#1
|
|||
|
|||
Slotting Acoustic Guitar Nut
Hi all,
I would like to bring down the height of the slots on my guitar (GS mini) nut so that the action without a capo is just about as high as it would be with a capo on the first fret (which is about perfect). I have done this once before successfully on a cheaper guitar, but this is a different level of risk. I am nervous about filing down too far. Does anyone have experience with the following? 1. Cheap tool/method to measure and pencil mark the desired point in each slot to file to? 2. Cheap but functional set of files (the ones I bought on amazon are useless but I am not a luthier and do not want to spend $50/use them more than very rarely? 3. Does Taylor offer replacement GS mini nuts slotted to “factory” settings in case I over-file? I am a believer in the statement “cut once, measure twice,” so I want to make sure I have proper info before I proceed. Thanks for your advice! Peter
__________________
----- PeteyPower16 Ibanez PF-15CE-MS 2003 Taylor 410-CE-L2 2003 Taylor 322e 12-Fret 2015 Taylor GS Mini-e Koa 2015 Taylor GS Mini-e Ltd Ovangkol 2019 Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Plus 2020 Taylor 414ce 2020 Epiphone Les Paul Standard Blue Sunburst - 2005 Previous Guitars: Epiphone DR-100 2006 (est.) Squier Bullet Blue 2006 (est.) Taylor 414ce 2008 - RIP 2020 Fender CD-60CE SB-DS-V2 2013 |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
If you're taking all strings down by an equal, or close to equal, amount, I would start by removing the nut and sanding the bottom. Then, only file the slots that need it. You can usually remove the nut with a slight tap on the side with a hammer and a pin or tapered flat-nose punch. Typically they are glued in with a small spot of glue.
__________________
Patrick 2012 Martin HD-28V 1984 Martin Shenandoah D-2832 2018 Gretsch G5420TG Oscar Schmidt Autoharp, unknown vintage ToneDexter Bugera V22 Infinium |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
I use $3 Harbor Freight files. Canoe shaped one for wound strings and the 3-sided one for the high e and B strings. Go slow. Don't worry.
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...e-set-468.html (Third and fourth ones in from left to right) If you pull the nut and sand the bottom, be sure to keep it as square as possible. You'd be surprised how much it'll twist on you when sanding. Filing the nut on a $99 guitar vs a $599 guitar vs a $1599 guitar is no different from a technique perspective. If you really wanna be safe, mask off the fretboard from the nut out to the first fret, as well as the headstock.
__________________
As my username suggests, huge fan of Yamaha products. Own many acoustic-electric models from 2009-present and a couple electric. Lots of PA too. Last edited by YamahaGuy; 08-09-2020 at 06:08 PM. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lincoln-Ele...ner/1001280970 BTW, these are sold online as guitar nut files, but are really only good for cleanup after filing, since they cut so slowly.
__________________
Patrick 2012 Martin HD-28V 1984 Martin Shenandoah D-2832 2018 Gretsch G5420TG Oscar Schmidt Autoharp, unknown vintage ToneDexter Bugera V22 Infinium |