simple solution to a maddening problem.

smurph1 · #1 03-27-2017, 12:19 PM

So, I'm primarily an acoustic player now, but I'm still a rock and roller at heart. I have a nice Les Paul, and if you know anything about Gibsons, you know they ain't cheap. But this one HAD, I say HAD a maddening tendency to go out of tune sharp on the G and B strings after a vigorous bend. I had it freshly setup and intonated, and the action was super low. I was getting frustrated. Then I remembered what I read on a electric guitar forum a few years back about "Nut Lube" (Insert Joke here) A little lubrication to the nut slots and VOILA!! Good as new! A little dab will do ya!!

jgottsman11 · #2 03-27-2017, 04:03 PM

Good ol' nut lube

MikeBmusic · #3 03-28-2017, 06:52 AM

Graphite also works - just take a sharp pencil and rub it in the nut slot.

moon · #4 03-28-2017, 09:58 AM

Sounds like the fundamental problem might be a badly cut nut. It's a common problem. A guitar nut is a piece of precision engineering with very fine tolerances.

muscmp · #5 03-28-2017, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moon

Sounds like the fundamental problem might be a badly cut nut. It's a common problem. A guitar nut is a piece of precision engineering with very fine tolerances.

it is worth checking it out.

i also use pencil graphite.

play music!

clintj · #6 03-28-2017, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moon

Sounds like the fundamental problem might be a badly cut nut. It's a common problem. A guitar nut is a piece of precision engineering with very fine tolerances.

I've had a lot less problems with this after collecting a whole set of StewMac gaged nut files. They're round edged, so the string gets a smoother passage through the nut. Making sure the string isn't buried deep in the slot helps, too. There really is some complexity to a well made nut.

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Jerry D · #7 03-29-2017, 10:14 PM

My nuts must be pretty well made. At least, I haven't had any problems with them.

jim777 · #8 03-30-2017, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smurph1

and if you know anything about Gibsons, you know they ain't cheap.

They are also EXTREMELY hit and miss on the solid body electric side. I have literally cut my fingers on the fret ends of brand new Les Pauls. I'm happy the only issue with yours was the nut, but I'm not surprised.