Filing a compensated nut for thicker string

[buzallen]

I tried to put on a set of 10-52 strings onto my silhouette with a compensated nut. The .52 low E string would not fit in the groove in the nut. Is this something I can file myself or am I asking for trouble? Any tips on how I should do it? I'm reasonably handy but would hate to screw it up.

BTW, I see from other posts that you're supposed to post a picture of a new guitar so here is my Silhouette (first EBMM guitar after wanting one for ages...)



Thanks,
Brian

 

[straycat113]

Is it sitting on top of the slot or not fully in? I know it sounds so simple but I would rather let a pro do it as it should not cost more than $10. If you have a tech you go to regularly buy two packs of strings and he probably will not even charge you.

 

[DrKev]

First, welcome to the forums! Second, congratulations, that guitar is GORGEOUS! Hard to tell what colour it is from the photo. Is that Carbon Blue Pearl or Graphite Pearl? If you wish, you can post your serial number in the http://forums.ernieball.com/music-man-guitars/3830-what-production-date-my-guitar.html thread and ask for the colour and date of birth.

You can file the nut yourself, if you have the right size file, some care, patience, attention to detail and make sure you keep the existing back angle toward the tuner. But if you mess up, you'll have to call customer service to order a new one. My advice is to find a good luthier or guitar tech in your area and have them do it.

 

[buzallen]

@straycat113 - the .52 rests almost entirely on top of the nut. A .46 is snug and looks to be the biggest I could fit with the nut as is.

@DrKey - it looks a light lighter in that picture than it is. I assumed it was sapphire black with the black pearloid pick guard but I'll check in that thread to be sure. I had already checked the DOB and it's 2/8/8. Poor thing had been sitting for a while. It was my favorite out of all the ones I tried - not sure why no one had thought so before me.

I'll take the advice and take it to a tech.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[fbecir]

Hello and welcome

Well, I am also a heavy strings user, thus I know a bit about filling nuts ...
There is an old trick I use : use a string as a file. If the problem is with your low E, use the old E string you are removing (I suppose it's a 42 or 46 string) and wear slowly the groove. The diameter difference betweena 52 and a 46 string is really minimal, thus it's an easy job.

Good luck

 

[Spudmurphy]

As fbecir says, you can as a quick fix use a string - just be carefull as the nut slot angles back towards the machine heads. You will need to have the strings not binding as this will cause tuning/trem issues.

 

[luv]

I almost bought that guitar! I was drooling all over it on Ebay. I was going to "ebonize" the fretboard and switch the pickguard to black and just make it stealthy. It's good looking as it is though. Congrats.

I've used a string as a guide before, it worked well. If you do it yourself, take your time and go slow and pay attention. Like Mike (straycat) mentioned, it's a cheap and quick fix for a pro.