Jump to content

Headstock Angle With Tremelo And Zero Fret


Recommended Posts

Okay, so I'm building a PRS-type guitar with a Bigsby. I had planned on a 13 degree headstock angle because I have a jig for that. Now I'm reading that with a tremelo you should use a less steep headstock angle so that the strings do not bind in the nut (I think that PRS uses 10 degrees).

I'm using a zero fret, so the nut will be relatively loose, so does this still apply to my build? Has anyone done a 13 degree headstock with a tremelo and have any good/bad stories to tell?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Brian May's Red Special has only a slight angle at the headstock and a zero fret. I guess this contributes as to why he has never had to replace the zero until very recently. A larger angle may result in binding or pinging unless suitably lubed and maintained? I would use something like Corian or a Graph Tech nut blank. Delrin will cut through in no time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would use a 10 degree angle with a graphtech nut. But to be honest I dont think that the extra 3 degrees would hurt too much, so long as the nut is cut correctly. I have used a locking nut with a bigsby on request from the client. that worked well even with the zero fret.

Are you goint to use locking tuners ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...