Brass Nut Question

[nodepression]

What type file is best for working with a brass nut ? I need to lower 5 of the 6 string slots.







The 3rd string (G) slot is cut just lower than the others, but not too low, Just right I think. I've gathered that if the action at the nut is correct, if a string is fretted at the second fret (fretting on the bridge side of the fret), it should just touch the first fret as it angles back toward the nut. Is this correct ?

tia

[LarryOM]

Originally Posted by HWJennings

What type file is best for working with a brass nut ? I need to lower 5 of the 6 string slots.







The 3rd string (G) slot is cut just lower than the others, but not too low, Just right I think. I've gathered that if the action at the nut is correct, if a string is fretted at the second fret (fretting on the bridge side of the fret), it should just touch the first fret as it angles back toward the nut. Is this correct ?

tia

Actually, it should just not touch the 1st fret. Or it should be as close to it as can be without touching it.

[nodepression]

Originally Posted by LarryOM

Actually, it should just not touch the 1st fret. Or it should be as close to it as can be without touching it.

Ok, got it. Thanks.

[walterw]

Right.

Anyway, standard nut files are fine; I like to use a bit of wax to lubricate as I file.

[nodepression]

Originally Posted by walterw

Right.

Anyway, standard nut files are fine; I like to use a bit of wax to lubricate as I file.

Good deal then. I've got some Graphitall and wax as well. I'll try both.

I'll try it with a V cut slotting file on one slot and see how it goes.

[RussB]

Originally Posted by HWJennings

Good deal then. I've got some Graphitall and wax as well. I'll try both.

I'll try it with a V cut slotting file on one slot and see how it goes.

Your V file will make a roughened mess of the slot.

Consider getting a set of steel feeler gauges, and wrapping the gauge with fine (400 or so) wet/dry paper, then finish with up to 2000 grit. This will leave you with a very smooth slot.

[SamBooka]

I have never tried them.. would brass be a suitable candidate for torch tip cleaners?

I would hate to have my fret files go anywhere near any metal (even brass) but that is because I am a sissy.

[nodepression]

Originally Posted by RussB

Your V file will make a roughened mess of the slot.

Consider getting a set of steel feeler gauges, and wrapping the gauge with fine (400 or so) wet/dry paper, then finish with up to 2000 grit. This will leave you with a very smooth slot.

Makes sense, and low cost for sure. I'll see what Sears or Lowes has. Sears probably has a good selection of the paper.

So the V cut file is bet for just starting the slots on a new nut ?


EDIT: sorry for the DP

[walterw]

um, one copy of each post is fine, thank you.

as for the V-shaped files, i'm not so sure what they are good for!

unless the nut is perfectly done to where no slot is much deeper than half the thickness of the string, they end up cutting ugly wide notches around the slots.

(that said, the bass-sized versions work well for me, maybe because the slots are not so deep relative to the string thickness that the wide v-shaped notch forms.

either way, the bottom of the slot needs to be rounded, and rounded to a radius that's just bigger than the string, or it will pinch hideously.)

[nodepression]

Well, I went ahead and tried the V file. Took the strings off and shot some quick pics.








in the pic below, that messy look on the slots is Graphitall I should have wiped away




The results:
- the 1st and 2nd strings are now right, they just clear the first fret when checking (as mentioned in the OP, the 3rd was fine)
- the 4th,5th, and 6th strings are now lower
- there is no ping or evidence of binding on the wound strings
- no issues after behind the nut bends on the plain strings
- the 1st and 2nd strings aren't bending sharp on the cowboy chords like they were before
- F and Bm barre chords are more comfortable
- the 2 week old wound strings dis seem to sound "fresher"
- all open strings sounded fine
- overall, action at the nut is improved, though not optimal

Using a magnifying glass, it doesn't appear the file leaves as sharp a V at the bottom of the slot as feared, and with no evidence of binding on the plain strings, I think I'll leave them be. I went with the advice Frank Ford offers on his site regarding filing angle and I think I have the amount of bearing surface he stresses about right.

I've decided since the 4th, 5th, and 6th string slots still need lowering, I'll go ahead and try the feeler gauges and paper Russ mentioned. If that doesn't work out, I'll just go ahead and purchase gauged files for those 3 slots.

btw, the brass does collect on the file

[StevoDOD]

Good follow up, thanks!

[walterw]

Good. I don't usually recommend brass nuts to customers, as they're fussier to maintain in terms of tuning stability, but I like them on my own guitars. I feel like they add a little bit of sustain and "zing" to the tone.

[Ronsonic]

Originally Posted by walterw

Good. I don't usually recommend brass nuts to customers, as they're fussier to maintain in terms of tuning stability, but I like them on my own guitars. I feel like they add a little bit of sustain and "zing" to the tone.

The one guitar I really like a brass nut on is my ancient SG Jr. with the hacked in humbucker and P90 in the neck. The brass just adds a bit of gong like BONG to big open chords.

[nodepression]

Originally Posted by StevoDOD

Good follow up, thanks!

Np, as I said, not optimal nor near what an experienced tech could do, but it turned out ok.

Originally Posted by walterw

Good. I don't usually recommend brass nuts to customers, as they're fussier to maintain in terms of tuning stability, but I like them on my own guitars. I feel like they add a little bit of sustain and "zing" to the tone.

Are you speaking of wear here ? If so, hopefully my use of Graphitall will help in that regard.

[Don A]

Originally Posted by HWJennings

btw, the brass does collect on the file

Brass clogs files. Run the file across a file card to clear it.