RevSpyder - Posted - 11/16/2019:  16:42:18

I have a Recording King O-25 that I've been playing with Nylguts for over a year. I love the sound and the way it plays, but... I've never widened the slots on the nut.



The strings have never seemed to give me a problem because of that, but I've been wondering if I should file the nut slots, particularly the 4th string slot. The (unwound) string seems to almost sit up on top of the nut, not cradled within the groove, and I didn't know if that was maybe affecting the sound or playability in a negative way. I mean heck, even when things are good, they can always (well sometimes) get better, right? The action is good right now and I don't want to take a chance on bringing it down too low and getting buzz.



Any thoughts out there?

Edited by - RevSpyder on 11/16/2019 16:45:51

mikehalloran - Posted - 11/16/2019:  18:07:09

Nylguts will tear if nicked — similar to cutting glass by scratching it first.

If you use nut slotting files or have it done, the rounded bottom will accommodate narrower metal strings without buzzing.

banjered - Posted - 11/16/2019:  18:12:11

Since I have more time than either brains or money, I just use folded sandpaper.... Do use the "Q" to the left of this page and type in how to file nuts/bridges correctly. banjered

RV6 - Posted - 11/17/2019:  14:34:39

Acetylene torch tip cleaners are low cost and come in lots of sizes.  I have one that's .042 that would work for the thick 4th string.

When I went back to Aquila's, I took R.D. Lunceford's advice and used a wound Pro Arte nylon core J4604 D 4th hard tension silverplated wound string (.030") for the fourth string on two banjos and that's worked well. 

John Gribble - Posted - 11/17/2019:  15:08:18

Well, my thinking is, if it ain't broke, why fix it? If it has worked for you for over a year as is, I'd leave it alone.

banjo bill-e - Posted - 11/17/2019:  15:11:08

I recently switched one from steel to Nylgut and had a string or two jumping out of the bridge if I got too enthusiastic, so gave a few light passes with a set of torch cleaners on both the bridge and the nut and that helped the situation. But you said---" I love the sound and the way it plays"----- two things come to mind. One is "don't go looking for trouble" and the other starts "If it's not broke-----"

RevSpyder - Posted - 11/17/2019:  15:57:46

John, Banjo Bill-e -- love it. I was just putting it out there to see if maybe things could be even better. And I've never had a problem with any of the strings jumping off their slot, so I guess I'm good to go! And thanks to everyone else with the helpful technical details. I appreciate y'all!

steve davis - Posted - 11/18/2019:  10:22:18

I always precisely fit the notches in the nut and bridge with StewMac slotting saws.
I make the slot at least .002" wider than the strings.

Quickstep192 - Posted - 11/19/2019:  12:19:14

quote:

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Originally posted by RV6

Acetylene torch tip cleaners are low cost and come in lots of sizes.  I have one that's .042 that would work for the thick 4th string.

 

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This great suggestion is an amazingly inexpensive solution to widening existing slots.

lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-Tip-Cle.../50021986