G-strings & Nuts

[Abe]

Get your minds out of the gutter you little perverts!



Seriously though. My SE CU24 SemiHollow Piezo has a nut slot apparently cut low for the G string. The first fret doesn't seem to be the culprit. I knew it on the 1st day I had the guitar. Only hearable played unplugged. So I did not want to part with the guitar or 'file' a Quality Control complaint over it to Sweetwater or PRS. As a matter of fact the issue is pretty slight, and only forceful playing of the open G string while not plugged in produces the unwanted sound. So it's a nuance of this particular guitar, which I love enough to forgive for it's apparent imperfection.

I have not yet put a new set of strings on. And I probably should before deciding to do anything more proactive about it, but I doubt a new set of the same strings (which I like on this axe) would change the issue. Going lower in gauge of strings, if I ever decide to, would likely worsen the buzz and affect the sound even plugged in. I otherwise like the way the axe is setup relief, action, and intonation -wise.

Thus far I ran a little test by slackening that G string and putting a thin square of aluminum foil into the G string nut slot, retuning, and finding the buzz gone. So I think that verifies the nut's imperfection.

I'm not even sure I will do anything about it. Not the biggest deal for me. However the options are 1) disregard the open G string buzz when played forecefully while unplugged, 2) always put foil in there (nah, not a good look or tone improvement), 3) baking soda & superglue or Nut Powder from StewMac to use with superglue (I might not trust myself to improve it and not make a mess, and it would also kill my warranty coverage, 4) contact a luthier (which I shouldn't do because through Sweetwater & PRS I keep the integrity of the warranty).

Kinda just not wanting to make a mess of my nuts by attempting anything, , and not really wanting to make an ordeal of it by giving it an interstate round trip to tend to it warranty-wise. But I can tell it gets in the way of ever lowering the string gauge to 9.5's or 9's, which I may opt to do eventually and would make a guess that the gauge drop would bring the buzz into play while plugged in even with gentle playing.

But has anyone had good results with StewMac's Nut Powder?

Thanks.

 

[Abe]

Actually it slipped my mind that there's the Authorized PRS Dealer 33 minutes away I got my first PRS from, and maybe they could do something for me if I brought it there myself. Maybe I should in anticipation of ever lowering the string gauge.

Unsure if 1 string buzzing because of a nut slot would be warranty covered. Doubting it. Already decided I love the guitar too much to have immediately returned it to Sweetwater over it. But something likely would need to be done to accommodate for lighter gauge strings ever being put on it without having to make the relief higher than I want it.

 

[AP515]

One string buzz is still covered under warranty. I understand you don't want to part with it. I'd tell Sweatwater you don't want to return the guitar but you do want it fixed. They may do it themselves, or authorize a repair shop. I would see about getting it fixed. No reason not to since it's still under warranty.

 

[AP515]

If you are really interested in putting on 9's, just pay a luthier to cut a new nut and get both things done at the same time. PRS sells a nut online that will fit your headstock and just take that to the luthier and have them replace the nut and cut the slots for 9's.

 

[Abe]

Well the 10's are actually my go to and what I want staying on this guitar for the time being. Just thinking of future option as I play on what's best for my hands. Typically I'd see one nut cut right for anything between 9 and 11 gauge I use on it. Currently I keep 9's or 9.5's on my SE HBII while this SE CU24SH is for the 10's.

Here's a pic with it's aluminum foil shim.

 

[AP515]

Thanks for the photo. Are you sure that's a G string? (stop it guys!)

It looks like a B string. If those are the strings it came with, maybe the retailer added a string after a guy broke one playing eruption in the shop. That would be a reason why it is too small.

 

[Abe]

It is thicker than the B string next to it though the photo is deceiving.

I guess I might contact Sweetwater and maybe tell them about my local Authorized PRS Dealer, as perhaps they can transfer authorization for warranty covered work between them. Though I wonder if I'd stray further from perfection having anyone replace the nut.

 

[show_a_little_faith]

the issue is pretty slight, and only forceful playing of the open G string while not plugged in produces the unwanted sound.

I get that it's annoying when you hear it, but do you typically play it unplugged anyhow?

Going lower in gauge of strings, if I ever decide to, would likely worsen the buzz

Yes, it might but that also really isn't a problem unless you actually do decide to do it

3) baking soda & superglue or Nut Powder from StewMac to use with superglue (I might not trust myself to improve it and not make a mess, and it would also kill my warranty coverage

If it were mine, I'd be inclined to leave it alone for now. But if I was going to address it, this is the best approach. Just tape off the headstock and fretboard and mess shouldn't be an issue. Fill it, and you can always file it down a bit again if you make it too high. And I'm not sure that would affect the warranty (although I'm just guessing there - probably worth an email to customer service to clarify if you're concerned about it).

All this is to say, it seems to me like you might be over-thinking it. If you usually play plugged in and it's not noticeable, then it's not really a problem. And if you ever change gauges and it becomes noticeable, I think you could fix it pretty easily yourself

 

[Abe]

I get that it's annoying when you hear it, but do you typically play it unplugged anyhow?


Yes, it might but that also really isn't a problem unless you actually do decide to do it


If it were mine, I'd be inclined to leave it alone for now. But if I was going to address it, this is the best approach. Just tape off the headstock and fretboard and mess shouldn't be an issue. Fill it, and you can always file it down a bit again if you make it too high. And I'm not sure that would affect the warranty (although I'm just guessing there - probably worth an email to customer service to clarify if you're concerned about it).

All this is to say, it seems to me like you might be over-thinking it. If you usually play plugged in and it's not noticeable, then it's not really a problem. And if you ever change gauges and it becomes noticeable, I think you could fix it pretty easily yourself

Noticeable and only a little bit annoying with 10 gauge strings practicing on it unplugged which I do with my hollowbody and semihollow electrics often, but it's not something that comes through much plugged in. One of the things I love about the hollows and semihollows is their acoustic sound unplugged. I currently use 3 electrics, one with 9's - 9.5's, this one with the 10's, and a third with semiflat 11's. It's just that which gets strung up with which may not stay designated, and the range from 9's to 11's is handled well by the other two axes with their nuts as they are.

I think I'm gonna keep it how it is and deal with the nut later with the bone powder and superglue route if I decide I have to. Maybe it could be fun and give me a sense of accomplishment. Though the aluminum foil shim is less risky and shouldn't cause any harm except for tone perhaps but we'd have to do the blind pepsi coke challenge with it for proof. Guess I fear a dealer may set a new nut in there that gives me the opposite of an improvement giving me regrets I let it back out of my hands. A little paranoid maybe.


P.S. With it's aluminum foil shim it kinda looks like it has a dental cavity amalgam filling like the old days.

 

[Abe]

Well, changed my mind. Just contacted Sweetwater on day 29 to get the info in within the 30-day period. Have an authorized dealer 33min away so maybe I can just drop it off there and retrieve it in a few days after they remedy it. Just not a big fan of giving it interstate travel in a gigbag again. And though a man should probably fix his own nuts, , I don't want my first attempt at bone dust superglue and file to take place on this particular guitar. Figure I really should have plenty wiggle room to go lowering relief and/or action and even lowering string gauge without this kind of buzz from a subpar nutjob.

 

[Abe]

Will see if they'll flatten and smoothen this out as well while they have it. Just a little wooden raised pimple bump.



I know, I'm picky. If that was on my skin I'd literally pick at it.

 

[Abe]

Currently considering my options as to what, if anything, to do.

Sweetwater offers to reimburse me up to $160 if I pay the local tech to tend to this.

I just fear straying further from perfection, as it does sometimes happen that people take their axes in to get nuts replaced and get them back made worse.

What do you think?

I mean I've already played on, recorded on, and fell in love with this guitar. On one hand seizing the opportunity to get it worked on without expense to me might perfect me. On the other hand that could be me trying to get the issue over-fixed and lead to a regret.

For now that foil shim is in the slot just to make the open G string buzzless when practicing unplugged. I think it's kinda cute to have my 'Nut' wearing a 'Tinfoil Hat'. Aluminum foil is pretty soft but I guess there's still the notion that it could over time cause damage to the nut slot.

I guess I'm just knowing that there can always be a human margin of error, and I fear paying someone to mess with my nuts.

As it is it stays in tune awesomely even with trem use, no binding or pinging sounds tuning up. It's setup with higher action than I usually leave electric guitars and also has room to lower relief more.. but I can assume that without a more perfect nut situation I can't have the greatest results lowering those. So it's between letting Sweetwater pay for guitar tech work now or just leave it to possibly tend to in the future. Sweetwater does offer an exchange but I already claim this guitar as my beloved.

 

[JTB]

I feel you regarding your hesitation about having repair from an unknown tech. I’m not an expert by any means, but I repaired a similar issue on an old Epiphone Casino I had by filling the slot with baking powder, superglue and filing. I don’t know if I’d be brave enough to attempt repairing a high value guitar. I would send it to PRS under warranty if it’s not right. Call them and see what they recommend. Great to hear that Sweetwater stands behind their sale. That’s where I got my DGT, the only guitar I’ve bought online.

 

[Abe]

I’ve considered all my options thoughtfully here and while I appreciate Sweetwater offering to fund some guitar surgery on my end I decided I’m not confident getting the guitar operated on. I’ve been enjoying this guitar a lot and I just fear trying to over-fix something that is only 1/6th short from perfect. I’m gonna leave it all as is for now and perhaps in the distant future consider any change such as maybe just a build-up of the 1 nut slot, and that will be on me if and when I do so. I’m making the judgement call that I should love the axe as is and not jump the gun being picky.

Sweetwater and PRS both are where it’s at for me because some things just fit.

 

[touch33]

OMG. First, ask around and get a recommendation for a great luthier/tech in your hood and then call him/her to ask how much to cut a new bone nut for your PRS including a full set-up (I'm guessing the repair allowance should be just about right) AND how long it will take to complete. Next, order the PRS nut blank and buy a new set of strings (9/42 NYXL's for me, fwiw). FInally, get it done and in your rear-view mirror so you can focus on playing/enjoying it!

If you can't be picky about a PRS then what's the point of having it?

 

[Broseph]

Take it to your PRS dealer. Assuming they have a tech that knows PRS: it’s a simple swap to a core nut and filing them for 10 gauge strings. PRS Core nuts are simple installs compared to a material that’s harder to file like bone. But any experience tech should be able to do nut work with ease.