I think I need Nut files

[fett]

But they are $45. That OLP I bought is the worse nut case I have ever seen. I mean the grooves have to go down so far I can't believe the guy played it that way. Any other suggestions?

[Model1VH2]

Replace the nut .... it's cheaper.

[nor]

Use the strings - back n forth with the gauge that sits in that slot until you reach the desired height above the frets. Then use a whatever file to shape the nut top down. Put the dremel down, and step away.....

lol....

[MountainDog]

For filing nut slots I bought a 'needle file' set from local hardware store for under $10. It has 10 files with different shapes, but the shape you need is called 'knife', which is basically a super narrow V shape (like a knife blade). The very tip of it is thin (like the first 1/2") and it works for the little E strings well. The larger wound strings will require you to kinda 'rock' the file back and forth to make the slot wide enough. You can 'clean up' the filing on the wound strings by using nor's recommendation from above.

Here's a link to the type of needle file set I'm talking about:

http://cgi.ebay.com/10-PRECISION-METAL-NEEDLE-FILE-LAPIDARY-TOOL-SET-KIT_W0QQitemZ320082881073QQihZ011QQcategoryZ20762QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Here's a Tusq nut I put on my SL2HT where I had to significantly lower the grooves using the knife needle file so you can see the outcome (looks pretty darn 'professional' in my opinion..the original nut is stuck on the big E for reference):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/MountainDog/Tusqnut.jpg

Remember when using the file to angle it backwards toward the headstock so the string 'break' will be on the front edge of the nut so you get good intonation and no buzzing.

If you screw up the nut when doing this, you can get a Tusq or Graphtech replacement for under $10 and put that on and try again.

Also do only a few strokes of the file at a time. Then replace string, tune to pitch, and check it. Then untune, slide string over, file a few strokes, then replace/retune string and check. If you do that over and over, you'll slowly work up to the correct depth and avoid cutting too deep.

[MountainDog]

Also, most needle file sets have a tiny round file where the tip gets pretty small. You can also use that in addition to the knife one for detailing the wound string slots.

[hippietim]

Replace the nut .... it's cheaper.

that doesn't eliminate the need for nut files. odds are that it will increase the need.

[fett]

that doesn't eliminate the need for nut files. odds are that it will increase the need.

:ROTF: :ROTF: :ROTF: That's what I was thinking. I'll go get a Needle File set. Nuts.

[hippietim]

Fett, I know this would cost a half a guitar for you but it's really well worth getting a decent set of nut files given the number of guitars you have. I have the set for $64 on this page for years. It was well worth the $$$.

http://www.warmoth.com/supplies/supplies.cfm?fuseaction=files

[spazzyone]

if your only doing the occasional nut you can use torch cleaning files such as these

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Electrical+Shop&pid=00920733000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Welder+Accessories&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

[mhalsey]

Fett, I know this would cost a half a guitar for you but it's really well worth getting a decent set of nut files given the number of guitars you have. I have the set for $64 on this page for years. It was well worth the $$$.

http://www.warmoth.com/supplies/supp...seaction=files

Tim, I take it that the set is universal for all string gauges, 9's - 13's?

[hippietim]

Tim, I take it that the set is universal for all string gauges, 9's - 13's?

They should do the trick - I've done 9's, 10's, and 13's - 11's and 12's should be fine too.

[straycat]

I have had the warmoth set for many years and they still work great, well worth the money.

[Model1VH2]

that doesn't eliminate the need for nut files. odds are that it will increase the need.

I'm guessing that comment was made assuming the replacement nut would be a blank?
Do they not make pre-cut nuts anymore?

Considering $45 is almost half the cost of an OLP, I would think a $3 replacement nut would be a more logical solution.

However, if this thread was created simply because there is a "need" for files, then I would think the situation with the OLP would be pretty irrelevent, no?

[fett]

The OLP example is relevant. This would be a fine player if the grooves were deeper. There is nothing wrong with the nut other than that. I'm sure this won't be the last guitar I will buy that may need help, but it is the first one that got me thinking about files.

[straycat]

The wormoth set he suggested is a great set and thats about as cheap a price you will find.