Is it possible to upgrade the locking nuts on the Model 6 to modern style?

[AussieTerry84]

I think Sunbane or someone that i've seen has a Model 6 with updated locking nuts, as in teh allen key nuts not the ones where u need a huge arse screw driver!

With the modern nuts if you got it done, do the high E and B still go high? my high E and B are always tuning high after a few whammy tricks.

If i go through with this (only thinking about it half-seriously right now) is it more worth upgrading THE WHOLE THING or should i just keep the stock floyd rose copy and just upgrade the locking nuts?

[Newc]

Depends on which version you have. If it takes a screwdriver, it sounds like a behind-the-nut Kahler locking nut, which is always going to have tuning stability issues because of the plastic nut, AND the fact that the locks are behind the nut.

Spend the money to have a Floyd nut professionally installed on it.

[DonP]

I don't think you need a screwdriver. I think the idea is that you can use a readily available coin to lock or unlock the strings.

[dg]

If your strings are slipping at the lock, the locking plates are probably grooved. You can flip them over, sand or file them flat to get the grooves out, or replace them with new ones that are available at Dave's site here:

http://www.fretsonthenet.com

He also carries allen head screws to replace the slot head screws if you want them.

The behind-the-nut lock can work well if the plates aren't grooved, but it's still not as stable as a floyd style locknut. If you decide to put one of those on, it's best to have a pro do it, like Newc said, because there is a bit of tricky woodworking involved to create a level shelf for the floyd nut.

It's your call. Personally, I'd go with trying to correct the slippage on the original lock first. I've had good luck with my Model Series guitars staying in tune fine once I make sure the plates are good & the nut is lubed.

[AussieTerry84]

ah sweet well even tho im in Australia i'll look into ordering new parts from that Dave fella.

Sounds like he's busy going by his website, but later on the in the week i'll take photo's of the nuts n send him a email to see if he can help me.

[Sunbane]

The guy who had my M6 before me, had it modded to take a Floyd locking nut. Works great with the OFR. No tuning issues as of yet. I'd personally not attempt the conversion myself, due to the woodworking involved.

Btw, the Kahler style thingies are NOT locking nuts - they are string locks. The Floyd nut is called a "locking nut" because it is both a nut AND a string lock.

[AussieTerry84]

ah k, im a lil confused here now so just to clear things up :P

the locking system on the headstock is a Kahler and is a string lock mechanism, but the bridge is floyd rose right? mine is a 89 Model 6

and going by ur info Sunbane, can i still buy new string locks from Dave's site? or will i need to do something else? cause i'm getting a fair bit of slippage on the High E and B lock.

[dg]

It should be a JT-6 behind-the-nut stringlock, to go along with the JT-6 licensed floyd. Very similar to a Kahler stringlock, but it has a few differences, like the slot head screws.

[AussieTerry84]

righty-o so then how do i go about fixing up the slippage? like what parts do i need to get from Dave's site?

thanks for the help too

[dg]

You want "JT6 String Locking Plates", about 2/3 of the way down the page here:

http://www.fretsonthenet.com/hardware.htm

He's also got the allen screws to replace the flat head screws higher up on that page, if you want to switch yours over.

[AussieTerry84]

ah EXCELLANT, the only thing is tho, he says somethin on the main page about being real busy now its christmas time n etc, so would it be best to wait awhile before contacting and sending an order?

*EDIT* just shot him a email, and now we play the waiting game

[Sunbane]

Could it also be that the strings maybe are binding in the phenolic nut?

[nhspike]

Nah.
It's the plates.
As previously stated, remove, file them flat (so the file marks go 90 degrees from string direction please... so they "grip"), deburr to remove any sharp edges, and put it back together.
I've not had one yet that didn't respond to this therapy.
Done for the cost of a file.

[nhspike]

One other thing worth mentioning.

Sometimes, due to the placement of the string lock and the tuning pegs, the high E and B strings are just not hitting the plates like they should, so regardless of the condition of the plates, they still won't lock.

In this case, I'll move the strings into a better position with the first and second fingers of my left hand, as I'm turning the allen wrench with my right hand to clamp them.

This results in a sharp condition, so... it takes an ear, some guesswork and some feel.

But, once locked, you're in tune for the life of the strings with no slippage.

Not as complicated as it sounds.

Try it.

You'll like it.

Try to center the strings between the screw, and the ends/edges of the plate when you tighten.

Balance on left foot, jump up and down, and rotate clockwise at 6 r.p.m. for best results.

:P

[AussieTerry84]

One other thing worth mentioning.

Sometimes, due to the placement of the string lock and the tuning pegs, the high E and B strings are just not hitting the plates like they should, so regardless of the condition of the plates, they still won't lock.

In this case, I'll move the strings into a better position with the first and second fingers of my left hand, as I'm turning the allen wrench with my right hand to clamp them.

This results in a sharp condition, so... it takes an ear, some guesswork and some feel.

But, once locked, you're in tune for the life of the strings with no slippage.

Not as complicated as it sounds.

Try it.

You'll like it.

Try to center the strings between the screw, and the ends/edges of the plate when you tighten.

Balance on left foot, jump up and down, and rotate clockwise at 6 r.p.m. for best results.

:P

Frets on the NEt is all out of stock heard back from him the other day

hmm there is a bit of space between the B string and edge of that pad near the D and G pad, is that what you mean?

Also how exactly do i get these pads out to file em? I was having a look, do i have to take my strings off and undo those tiny screws thats holding down the locking system?


sucks cause even just bending makes the B go out quite abit