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Razbo
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Joined: 03/02/09
Posts: 1,562
Razbo
Full Access
Joined: 03/02/09
Posts: 1,562
11/15/2010 2:16 pm
Originally Posted by: Ovrdrive
I now have a Tusq nut and replacement string trees en route to me, so that'll be my next step (thanks for the tip). My files are ready to start messing with the factory nut slot height before I install the Tusq nut to see if that's part of the problem.


Great idea to experiment with the factory nut while you have a chance. I recently lowered the slots of my Strat and it made a HUGE difference with open chording. Huge. It unexpectedly improved action as well, and let me get lower at the 12th before I encountered any buzzing. (Although in hindsight, I should have anticipated this bonus effect.)

Since you've clearly done a lot of research, you probably have seen this one, but just in case, my present method is pretty foolproof:

Use a short 3 inch straight edge across the 1st & 2nd frets.
Stack feeler gauges to find distance from straight edge to fingerboard.
Add from .005 - .010 to this distance and stack feelers to match.
Hold the feelers against the nut and file down at an angle to the machine head until you hit the metal of the feeler.

The slots will follow the radius and be quite precisely done, even for clutzes like me! :).
...so ever since then, I always hang on to the buckle.