Author Topic: Going sharp (Read 179 times)

jalevinemd · « **on:** December 17, 2005, 10:07:10 PM »

What are some of the reasons that my six string would go sharp (not flat) after playing a bit? Happens mostly on the low E and the B. The guitar has a brass nut and I don't think it's cut right. Maybe they're sticking a bit. I can't think of any other explanation.

Regards,

Jonathan

bob · « **Reply #1 on:** December 18, 2005, 12:07:54 AM »

That's the best explanation I can think of. You tune up to pitch, but the string sticks in the nut a little; after a while, the excess tension between nut and tuner pulls the string a little tighter.

A little careful filing might work wonders. Alternatively, tune up, then press on the string between nut and tuner to help pull it through the slot, then give a nice tug on the playing length (about as hard as you'd hit it) to even things out. I'm in the habit of doing this, even though my slots are very carefully fitted.

The only other thing I can imagine is that maybe your neck straightens out a little after playing, either because you pull on it a lot, or maybe from the warmth of your hand. I think that's a real stretch (of the imagination), and don't see why it would be more obvious on the low strings.

keith_h · « **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2005, 07:00:45 AM »

To play on Bob's thought of the neck warming up. Is the bass going from a cool/cold place to a warm room? If so it could just be the temperature change of the bass coming up to room temperature. When I lived in the Chicago area I alway's planned an extra hour or so for the bass to acclimate during the winter.

Keith

kmh364 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 18, 2005, 07:36:52 AM »

Jonathan:

What guitar are you referring to? Does it have a Wang bar?

If the strings are hanging-up in the nut slots, you could try a jewelers file to chamfer the leading/trailing nut slot edges, or use fine emory cloth...just don't alter the slot depth.

If you don't feel confident doing it yourself, or lack tools, go to a qualified luhier.

You could also use what every fine luthier and/or guitar repairman uses during set-ups/re-strings...string/nut lubricant:

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Nuts,_saddles/Tools_and_supplies:_String_slot_lubricant/Guitar_Grease.html

Good luck,

Kevin

jalevinemd · « **Reply #4 on:** December 18, 2005, 08:30:53 AM »

Kevin...it's my Big Bear. Keith...temperature is not an issue. This happens at home. Guitars are in a zoned room.

I think it was one of the first brass nuts that Tim cut and...it ain't perfect. I've got the name of a guy in Chicago I think I'll take it to. It's time for the 10,000 mile tune-up anyway.

Thanks guys.

Jonathan

jet_powers · « **Reply #5 on:** December 18, 2005, 08:38:42 AM »

You can always try a little bit of graphite in the nut's slot. A No. 2 pencil should work.....

JP

jalevinemd · « **Reply #6 on:** December 18, 2005, 11:42:36 AM »

John,

I've tried the graphite before. It helps some, but doesn't take care of the problem completely. I think I just need the nut filed a bit wider on a couple of strings.

Jonthan

kmh364 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 18, 2005, 01:51:09 PM »

Jonathan:

Having a proper luthier dress the thing is probably your best bet.

While it may not be within your time and monetary budgets, you could consider having Alembic supply you with a blank adjustable brass nut as an upgrade. All you need is the nut dimensions, or you can send them your old one. Then just have your luthier slot it properly and you're good to go...once the slots are properly cut, they can be adjusted up/down when fret wear occurs and/or action changes are desired.

Just my $0.02.

Cheers,

Kevin

crgaston · « **Reply #8 on:** December 18, 2005, 06:38:41 PM »

Expanding on one of Kevin's suggestions earlier...
Get some 600 grit wet/dry paper from Autozone or Home Depot/Lowe's (or just email me your address and I'll send you enough for the job-It won't take much). Tear off a piece and wrap it around a toothpick or something similar. This will primarily polish the brass, but will widen the slot v-e-r-y slowly, so it's hard to screw up. Just make sure to focus on widening rather than deepening the slots. Alternately, since I just remembered this is for a guitar, you can simply fold a 2 inch piece of paper until it fits the slots for those little cheese-cutters on the high end, then slide it through, pressing on the side of the slot like you're buffing the toe of a dress shoe.
This way you're not having to take it to someone else, and you are too smart to screw it up, I promise.

Charles

jalevinemd · « **Reply #9 on:** December 18, 2005, 07:36:32 PM »

Sounds simple enough. I may go ahead and give that a try. I need to go to Home Depot tomorrow anyway. If I screw it up, I'll just replace it with an Alembic nut, which is what I was planning on doing.