Open strings sound a bit dead on new neck..what to do?

[wkrantz7]

The open strings on the strat I just put together sound a little bit dead..in particular, the problem is mostly in the high E string. The strings sound fine when I fret them, so I'm pretty sure its a problem with the nut. What adjustment should I do for the nut?

[schoolie1]

I would make sure that the slot is filed at a downward angle, so the string isn't resting on a flat nut slot, and also make sure the slot is wide enough for the string gauge.

 

 

Also, are you using a string tree? If not do that. It should be located so there is enough of angle create enough force, string to nut

[StompBoxLover]

 

Also, are you using a string tree? If not do that. It should be located so there is enough of angle create enough force, string to nut

 

 

that fixed it for me on one of my builds, when the b and e strings sounded dull.

[wkrantz7]

 

I would make sure that the slot is filed at a downward angle, so the string isn't resting on a flat nut slot, and also make sure the slot is wide enough for the string gauge. Also, are you using a string tree? If not do that. It should be located so there is enough of angle create enough force, string to nut

 

 

Hey-

Yeah, I'm using a string tree.

Not sure what you mean by filing the slot at a downward angle.

Also, what would the proper tool be for filing a nut? Should I just buy one thin file at the hardware store or would I need to buy 6 different thickness files for each string slot? What thickness file is ideal?

A worker at Sam Ash told me that the string slot being too wide might be the problem. Does that make sense?

[schoolie1]

 

Hey- Yeah, I'm using a string tree. Not sure what you mean by filing the slot at a downward angle. Also, what would the proper tool be for filing a nut? Should I just buy one thin file at the hardware store or would I need to buy 6 different thickness files for each string slot? What thickness file is ideal? A worker at Sam Ash told me that the string slot being too wide might be the problem. Does that make sense?

 

 

It sounds like nobody has fine tuned the nut. It would be worth the money to take it to a good guitar tech to check it out. They probably wouldn't charge if it looks fine.

 

I would use nut files which are a little pricey. The bottom of the slot should be rounded. In a pinch, you could use some a feeler gauge, roughed up with sandpaper.

 

By filing at a downward angle, I meant that edge of the nut closest to the bridge should be the highest point in the nut slot. The slot should slope down toward the headstock, so the string contacts as little of the nut as possible.

 

Does pressing down on the string, behind the nut, help the problem?

 

Not sure about too wide of a nut slot causing this problem.

[wkrantz7]

 

It sounds like nobody has fine tuned the nut. It would be worth the money to take it to a good guitar tech to check it out. They probably wouldn't charge if it looks fine. I would use nut files which are a little pricey. The bottom of the slot should be rounded. In a pinch, you could use some a feeler gauge, roughed up with sandpaper. By filing at a downward angle, I meant that edge of the nut closest to the bridge should be the highest point in the nut slot. The slot should slope down toward the headstock, so the string contacts as little of the nut as possible. Does pressing down on the string, behind the nut, help the problem? Not sure about too wide of a nut slot causing this problem.

 

 

Hey-

Pressing down on the string behind the nut hasn't really helped the problem. You are definitely right though, no one has fined tuned the nut. The nut is the same way it came from Warmoth. I will take your advice and bring it to a tech to fine tune. Hopefully it won't take too much time/money. Thanks

[wkrantz7]

Hey schoolie1-

 

I took the strat to a guitar tech today and got the nut filed. The strings are ringing loud and clear like I was hoping. Thanks for the recommendation, the tech had all the proper files. He also mentioned that the neck needed a slight fret leveling, so I may do that, even though Warmoth necks often seem to not need fret leveling.

[schoolie1]

 

Hey schoolie1- I took the strat to a guitar tech today and got the nut filed. The strings are ringing loud and clear like I was hoping. Thanks for the recommendation, the tech had all the proper files. He also mentioned that the neck needed a slight fret leveling, so I may do that, even though Warmoth necks often seem to not need fret leveling.

 

 

That's great to hear! Enjoy it!

[strtdv]

You might like to try a brass nut.