Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Dull E String. Positive it’s the nut. Now what?

  1. #1

    Default Dull E String. Positive it’s the nut. Now what?

    When I play an open E and then play it again after applying slight pressure with a finger on the string right above the nut the tone is much clearer and brighter. Using a capo on the first fret, the E string also sounds brighter. My A and D strings will ring gloriously forever. The G not so much but still better than the E.

    Is this a nut replacement or nut fix? If it’s a fix… how? Thank you for any insight.

  2. #2

    Default Re: Dull E String. Positive it’s the nut. Now what?

    First of all - what the heck are you playing? How old are the strings?

  3. #3
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Tavistock UK
    Posts
    4,438

    Default Re: Dull E String. Positive it’s the nut. Now what?

    Yes, a nut problem, either:

    1) the front edge of the nut (or slot) has crumpled away a bit - they do wear down over time, in which case a new nut is in order, or
    2) the break angle over the nut is too low, possibly because the slot has been cut too shallow at the rear - in that case a few strokes with a razor saw to round off the slot so it slopes down more at the back, while keeping the front where it is will fix things nicely.
    3) you have a zero fret, and the nut slot isn't deep enough.

  4. #4

    Default Re: Dull E String. Positive it’s the nut. Now what?

    Thanks for this. The mandolin in question is a Wiens so no zero fret.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Dull E String. Positive it’s the nut. Now what?

    It a Wiens and the strings are recent.

  6. #6
    Registered User darylcrisp's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Banner, Ky
    Posts
    2,654

    Default Re: Dull E String. Positive it’s the nut. Now what?

    Quote Originally Posted by cypressdrive View Post
    It a Wiens and the strings are recent.
    if it all started with the new string change, i would suspect a possible defective string-i personally would change that string, i've had odd things happen in the past on different instruments after a string change and its always been a defective string. start with the most simple fix first and move on until you find the cause.

    keep us posted on what you find
    d

  7. #7

    Default Re: Dull E String. Positive it’s the nut. Now what?

    The strings are literally the cheapest thing on the instrument - a quarter's worth of wire.
    Replace the string, then if the problem persists - see a competent and experienced luthier.

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •