Temporary low nut fix?

[rmp]

Originally Posted by phcorrigan

If you have a Lowes nearby they likely stock these:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-T...r-Kit/50021986

They are commonly sold online as nut files, and they work to a degree. Not like real nut files, but the set doesn't cost $100 either.

BTW, the CA glue (super glue) and baking soda trick works quite well. Use a thin CA (I think the stuff sold as Super Glue/Crazy Glue is thin), and mask the fingerboard, head stock, and the parts of the nut that you want to avoid gluing.

I have a few of these, while the can work in a pinch but only for the heavier strings. None of those have a tip cleaner small enough to work an E or B string slot.

Super Glue + Baking soda does work but it's not a permanent fix, it will eventually wear down, and have also found that you will need to liberally lube that slot or you're going to have tuning issues on that string.

[charles Tauber]

Originally Posted by rmp

None of those have a tip cleaner small enough to work an E or B string slot.

A $10 X-Acto saw blade and handle work well.

Super Glue + Baking soda does work but it's not a permanent fix, it will eventually wear down, and have also found that you will need to liberally lube that slot or you're going to have tuning issues on that string.

That hasn't been my experience. I've found CA glue and baking soda to be a "permanent" fix and it has never needed lubrication. Having a suitable size slot for the string diameter, and shaping it correctly, in my experience, eliminates the need for lubrication.

[phcorrigan]

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

Having a suitable size slot for the string diameter, and shaping it correctly, in my experience, eliminates the need for lubrication.

Agreed. However, when in doubt, you can use a sharp #2 pencil to apply a little graphite. It won't help an undersized slot, but it will help lube a slot that is just a little rough.