legiticus Posted October 7, 2006 Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 Is it possible? Is it just a matter of filing the sting slots down? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setch Posted October 7, 2006 Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 shims. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwedishLuthier Posted October 7, 2006 Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 Those shims change the nut height not the radius. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setch Posted October 7, 2006 Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 Ah, my mistake. I figured you used them under the strings to raise the nut action, not under the nut itself. I naturally concluded that you could use a combination of them to set any radius you wanted. Seems I was wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted October 7, 2006 Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 If the bottoms of the slots aren't flush with the inside floor of the nut then filing will be okay to lower them, although you'll probably have to shim the nut back up slightly anyway to make up for what you've removed. Refer to any veneers you might have hanging around :-D What radius do you have, and what are you aiming for? I produced these templates which should help you get closer to your aim although fine setup tuning is best done by hand: http://projectguitar.ibforums.com/index.ph...c=25269&hl= Is this an existing guitar or one you have in build? Keep us posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Sorbera Posted October 7, 2006 Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 If the bottoms of the slots aren't flush with the inside floor of the nut then filing will be okay to lower them, although you'll probably have to shim the nut back up slightly anyway to make up for what you've removed. Refer to any veneers you might have hanging around :-D What radius do you have, and what are you aiming for? I produced these templates which should help you get closer to your aim although fine setup tuning is best done by hand: http://projectguitar.ibforums.com/index.ph...c=25269&hl= Is this an existing guitar or one you have in build? Keep us posted! I remember hearing that it's bad to file down the nut as it removes the harder outside and the strings will now wear faster? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sambo Posted October 7, 2006 Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 To be honest, thats a problem with locking nuts I wouldnt go chopping around with trying to change the radius. Just get one that is the right radius. If you start filing away at the nut you'll probably a) wreck it and make sharp edges which make the strings go *ping!* S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legiticus Posted October 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 (edited) yeah...I figured filing could create more problems than it's worth. I was looking at either a straight 14", a compund 12"-16", or a straight 16" Can't really decide what to do about the nut though. Edited October 7, 2006 by legiticus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted October 7, 2006 Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 Personally, if you never play guitars with the same radius as your existing locking nut, I'd suck it and see because you'd be writing it off anyway otherwise. Call it an ideal opportunity to try it! I live to create problems for myself anyway :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanb Posted October 7, 2006 Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 A decent quality locking nut is hardened anyway, so you will have a real hard time making much of a dent in it with a file, other than messing up the finish. Plus, you could introduce problems if the shape isn't right all the way back. 10", 14", 15" and 16.9" radius nuts are all pretty easy to find, so you would be better to just start with one that is right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted October 7, 2006 Report Share Posted October 7, 2006 In that light, agreed. It seems the stoptail metal I've been working on (and basing my opinion on) is softer as a couple of old wound strings wore through it pretty easily :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legiticus Posted October 8, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2006 I agree, but I can't find a 14" or 15" nut. I think Schaller makes a 14" and FR makes a 15" but I haven't found any. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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