Grease Your Nuts ?

[SpiderTrap]

Years ago I used a very small amount of SILICON GREASE on the nut applied with a toothpick . I've begun doing it again at string changes - , and guitar seems to tune better ?? This supposidly is to keep nut slots from wearing prematurely ...Was reading something, and guy said he also applies it to the saddle , which I also have begun doing. Im wondering if others are doing something similar... if so what lube are they using ... Graphite , pencil lead , lithium grease ? WHAT ? Seems to help with tuning quite a bit ....as long as it's not a sloppy application , I dont see any harm ..

[kdn]

years--many years ago when i used heavy strings on my electric guitars
i would use graphite--pencil lead--on my nut slots to help lube them up
& help keep the strings from binding as the slots seemed to be cut for thinner strings & we were so young we wouldent know what the term luthier meant. at least in my neighborhood
as to using silicone--i wouldent bring it anywhere near my guitar now days.

[wrench68]

Silicone lubricants have the to potential to cause problems with electronics, raw materials, and finishing products. If silicone were stored in the same room with wood and lacquers, you would eventually wind up with a disaster trying to apply finish to those raw materials. Even NASA cringes when one mentions silicone lubricants. It has messed up a bunch of their electronics on shuttle missions.

Graphite seems to work well for those who need some nut lube. I would avoid un-cured silicone as much as I can - and not just on musical instruments. Silicone lubes and oils are un-cured. Silicone parts such as seals and o-rings are cured, and will cause no harm.

[callouses]

no comment

[Bingoccc]

I use a drop of Tri Flow dry lube in nut slots and on the bridge if it has slots (like my mando).

[mr. beaumont]

A little bit of pencil lead will lubricate the nut slots just as well, and it's harmless...

Big benders might need to do this, but if you're not a string bender and you find you have a problem with strings getting bound up in the nut, you might consider a setup and have a tech look at those slots to see if they're cut properly.

[M.W.P.]

I've only used the graphite from the tip of a pencil. It works.

[shutterbiker]

I use a little bit of powdered graphite in a tube that I got from a lock shop. I just apply a little in each slot at string changes. The tube only cost a couple bucks and last a long time.

[zombywoof]

Another pencil user here. Add a rubber band and you also have a capo.

[310Taylor]

I use a tiny bit of highly refined mineral oil on the nut slots when I change strings. Its called white mineral oil I believe. It really does make a difference in tuning and playing IMO. It also gives the neck a little lube job, as you play it spreads around. Applying it at string changes isnt going to hurt anything. Besides there are no frets at the nut for it to seap in to. I say try it and see if it works for you.

[wooglins]

Indeed I do.

[Fngrstyl]

I use to but you dont need to if you use Elixirs

[hesson11]

I prefer to have nuts and saddles that are smooth enough not to needed it, but when I do, Graphitall by GHS is really handy. It's liquified graphite so you don't have to worry about the mess of powder graphite. And it's white, so it won't discolor nuts and saddles. Works very well, too. And you don't have to worry about silicone, oil or other potentially harmful substances.
-Bob

http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/GRPA94.htm

[freedomfarm]

Originally Posted by zombywoof

Another pencil user here. Add a rubber band and you also have a capo.

I love this! Back to basics . . . No need for fancy stuff

[duluthdan]

I occassionally use Big Bend Nut Sauce
http://www.bigbends.com/nutsauce/agora.cgi?product=Nut Sauce