A few "how do I _?" questions

KingRazor · #1 01-24-2012, 02:20 PM

I want to learn to do my own setups because, well, I don't always have $50 to spare on a pro setup.

How do I check to see if my nut is having any issues? If it were cut too low, or not low enough, or if the slots were wonky...how would I be able to tell?

If I had high or low frets, what's the easiest way to tell?

tekdiver500ft · #2 01-24-2012, 02:53 PM

Find a straight edge that is just long enough to cross the three lowest frets (about three or four inches). Lay that across three frets at a time, and if the straight edge wobbles, you have a high fret.

202dy · #3 01-24-2012, 02:56 PM

Look at the section at the top of the page. There is a sticky entitled All basic set up questions answered here. You will find links to various guides. They will answer most of your questions.

KingRazor · #4 01-24-2012, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 202dy

Look at the section at the top of the page. There is a sticky entitled All basic set up questions answered here. You will find links to various guides. They will answer most of your questions.

Actually none of those guides addressed either of my questions.

Those guides assume that either a: your nut is already optimized or b: you know how to optimize it. Also none of those guides cover fret filing.

I know plenty about TR adjustments, action adjustments and setting intonation already.

96tbird · #5 01-24-2012, 06:36 PM

King, press the first fret. Note the space over the second fret. Now press the third, the space at the first should be the same as your first measurement. If you begin with proper relief and action, you can use this method to optimize the nut. For more exacting specs, just go to the Fender website, etc. and they have the measurements for string height at the nut as measured with a feeler gauge. >O

202dy · #6 01-24-2012, 06:38 PM

Optimizing a nut is relatively advanced in that it is a permanent physical change to the instrument as opposed to adjusting a truss rod or saddle. Important as it is, most builders and techs do not consider it to be part of normal set up procedures.

Filing a fret is fret work. It is a separate field of study.