Hi!

Although my Elite Strat plays very well and I´m very happy with it, there is one complaint about it: the G-string gets out of tune after playing a few minutes!
I´ve already changed the strings, but still...
What should I do now? Replace the tuners? I don´t know, what else could be the reason for the tuning problem...

Thank you for your help!

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Fender Elite Stratocaster (1983)
Fender Standard Telecaster MIM (2004)
Fender Super Twin Reverb (1978)
Music Man 65 + 115RH-65 (1977)

Ignoring the problematic FreeFlyte trem on those guitars, the most likely reason for a single string going out of tune is a poorly-cut or worn nut.

Have a competent tech tweak (or more likely replace) the nut... or do it yourself if you are a competent tech.

Thank you!! This must be the reason! As after bending and stretching the g-string on the 5th fret, the note becomes too flat! After pressing it down with one finger between the nut and the string-tree, the note becomes too sharp...
The string seems to get stuck, because the slots are worn out!
I wish there was a guitar store nearby, with some nuts on stock!
But no...

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Fender Elite Stratocaster (1983)
Fender Standard Telecaster MIM (2004)
Fender Super Twin Reverb (1978)
Music Man 65 + 115RH-65 (1977)

Well, before you do anything rash, try this and see if it helps:

Take a "D" string of the size you normally use, rest it in the slot for the "G" string and then just drag it back and forth through the slot a few times.

This can de-burr a worn slot without changing the shape of the bottom of the slot.

if that doesn't fix it, have somebody who knows how to use nut files look at it. No guitar stores in your area at all? No good repairmen?

Try some graphite from a #2 pencil or Big Bends Nut Sauce. It sounds like the string is hanging in the nut.

Ok, I moved the string back and forth, but no bettering...
The slot is already formed like a "T" turned upside down, because of the numerous bendings!

I think, not even with a nut file I can fix this.
Maybe I should take the guitar to the nearest music store, but it will take them many days to repair/replace the nut.
I hope, they know how to handle a Fender Strat...

Thanks for your advice!

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Fender Elite Stratocaster (1983)
Fender Standard Telecaster MIM (2004)
Fender Super Twin Reverb (1978)
Music Man 65 + 115RH-65 (1977)

That was my first thought - try loosening the string then rubbing some pencil lead over the string where it goes though the nut.. this lubricates it and stps it sticking (can be messy tho!)

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This could be what's wrong with my Fender MIM Strat...

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It probably is, texas. In my experience, almost all tuning problems (even the ones attributed to the Strat trem system) are the fault of the nut.

I float my trem 1/8 off the board and use it all the time every time I play, and my Strat does not go out of tune because the nut on this guitar is perfect.

Yep, it's a real common problem. Always has been. I float my trem 1/8th too with no tuning or intonation problems. I use Big Bends Nut Sauce now. It's not as messy and lasts a long time.

Thank you for the advice! Today I took my guitar to the nearest music store and guess what ... no nuts on stock, only per order (delivery time btw 14 and 60 days)! Ok, so I asked the shopman for a nut file and his answer was: "Such a thing doesn't exist! Do you have a nail file at home..?" The problem is, that there seems to be no way to get a new nut before Saturday, but I necessarily need it till then.
I can´t go on with this worn-out nut...

Sheldon,

Run, don't walk to another tech. Where are you located? Is there a local luthier? A good luthier could make you a new nut. How old is the guitar? My Strat has the same nut from 1972. I have another guitar from 1963 with the same nut. If the nut is cut properly from the start, it should last for years. From what I remember, the Elite Strat was somewhere around 1983-84?

Sure you can't borrow a guitar from the shop?
I can from mine if i have my strat in for repairs or a setup and i need a guitar they always let me borrow a strat, guess thats the advantage of shopping in a small store wich is not part of a big chain like guitarcenter or something.....

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It's a mix between Jazz and Funk, it's called "Junk"

My strat is from ´83! The pre-owner must have been a 10h-per-day guitar player, but the Strat is in flawless condition, except the nut´s g-string slot! (Yes I know, the neck looks a bit worn-out, but it´s not worth mentioning )
Taking it to a luthier is a great idea!!
But otherwise: there are no problems with the other strings and the slots look o.k there. Seeing that I need my beloved Strat till Saturday, I should try to repair the slot by myself...
I have already tried to take the D-string and move it back and forth in the G-slot, but the D is so thick, it would widen the slot too much, wouldn´t it?

Thanks for help!

Ok this could cause another outbreak of opinions.

In a bad situation the tiniest amount of superglue dabbed into the slot with a sewing needle can do the job. If your going to try it mask off your fretboard first. If you muck it up you can scrape the glue back out but risk snapping the nut. I suggest if your going to try it find some way of practicing getting to the desired area with some substance that wont stick. Vacseline isnt a option for testing cos the glue doesnt stick to it properly. A tiny bit of ink may work, biro ink is thicker and better. To clean it out use the old G string you took off the offending slot. Once your happy with the results tear a layer off a nail file, fold it in half and gently rub dont try to grind. Apply some vasceline and your good to go until you can get a new nut.

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No no and no