NUT ADJUSTMENT TO CONTROL STRING ACTION

NUT ADJUSTMENT TO CONTROL STRING ACTION

In order to set up your guitar to the string action you are looking for there is different lever. One of the levers is to file and adjust the nut. In this article, we will review how to adjust the nut in order to increase or reduce string action.

Understanding the Nut: A Key Component of Guitar Setup

The nut, located at the end of the fingerboard, is a critical component that influences string spacing, height above the first fret, and overall playability. Made from various materials, the nut requires careful adjustment or replacement over time to address wear and tear. Common issues such as open string buzz, improper string spacing, or high action at the first fret can be resolved through precise nut modifications.

Before adjusting your nut

Before working on slot depth adjustments, ensure proper saddle height and truss rod settings. Note that string slots that are too deep lead to buzzing. Adequate slot depth and width prevent open string buzzing while accommodating vibration.

When other adjustment has been done and that the string action is still not how you want it, in particular close to the first frets then you might want to take action on the nut. Asssuming truss rod and bridge has already been adjusted there is 2 cases:

• Your string action at the first fret and below is too high: you need to file the nut
• Your string action at the first fret and below is too low: you need elevate the nut

Re-shaping the nut slot to adjust string action

Fine-Tuning Slot Width, Angle, and Shape: Each string slot should slightly exceed the string's diameter to prevent binding and tuning issues. Proper slot angle ensures clear sound; excessively steep angles risk premature wear. Nut height and final shape ensure the strings remain secure without excessive burial. Note that the provided strings in your guitar kit as a gauge of .009 / .011 / .016 / .022 / .032 / .042 in inch.

Reduce String Action: Push the sixth string down between second and third fret. The space between the top of the first fret and the bottom of the string should be about .006 or just about the thickness of the paper that these instructions are written on. If the gap is wider than .006 you should deepen the slot with a small needle file until it is correct. DO NOT FILE TOO DEEP!

Increase String Action: Preserving original nuts is recommended. Raising action involves laminating matching material, offering permanence and ease of removal. Also If the slot is too deep you can fill the slots with a mixture of white plastic sanding dust and super glue and then re-shape the slot.

Repeat this same procedure for the other 5 strings. The action at the nut is either right or wrong; it is not a matter of personal preference.

Additional comments

Securing Loose Nuts: The Glue Solution: For loose nuts, a few drops of Elmer's or wood glue can reattach them, ensuring easy removal if needed.

Lubricating Nut Slots: A Friction-Free Solution: Occasionally, lubricating nut slots with white graphite reduces friction, binding, and pinging.

Removing the nut: Before starting to remove the nut in order to prevent chipping, score the paint around the nut's sides and across the peghead using a fresh x-acto blade when the finish is thick. From there you have 2 type of guitar nut which are more or less challenging to remove:

• Only one side is supported by wood (the fingerboard): Removing proves simple – a gentle tap with a hammer and a wooden block often suffices.

• Nuts nestled within a channel, enjoying support from both the peghead and fingerboard, present a different challenge. Attempting to tap these forward risks damaging the nut and peghead veneer. Nuts seated within a channel can be coaxed out by tapping them sideways or gripping with blunt end nippers. Some might necessitate creating a relief kerf or even sawing them in half to avoid damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the nut's role in your guitar setup is crucial for achieving optimal playability and sound. Whether you need to adjust the string action at the first fret or address other issues like open string buzzing, the nut plays a pivotal role. Remember to fine-tune slot width, angle, and shape carefully, ensuring the right balance to prevent binding and tuning problems. When necessary, you can either file the nut to lower the action or elevate it to increase string action. Additionally, securing loose nuts and lubricating nut slots are important maintenance steps. When removing the nut, be cautious to prevent damage, especially with nuts nestled within a channel. Proper nut care is key to enjoying your guitar to its fullest potential.