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Topic: Best way to adjust a metal nut slot (cheap SX 8 string) |
Nic Neufeld
From:
Kansas City, Missouri
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Posted 20 Oct 2023 11:04 am |
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Hi guys,
So I have and still love a SX 8-string lap steel. I've got a better pickup in it and I keep it tuned to B11...with a low B (I think a .065 or somewhere around there). Here's a sample image of the headstock:
My mild problem is that the big low B string is not even with the other strings so I end up getting a lot of excess string noise or rattling unless I mash down really hard. Getting the tops of the strings inline, at least up by the neck, would be really nice. So a slightly widened/deepened slot would be ideal.
It's basically a cheap metal L shaped bracket (the nut). Any idea of the right way to go about altering the nut? I know most nut files are intended for use with bone or plastic nuts, and I don't have a set of those anyway, hah. So a simple and cheap method to get a "good enough" fit would be awesome...like if there's a non-ideal but readily available file that one could carefully use a bit at a time til the fit feels right? Anyway, let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
_________________
Waikīkī, at night when the shadows are falling
I hear the rolling surf calling
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 20 Oct 2023 11:34 am
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I had to cut the string slots on an aluminum nut I made for a guitar just recently.
I used one of those wire cleaners for the end of an acetylene torch.
There's all different sizes available in the set and it really worked good. 
Erv |
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Nic Neufeld
From:
Kansas City, Missouri
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Posted 20 Oct 2023 2:53 pm
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Thanks Erv, there's one for 7 bucks on Amazon, cheap enough to give it a shot!
_________________
Waikīkī, at night when the shadows are falling
I hear the rolling surf calling
Calling and calling to me |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 21 Oct 2023 6:49 am
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Nic,
I'm sure it will do the job for you.
Erv |
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Mike Neer
From:
NJ
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Posted 21 Oct 2023 7:03 am
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Be mindful of leaving too much of a flat surface. That is where the whiny, or sitar-ish sounds come from.
Examine the other slots so you can see how they are angled and how much of the surface the string touches.
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Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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William Echard
From:
Ottawah, Canada
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Posted 22 Oct 2023 3:31 am
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| Does anyone know if it could also be OK to use regular nut slotting files on metal? I just did some pretty extensive adjustments on a brass nut using a set of Hosco files and it seemed to work fine. But might it have dulled or clogged them extra quickly? Anything to watch for? |
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George Piburn
From:
The Land of Enchantment New Mexico
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Posted 22 Oct 2023 5:35 am Triangle Needle File
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Hello from GorgeBoards to Nic.
A Simple Triangle Needle file will do everything you need.
I got mine in a set at Walmart hardware section in the 5 dollar range.
I've cut hundreds of metal nut slots with only one over the years.
I use some 1000 grit sand paper folded over to get in the V slot and soften the leading and back side micro edges to clean up any microscopic debris that is a major contributor to string Buzz.
The file can help too, using it in a downward angle to sort of round over the bottom and sides of the Vee Cuts.
Remember --- it is easy to depthen a V Slot, it is very difficult to put metal shaving back. -- Less is more.
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Maker of One of a Kind Works of Art that play music too.
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Chris Harwood
From:
Kentucky, USA
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Posted 22 Oct 2023 5:48 am
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Use your bar or similar item to check for equal heights across the strings as you file. Probably a given...but others may have better advice.
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