lead, does that really work?

Yup, just take a regular #2 pencil, sharpen it and then just work the tip into the nut slots. It won't hurt anything and will provide lubrication for the nut which hopefully is all that's needed to to resolve your issue.

Also, are you using the same gauge strings that came on the guitar from Anderson? If you went up a size that would explain why the hut is now binding.

[Rockledge]

I always fix nut problems rather than trying to cover them up with lube, which ends up being a neverending problem that you have to continuously remedy.
I also don't like getting the graphite on either the nut or my hands.
It could be that the slot is not too tight, but it is just too rough and making too much friction.
I use extremely fine auto finishing sandpaper. I fold it in half and gently polish the slot with it. Normally folded in half it just about fits into the slot.
I forget what grit number I use, but it is probably 400-600.

Also, if I do end up with one that simply will not repair, I keep a tube of chapstick or some other lip balm around and run it across the nut. It lubes it good, doesn't discolor the nut , and doesn't show up on my fingers.

[kurt1981]

Have not changed string gauges at all, and the guitar has been great for the past 4 plus years, just recently it's been off. I'll try the sandpaper thing, maybe just touch up the edges. Thanks,

[crzyfngers]

Have not changed string gauges at all, and the guitar has been great for the past 4 plus years, just recently it's been off. I'll try the sandpaper thing, maybe just touch up the edges. Thanks,

i've had that problem. i'm guessing you use the wiggle stick a lot. your strings are starting to cut their own slot. you might be able to sand it , file it, tune it up a little. depending on how far the string has dug in. could be time for a new nut. bone lasts me about 3 or 4 years, graphite about 6.

[kurt1981]

That's the funny part, I'm not an aggressive player, and I mainly use the bar for subtle chord vibrato, I'm not doing bombs or anything. I always had it decked, and just pushed down a bit on the bar for chordal stuff, but lately I've tried floating it just a bit, to make vibrato easier, and I like the sound and openness but not at the expense of not being as much in tune. Thanks, I may need a new nut.

[theruley]

I always fix nut problems rather than trying to cover them up with lube, which ends up being a neverending problem that you have to continuously remedy.
I also don't like getting the graphite on either the nut or my hands.
It could be that the slot is not too tight, but it is just too rough and making too much friction.
I use extremely fine auto finishing sandpaper. I fold it in half and gently polish the slot with it. Normally folded in half it just about fits into the slot.
I forget what grit number I use, but it is probably 400-600.

Also, if I do end up with one that simply will not repair, I keep a tube of chapstick or some other lip balm around and run it across the nut. It lubes it good, doesn't discolor the nut , and doesn't show up on my fingers.


+1

I use 600 grit to polish the slots then use 50/50 pencil lead and chapstick in the slots once its stringed up.

[ant_riv]

That's the funny part, I'm not an aggressive player, and I mainly use the bar for subtle chord vibrato, I'm not doing bombs or anything. I always had it decked, and just pushed down a bit on the bar for chordal stuff, but lately I've tried floating it just a bit, to make vibrato easier, and I like the sound and openness but not at the expense of not being as much in tune. Thanks, I may need a new nut.

This may indicate the cause of the nut issue. Not that there is anything wrong with the way you are using the bar, but imagine what happens when you take a narrow piece of metal which is under strong downward tension and run it rapidly back and forth over a softer material repeatedly.

As was suggested, try the sandpaper first. You may find that your strings start to buzz/vibrate against the first fret sooner or later, which would indicate needing the nut raised or replaced.

Best wishes to you on getting this resolved!

[dsj]

Boxers.

[whaiyun]

um.. bring it to a tech?

[brianr0131]

Boxers.

:rimshot

[XKnight]

I always fix nut problems rather than trying to cover them up with lube, which ends up being a neverending problem that you have to continuously remedy.
I also don't like getting the graphite on either the nut or my hands.
It could be that the slot is not too tight, but it is just too rough and making too much friction.
I use extremely fine auto finishing sandpaper. I fold it in half and gently polish the slot with it. Normally folded in half it just about fits into the slot.
I forget what grit number I use, but it is probably 400-600.

Also, if I do end up with one that simply will not repair, I keep a tube of chapstick or some other lip balm around and run it across the nut. It lubes it good, doesn't discolor the nut , and doesn't show up on my fingers.


Does not compute.