Nut alignment Problem?

[islesdon]

If a nut is installed at a slight angle at the factory, will this ultimately cause tuning stability problems?

[GAS Man]

Not "stability" problems but "slight" intonation problems.

 

At best you can tune your guitar strings open and at the 12th position by adjusting the saddles for intonation. Above that position or between those two positions your intonation will likely be off a hair anyway. How much more that might be affected, , but if the nut is not properly aligned, then it has ever so infinitesimally altered the scale length of the instrument.

 

That's my understanding and anyone else is free to add or correct if needed.

[GAS Man]

Another thing to think about is that you can buy an earvana compensated nut to improve the guitars ability to be at perfect pitch more along the entire scale.

 

 

Since most nuts aren't designed that way, the inference would be that most nuts inherently are not optimally designed for perfect intonation.

 

 

Maybe you should just tune up your guitar, intonate it the best you can, and then check the notes with a tuner at each position to see if it seems to be relatively in tune.

[islesdon]

The problem is on my SX Strat. I've always had tuning issues, and was going to replace the nut. Now, I'm wondering if I should replace the neck?

[GAS Man]

Could be just bad wrapping of the strings around the tuning posts (not enough or too much causing slipping within the wraps)

Could be strings binding at the nut in which case some graphite or a tiny touch of vaseline in the slots might help.

Could be you are using strings thicker than 9-42 and could use another trem spring or two to help return the guitar to pitch.

Could be the tuners are slipping (not likely)

Could be that the weather changes are affecting the stability of the neck.

[mnhhngbfs]

which way is it angled? a pic would help. a new nut may be all you need really.

 

 

Could be strings binding at the nut in which case some graphite or a tiny touch of vaseline in the slots might help.

 

i've had to do this with EVERY sx guitar i've ever owned or worked on for a friend. chapstick works well too

[islesdon]

Here is what I'm talking about. It is just a slight angle:

 

I was thinking of trying to install a precut Graph Tech nut myself.

[mrbrown49]

Are you sure it's the nut that's at an angle and not the end of the fretboard?

[Belva]

The only way I see to fix that is to either replace the neck or install a Gibson type nut. To do that you'll need to pull your nut (ouch!), get rid of all the fretboard material on the tuner side, straighten up your fretboard and go from there. But first, take some careful measurements to make sure the new nut won't end up being too close to the first fret. Stewmac has the measurement.

[islesdon]

 

Are you sure it's the nut that's at an angle and not the end of the fretboard?

 

 

I can take another picture, but compared to the frets it looks like it is on an angle.

 

I think I'll try doing a nut replacement myself, but maybe look into a new neck eventually.

Anyone know which necks will fit the SX? I know this nick is a bit wider than standard strats.

[thick_mike]

Here is what I'm talking about. It is just a slight angle: I was thinking of trying to install a precut Graph Tech nut myself.

 

It's always difficult to tell from a photo, but it looks like the nut is square to the fretboard, but the bit of the fingerboard behind the nut looks a bit wonky. If that's the case, then there's no problem.

[mrbrown49]

 

I can take another picture, but compared to the frets it looks like it is on an angle.

 

 

That would help. You can always measure to see for yourself. If you weren't having intonation issues though it's probably fine.

[islesdon]

Ok, maybe this picture will help:

[mrbrown49]

As close as I can eye ball that is straight with the frets. Cover up the top part while you are looking at it.

 

Of course a ruler or set of calipers is more accurate than the eye.

[thick_mike]

Ok, maybe this picture will help:

 

Looks ok to me, but I'm just measuring with my thumb.

[Belva]

That looks square. If this is a 22 fret neck the measurement from nut to first fret should be 1.431". Just measure at one side of the neck and compare it to the other. If they're the same then install a new nut. Keep in mind that nuts are never a direct drop in. You always need to massage your nuts to make them happy.

[islesdon]

That looks square. If this is a 22 fret neck the measurement from nut to first fret should be 1.431". Just measure at one side of the neck and compare it to the other. If they're the same then install a new nut.

It must be an optical illusion, because it measures the same on both sides. Thanks!

 

 

Keep in mind that nuts are never a direct drop in. You always need to massage your nuts to make them happy.

 

 

I think I might try to install it myself. I just need to see if there is a Graph Tech one that matches first. I have a set of Grover Rotomatic mini tuners that should be here tomorrow, but I think the new nut will help the most.

 

I was still wondering though, does anyone know a neck that is a definite fit on the SX strat style guitars?

[islesdon]

OK, so this is my blunder of the night. Please feel free to laugh (I am,) but not too hard!

I attempted to carefully remove my nut, and got the one side up. I was happy with myself that I did it so cleanly, then the nut cracked in the middle. So, I carefully scored the left side, and my mistake was giving it a light tap. The thing cracked right through!

 

 

I will attempt to remove the remainder of the nut, and glue the piece back in place.

However, now I know I want a new neck!

 

So, what would you guys consider a major upgrade for a neck from this SX one?

I think I'll pass on installing the nut myself, until my skills get better!

 

At least it was just an SX neck, and not a Fender, or Warmoth, etc.

Yes, I am bummed. However, I'll treat this as a learning experience!

[Belva]

This is not a big problem. Stick the piece down with some wood glue. CA will work but Titebond is a lot better choice. Doing a nut is not that big a deal. Just time consuming. If you can find a pre slotted that's a good start but you almost always have to get the nut slots at the correct depth. Most of that can be done by taking material off the back side of the nut. the ideal is to have about .005" gap between the first fret and the string when you're holding the string down at the third fret. When you get close to that measurement (business card is close) glue it in with a small drop of the titebond. Then get some torch tip cleaners @ Lowe's for around 5 bucks to finish the slots off. I prefer not to use super glue to hold the nut in place. That's why you lost a piece of wood on the last one.

[katillac]

Allparts #0823-00G Graphite nut for Strat/Tele.

 

That's what I used in my SX SST. Mine looks just slightly wonky above the nut, giving it a similar illusion. It's not uncommon on any Strat-type guitar. I've seen it on Squiers and some "regular" Strats as well. No biggie.

 

In the future, when you remove a nut, score with an Xacto blade or box cutter knife carefully along the edges if you can't get the nut to start tapping out easily. Mine came along pretty smoothly using a chopstick and hammer. That's right, a chopstick. Doesn't everyone have a chopstick in their toolbox? I tapped using the chopstick and hammer and though it was a snug fit, I still managed to get mine out without any big fuss.

 

The Allparts part number I listed above fits just right. It's a black graphite and fits .010 strings just right. There are corresponding Graphtech parts, but I don't have those numbers handy. I think this was the same thing anyway. If not, it works just as well for me. I didn't use any glue to put mine in.

[Belva]

Kat is right about the chopsticks. They're a hard wood that works for quite a few things. Go out to a chinese dinner and the price is right. I've used them to tighten up sloppy holes for necks, p/g's etc. Never thought about using one for this app. I like it.

[islesdon]

Allparts #0823-00G Graphite nut for Strat/Tele. That's what I used in my SX SST. Mine looks just slightly wonky above the nut, giving it a similar illusion. It's not uncommon on any Strat-type guitar. I've seen it on Squiers and some "regular" Strats as well. No biggie. In the future, when you remove a nut, score with an Xacto blade or box cutter knife carefully along the edges if you can't get the nut to start tapping out easily. Mine came along pretty smoothly using a chopstick and hammer. That's right, a chopstick. Doesn't everyone have a chopstick in their toolbox? I tapped using the chopstick and hammer and though it was a snug fit, I still managed to get mine out without any big fuss. The Allparts part number I listed above fits just right. It's a black graphite and fits .010 strings just right. There are corresponding Graphtech parts, but I don't have those numbers handy. I think this was the same thing anyway. If not, it works just as well for me. I didn't use any glue to put mine in.

 

Thank you very much for the information. I order most of my stuff through Stew Mac, so I'll try to look up the corresponding Graphtech part. However, I'll look into the Allparts one as well for sure!

 

I had given it a slight tap to get it out. However, my laughable blunder was tapping the Xacto blade to get underneath the nut. That's how I took that chunk of the neck out!

[Belva]

I did use an Allparts graphite nut for my USACG neck with a 1.650 nut width and it was spot on width wise. You will have to tweak it like I stated before. Too many variables like different fret heights to have a drop in nut. I'm glad you aren't like many people who yank their nuts for no apparent reason. You have a problem and that's the time to address it. If you play with your whammy a graphite nut is a good upgrade.

[islesdon]

 

I did use an Allparts graphite nut for my USACG neck with a 1.650 nut width and it was spot on width wise. You will have to tweak it like I stated before. Too many variables like different fret heights to have a drop in nut. I'm glad you aren't like many people who yank their nuts for no apparent reason. You have a problem and that's the time to address it. If you play with your whammy a graphite nut is a good upgrade.

 

 

 

OK, I will look into that Allparts nut. Yeah, I actually have always had tuning issues with this guitar. It's actually a fun guitar to play, but annoying to have to constantly re-tune.

 

I don't use the whammy all the time, but do like to use it. Thanks again!

[Belva]

OK, I will look into that Allparts nut. Yeah, I actually have always had tuning issues with this guitar. It's actually a fun guitar to play, but annoying to have to constantly re-tune. I don't use the whammy all the time, but do like to use it. Thanks again!

If you can get it in tune and need to re-tune constantly that's a different problem. Possibly not wrapping the strings around the tuners properly or bad tuners. Old strings and/or an improper bridge setup can add to this concern.

My advice; either learn to setup your guitar or take it to a pro once a year.

I have people that bring me their guitar just for new strings. Some people are just not meant to work on guitars.

You do have a guitar that's a good learning platform. Not like it's a custom shop mega bucks guitar. Google electric guitar setup. Get the right tools. Have fun learning. I've been doing my own nuts since I was about 12. I've been working on guitars for a couple of years as well.