Locking nut is off-center, how common is this for Ibanez? What can I do about it?

[Stygian]

I bought a new Ibanez RGT42DX (neck thru) a few weeks ago, and the first one I got was imperfect. Since then, I've been through 3 more, and I keep sending them back. Anyways, 2 of these had an off center locking nut, on an otherwise more-or-less "perfect" guitar. So, it got me thinking how common this is and what some of your experiences are with Ibanez quality control. Specifically experiences with an off center locking nut, which seems like a fairly easy thing for the factory to get right.

Also, if anybody has any advice on centering it, let me know. Otherwise I'm going to send this one back too, and stop at this point. Keep in mind, I have already tried loosening the rear mounting screws for the nut and it doesn't move far enough to center the strings.

[moebius]

I would be interested in seeing a picture of what you are referring too. Is it plainly obvious? I have an RG 520 that had a problem with its high e string falling off the board. Turned out it was a problem with the neck pocket alignment and not the nut. Of course my problem may be nothing like what you are experiencing.

[Stygian]

Yes, it is really obvious, the strings are nearer the low E side. But, the problem on mine occurs at the locking nut. (I also wouldn't be able to move the neck in the pocket even it that was the problem, since this guitar is a neck thru).

[moebius]

Ah, good point about the neck thru. Sorry you are having such issues.

[Rich]

The CENTER of the string is what is centered. It is not offset unless the nut itself is offset, hanging over the bass edge.

[Stygian]

The low E is closer to the edge of the fretboard at the nut. At the neck pickup end of the fretboard the strings centers out and look more proper. I think.

[hall]

The other strings "look" okay and otherwise look evenly spaced. I can't see shifting the entire nut towards the high E to compensate. Then you'll have the high E falling off...

[nuno]

not a big deal. it would have been way worst if it was quite the opposite, that is, high-E string closer to the fretboard edge at the upper side of the neck (body side, that is). that would be bad. but your case is the contrary, nothing to worry about.

[Doink]

So why not just unbolt the nut, and scootch it over a bit? There is a slight tolerance in there for just that.

[Stygian]

I know you guys are trying to help, and thanks, seriously (not being sarcastic). But I already mentioned in my posts that I have tried moving the nut. It is moved as far as it will go towards the treble side already, I even cleaned out the holes to make sure no wood dust or anything was blocking the area of movement. My question was what else I can do... possibly drill the hole larger? Because I have already tried moving the nut.

[Rich]

You never answered my question, is the nut centered on the neck, or is it sticking over the bass side edge?

[Jem7RB MK]

i'm gonna go out on a limb here, but i suspect, if you swap the strings round, you'll see the gap on the other side of the neck. in fact all my ibi "looks" like they are off centre, however thats the way they are. just "look" offcentre

hth

Rob

[Stygian]

Originally Posted by Rich

You never answered my question, is the nut centered on the neck, or is it sticking over the bass side edge?

Oh sorry, yes it sticks out slightly on the bass side. While the treble side is nearly flush with the edge of the fretboard wood.

[Rich]

Then it's probably right where it's supposed to be, within margin.

You can use a Dremmel to open the hole to the treble side, but it's fine right where it is.

[Stygian]

Originally Posted by Jem7RB MK

i'm gonna go out on a limb here, but i suspect, if you swap the strings round, you'll see the gap on the other side of the neck. in fact all my ibi "looks" like they are off centre, however thats the way they are. just "look" offcentre

hth

Rob

Possibly, I couldn't really say unless I tried it. I've been through 4 of these guitars (2 had a nut like this, the other 2 seemed more centered). They're discontinued so they were blowing them out for about half price and I REALLY wanted one. The 1st had air bubbles in the headstock logo, bad filing that took too much off the binding along the upper frets, and the tremolo cavity didn't get painted (but it didn't stop paint drips from splashing in there). So, my intention isn't to come off too picky, hopefully I don't sound like it lol.