Slightly high nut on UV777, file?

[Random Hero]

Hey guys,

I think I have a slightly high nut on my UV777. It's the older 1 piece neck version if this helps. I checked under the locking nut and there are no shims, so I presume it's gonna need filing? What size file do I need for this job?

At present I have the action around 0.8-0.9mm at the 12th fret, which I guess is considered low, but I would presume I could bring the bridge up slightly for more pull up should I lower the nut a little, right?

Any help would be great.

[nuno]

Originally Posted by Random Hero

...I have the action around 0.8-0.9mm at the 12th fret...

are you kidding? less than 1mm action at 12th? that action should be set at the nut, not at the 12th. anyway, the nut should always be set the lowest as possible, no matter how high the bridge is set.

[Random Hero]

Originally Posted by nuno

are you kidding? less than 1mm action at 12th? that action should be set at the nut, not at the 12th. anyway, the nut should always be set the lowest as possible, no matter how high the bridge is set.

Sorry?

I'm aware that the nut should be as low as possible, hence this post. My action is hovering around that measurement yeah. It's hard to tell exactly without a more precise rule but it's under 1mm.

[LonePhantom]

If you want more pull-up I don't think you need to lower the nut at all. Your action at the 12th fret is already very low. If you want more pull-up shim the neck a bit and work from there.

[ryanb]

Getting back to the original question, you can either file down the wood under the nut or grind down the bottom of the nut to lower it. Be careful!

[nuno]

Originally Posted by Random Hero

I'm aware that the nut should be as low as possible, hence this post...

then don't ask

anyway, for more pull-up, it's just a matter of bridge height, not the nut's. the lowest the bridge, the less pull you get without choking the frets.

[Random Hero]

Originally Posted by nuno

then don't ask

anyway, for more pull-up, it's just a matter of bridge height, not the nut's. the lowest the bridge, the less pull you get without choking the frets.

Dude, I don't think you're understanding me. I know full well that the pull up is to do with bridge height and in terms of not asking, don't ask what? My question was actually what size file I would need...

[Jem7RB MK]

Leave the nut alone, shim the neck (a slim section of card (cornflakes i love you) under the furthest 2 screws from the body) so it tilts a slight amount, you may not notice it, but it'll be there, raise trem (if you actually have to) and Robert is your fathers brother.

You may just find a tutorial on Ibanezrulez.com if not, read Rich's setup guide anyway.

regards

Rob

p.s. i am sure Nuno didn't mean any offence

[Random Hero]

Originally Posted by Jem7RB MK

Leave the nut alone, shim the neck (a slim section of card (cornflakes i love you) under the furthest 2 screws from the body) so it tilts a slight amount, you may not notice it, but it'll be there, raise trem (if you actually have to) and Robert is your fathers brother.

You may just find a tutorial on Ibanezrulez.com if not, read Rich's setup guide anyway.

regards

Rob

p.s. i am sure Nuno didn't mean any offence

Nah, I don't think he means offence at all, and I didn't mean any back!

So shimming the neck will lower the action at the nut?

[Jem7RB MK]

Originally Posted by Random Hero

Nah, I don't think he means offence at all, and I didn't mean any back!

So shimming the neck will lower the action at the nut?

Nope, the only way to lower the nut is by grinding the bottom of the nut (which you really shouldn't need to do) By shimming the neck your giving yourself MORE angle to raise the trem slightly (but keeping the action the same height) which will/should give the extra pull up your looking for.

However, if your dead set on lowering the nut, you'll need to file the nut, not the neck, at the very minimum, you'll need a shallow metal file, very fine, a strong vice on a bench that doesn't wobble, and take 2 or 3 passes at the file (as level as is humanly possible) reseat nut, restring, re tune, double check, and do it all again if it isn't low enough.

check Ibanezrules.com or cottamguitars for a replacement nut if it goes wrong ( i have seen more than a passing few badly ground down nuts to prove it's not the easiest way to go)

Hope that helps

Rob

[Random Hero]

Originally Posted by Jem7RB MK

Nope, the only way to lower the nut is by grinding the bottom of the nut (which you really shouldn't need to do) By shimming the neck your giving yourself MORE angle to raise the trem slightly (but keeping the action the same height) which will/should give the extra pull up your looking for.

However, if your dead set on lowering the nut, you'll need to file the nut, not the neck, at the very minimum, you'll need a shallow metal file, very fine, a strong vice on a bench that doesn't wobble, and take 2 or 3 passes at the file (as level as is humanly possible) reseat nut, restring, re tune, double check, and do it all again if it isn't low enough.

check Ibanezrules.com or cottamguitars for a replacement nut if it goes wrong ( i have seen more than a passing few badly ground down nuts to prove it's not the easiest way to go)

Hope that helps

Rob

Thanks man.

I've never shimmed a neck before. Is there anything specific I should know? Is it literally a case of taking it off, shimming it, and putting it back on?

[Jem7RB MK]

Originally Posted by Random Hero

Thanks man.

I've never shimmed a neck before. Is there anything specific I should know? Is it literally a case of taking it off, shimming it, and putting it back on?

Yep, in fact, if you drop the trem (springs off back, wiggle up off posts) and out, you'll not have to take the strings off either

Rob

[Random Hero]

^ Interesting, thanks.

Here's a pic of the action at the nut, for reference.

[Random Hero]

And the 12th fret action, for further reference...

Low B


High E

[Rich]

You haven't leveled the strings at the nut edge. Push the string down where it leaves the nut to get rid of the natural bow it has following the curve of the nut base.