Nut Grooves Too Wide?

[dexplosion]

I'm getting a weird overtone when playing on my open A and D string. (fretted notes are fine)
I believe the nut grooves are too wide, and are creating some kind of "harmonic" or something.
I've come to this conclusion because if I press on the string where it crosses over the nut, the problem goes away.

Does this sound like a possibility?
How do I remedy this problem?

[walterw]

This is a typical problem with fender A strings if you don't use enough wraps on the tuner to hold the string down against the nut.

It's unusual for D strings, though; the string tree takes care of that.

[Slowgypsy]

Is this an instrument you've played for a while that's just developed this? Or is this a relatively new instrument that you're still getting to know?

[dexplosion]

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

Is this an instrument you've played for a while that's just developed this? Or is this a relatively new instrument that you're still getting to know?

I've had it for about two years now, and it's just started doing this recently.

[Slowgypsy]

Since you've had this instrument for a while, some things to check...
1 - As already mentioned, check that there are sufficient wraps on the tuning post... important for that downward pressure on the nut.
2 - Anything change recently? New strings, seasonal truss rod adjustment, p/u height adjustment, etc?
3 - Long shot, but check that tuner hardware screws/bolts are all tight and not buzzing.
4 - You might want to also loosen the offending strings, and make sure the nuts slots are clean... give them a wipe with a q-tip anyway.

[dexplosion]

Since you've had this instrument for a while, some things to check...
1 - As already mentioned, check that there are sufficient wraps on the tuning post... important for that downward pressure on the nut.

I cut the strings two tuners' lengths past the post it is to be wrapped around, which yields about 2-1/2~3 wraps.
I also make sure the string is as far down the tuning post as it will go.

2 - Anything change recently? New strings, seasonal truss rod adjustment, p/u height adjustment, etc?

Lots have changed.
First I lowered the pickup height.
Then I changed from 45-105 Fenders to 45-105 DR Hi Beams,
and adjusted the trussrod accordingly.
The strings were changed because I thought the strings may be the culprit.
I have to ask, not because I'm doubting you, but because I've no experience with this sort of thing:
How can that affect anything enough to cause this problem?

3 - Long shot, but check that tuner hardware screws/bolts are all tight and not buzzing.

They're all tight. I make sure of that every now and again.

4 - You might want to also loosen the offending strings, and make sure the nuts slots are clean... give them a wipe with a q-tip anyway.

Will do.

Thanks for the help.

[Slowgypsy]

Originally Posted by dexplosion

Since you've had this instrument for a while, some things to check...
1 - As already mentioned, check that there are sufficient wraps on the tuning post... important for that downward pressure on the nut.

I cut the strings two tuners' lengths past the post it is to be wrapped around, which yields about 2-1/2~3 wraps.
I also make sure the string is as far down the tuning post as it will go.

2 - Anything change recently? New strings, seasonal truss rod adjustment, p/u height adjustment, etc?

Lots have changed.
First I lowered the pickup height.
Then I changed from 45-105 Fenders to 45-105 DR Hi Beams,
and adjusted the trussrod accordingly.
The strings were changed because I thought the strings may be the culprit.
I have to ask, not because I'm doubting you, but because I've no experience with this sort of thing:
How can that affect anything enough to cause this problem?

3 - Long shot, but check that tuner hardware screws/bolts are all tight and not buzzing.

They're all tight. I make sure of that every now and again.

4 - You might want to also loosen the offending strings, and make sure the nuts slots are clean... give them a wipe with a q-tip anyway.

Will do.

Thanks for the help.

I asked about the string change because if you had changed strings to a different gauge, perhaps that would cause the strings to not sit properly in the nut slots. I do all my own setups and then some. Trying to diagnose a problem without having the instrument in hand, and being able to hear it myself is not the best circumstance, so sometimes asking obvious and simple questions can help trigger an idea which leads to a solution. Just curious... why did you lower the pickup height?