Adjusting the string action at the first fret will require a modification to your nut. Generally not a normal setup item.

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Just think of how awesome a guitar player you could have been by now if you had only spent the last 10 years practicing instead of obsessing over pickups and roasted maple necks.

Cool. I guessed it would and have been looking into nut file sets. I'll keep it in mind when I take the Sambora Strat back in.

Checked the string height with a .17 string (Closest I had). I think the nut on my Tele is a bit high. Haven't checked my Sambora or 09 strats. I'm calling up the store tomorrow to get a Deluxe Tele so I'll ask them to check the nut on the 95 as that's in for a pickup change and setup.

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Ibanez 91 RG560
Gibson 94 LP Classic
Fender 95 FSR Strat
Fender 99 Sambora Strat
Fender 02 P Bass Special
Gibson 05 Thunderbird
Custom 06 B-Bird
Moon 08 Bryan Adams
Fender 09 FSR Strat
Fender 11 Hoppus Bass
Fender 12 Paisley Tele
Fender 13 Mendel Bass

As a reference, if you fret a string at the first fret (or use a capo) and then check the string's clearance over the second fret, the nut height should be adjusted to give you very close to that same amount of clearance over the first fret when the string is open.

As another check, if you fret the string between the second and third frets so the it is actually resting on the second fret, then it should just be clearing the first fret, just a sliver of daylight, like a page from the Yellow Pages thickness.




Snowy

I also thought I saw it here before. It's not in the setup guide. I guess they don't expect most people to attempt filing the nut, understandably so. Still it worth being able to measure it yourself. The info I got is from a guitar maintenence book. The recomendation is for all electric guitars. Snowys' illustration looks like another good method.

Nice one. The picture helps a lot. Thanks. I checked my Sambora again and the Low E is higher than the rest (Using the .17 string method). And tuning with harmonics on the middle pickup it's only the E that's out by a fair bit, the rest are marginal.

I'll try the method you've shown when I get in tonight and post the results.

Oh I almost forgot to say. The 09 Strat has higher action at the nut than the rest of the guitars (More so than suggested by Fender) but is the only one that this is now not happening to. Weird. Anyway Like I said I'll check it all out but reckon the Sambora is high on the E and the Tele certainly needs sorting (Real bad setup direct as all bridge saddles were in a perfect line, the shop did sort it but the nut I think still needs checking).

Once again thanks for all the help and I'll let ya all know what I find.

Cheers, G.

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Ibanez 91 RG560
Gibson 94 LP Classic
Fender 95 FSR Strat
Fender 99 Sambora Strat
Fender 02 P Bass Special
Gibson 05 Thunderbird
Custom 06 B-Bird
Moon 08 Bryan Adams
Fender 09 FSR Strat
Fender 11 Hoppus Bass
Fender 12 Paisley Tele
Fender 13 Mendel Bass

For what it's worth, my guess is definitely that the nut slots aren't cut deep enough. If this is the case, the extra pressure you'll need to exert to hold down the strings at the lower frets will stretch them and pull the notes sharp. I've had this problem on a couple of guitars, most markedly on an Ibanez semi that just would not play in tune at the lower frets from new.

My tried and tested measure has already been mentioned: hold down each string between the 2nd and 3rd frets and look for the smallest of clearances between the string and the crown of the 1st fret. If it's a large gap, the nut slot needs to be deepened. The clearance should be taken as low as you can make it, but without touching. I once read somewhere that while the string's held down between 2 and 3, if you tap the string over the 1st fret you should be able to hear a small 'click' even if you can't clearly see a visible gap - a useful method for those of us that are of advancing years and whose eyes don't focus too closely these days

If you need to deepen the nut slots you'll need nut files. Don't try and do it any other way or you'll more than likely ruin the nut. And remember, if you get excited and cut the slot too deep, you'll probably need to fit a new nut. There are ways of repairing slots that have been cut too deep (usually involving superglue and various powders) but I'm not sure how effective they are: I've always been careful/lucky so far - touch wood!

HTH

No probs. I called the shop and asked them to take a look at the guitar that's in just now. I'm taking thew Sambora down on sat to get the E sorted and will probably take my Tele down too. Bonus is I get to walk away with a brand new USA Tele Deluxe which will keep me happy until I get the others back.

They're really good. I've known the guy who part owns it for years and have also been going there for years too. Do a bit of work for them too here and there. So repairs are free and they are really easy to talk to.

I'd like to try a guitar with a zero fret. Just to see what that'd be like. I'd assume that it would take the whole issue away that I'm having. Anyone know of a Fender that's got one?

_________________
Ibanez 91 RG560
Gibson 94 LP Classic
Fender 95 FSR Strat
Fender 99 Sambora Strat
Fender 02 P Bass Special
Gibson 05 Thunderbird
Custom 06 B-Bird
Moon 08 Bryan Adams
Fender 09 FSR Strat
Fender 11 Hoppus Bass
Fender 12 Paisley Tele
Fender 13 Mendel Bass