Repair low slots in graphite nut?
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Repair low slots in graphite nut?
I was playing my trusty old Spectrum ST and I starting hearing a sitar sound on the treble E string. It went away when the string was fretted so I checked the usual suspect.
The saddle seemed OK but I gently filed it anyway. No change.
The nut slot however was very deep, too deep. The string is buried approx 2/3 the depth of the nut. In fact all the strings are "buried".
This guitar has always had very low action but I'm assuming over 30+ years the strings have naturally cut the slot deeper.
Questions for the choir here assembled:
1) Is it feasible to fill and re-cut a graphite nut? I've never needed to do that but my instinct says nothing would stick well enough to graphite to bother. And if it did the natural lubrication would be lost.
2) Assuming a replacement is needed, I would first consider a Tusq model. Anyone know how well that would match up with the OEM nut?
Ta, ever so.
The saddle seemed OK but I gently filed it anyway. No change.
The nut slot however was very deep, too deep. The string is buried approx 2/3 the depth of the nut. In fact all the strings are "buried".
This guitar has always had very low action but I'm assuming over 30+ years the strings have naturally cut the slot deeper.
Questions for the choir here assembled:
1) Is it feasible to fill and re-cut a graphite nut? I've never needed to do that but my instinct says nothing would stick well enough to graphite to bother. And if it did the natural lubrication would be lost.
2) Assuming a replacement is needed, I would first consider a Tusq model. Anyone know how well that would match up with the OEM nut?
Ta, ever so.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Repair low slots in graphite nut?
The makers of the TUSQ line offer custom shaped nuts if they don't have the right size listed. you need to simply inform them of the dimensions.
Redoing a nut that is too deep is possible with a shim of wood or material of the same basic material of the nut (carbon fiber strip) under the nut - probably glued to the original with super-glue and re-shaping the top - but might affect the tone. I'd replace it.
Redoing a nut that is too deep is possible with a shim of wood or material of the same basic material of the nut (carbon fiber strip) under the nut - probably glued to the original with super-glue and re-shaping the top - but might affect the tone. I'd replace it.
ExFender- Financial supporter
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Location : Germany
Registration date : 2019-10-30
Re: Repair low slots in graphite nut?
Thanks.
I'm quite familiar with Tusq, used a lot of them both in the shop and on my own guitars. (Canadian, eh? )
Not really a fan of shimming the nut, especially on a good one. It's OK in a pinch or on a cheap guitar perhaps, but not under a good graphite nut.
I'm quite familiar with Tusq, used a lot of them both in the shop and on my own guitars. (Canadian, eh? )
Not really a fan of shimming the nut, especially on a good one. It's OK in a pinch or on a cheap guitar perhaps, but not under a good graphite nut.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Pix
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Repair low slots in graphite nut?
A man of few words!Westbone wrote:Superglue
It will stick to graphite then?
Do you recommend adding some graphite (pencil shavings)?
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
Re: Repair low slots in graphite nut?
It dries clear, so if you feel you need to add "pencil shavings" why not.Barry wrote:A man of few words!Westbone wrote:Superglue
It will stick to graphite then?
Do you recommend adding some graphite (pencil shavings)?
Re: Repair low slots in graphite nut?
Super glue sticks very well to carbon. Just be sure to smooth out the channel afterward.
ExFender- Financial supporter
- Number of posts : 212
Age : 78
Location : Germany
Registration date : 2019-10-30
Re: Repair low slots in graphite nut?
Thanks fellas. I'll have a go at it when I get a minute.
This is my first and #1 Westie that I bought new and played and recorded with for many years so it's kinda special.
This is my first and #1 Westie that I bought new and played and recorded with for many years so it's kinda special.
_________________
"A little song. A little dance. A little seltzer down your pants." -Chuckles the Clown
GUITARS : https://legend.barryeames.com
MUSIC/PIX/VIDEOS: https://getback.barryeames.com (including Spectrum ST)
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