Larger Low B String Question

[TSJMajesty]

My EBMM JR Cutlass 7 came stock with a 56 for the low B, but I want to restring it using a 'heavy bottom' set, which uses a 62. Do you think the nut slot will accommodate this increase, without alteration, and without causing the string to hang up in the slot?

 

[gearJunkie]

My EBMM JR Cutlass 7 came stock with a 56 for the low B, but I want to restring it using a 'heavy bottom' set, which uses a 62. Do you think the nut slot will accommodate this increase, without alteration, and without causing the string to hang up in the slot?

The easiest way to know is to try it. I'm not sure how forgiving the EBMM compensated nuts can be. If you are are comfortable using a small nut file, a gentle tweak of the slot may be all that is needed.

 

[norminal]

My EBMM JR Cutlass 7 came stock with a 56 for the low B, but I want to restring it using a 'heavy bottom' set, which uses a 62. Do you think the nut slot will accommodate this increase, without alteration, and without causing the string to hang up in the slot?

56 to 62 is quite a jump. Knowing the tolerances that EBMM builds within, I bet those nut slots will need some filing.

Pick up some files in the sizes you need, take it slow, and check your work often. Tons of videos on YouTube.

 

[TSJMajesty]

The easiest way to know is to try it. I'm not sure how forgiving the EBMM compensated nuts can be. If you are are comfortable using a small nut file, a gentle tweak of the slot may be all that is needed.

56 to 62 is quite a jump. Knowing the tolerances that EBMM builds within, I bet those nut slots will need some filing.

Pick up some files in the sizes you need, take it slow, and check your work often. Tons of videos on YouTube.

So if I end up needing to file it, and don't like the 62 for some reason, would I need a new nut to go back to a 56?

Just thought of an idea..., I suppose I could snip off a short section of that string, and slide it into that slot to see how it feels. Might give me some info ahead of time, to know for sure if I will need to file it...?

 

[gearJunkie]

would I need a new nut to go back to a 56?

Usually a little super glue sprinkled with graphite powder can be used to "build" volume into the slot, and then file to refit the original string.

This is a slightly more advanced technique, so an experienced luthier may be a better option for reversion.

 

[gearJunkie]

You can pick up some inexpensive nut blanks on Amazon to practice. It could be a fun learning experience.

 

[TSJMajesty]

You can pick up some inexpensive nut blanks on Amazon to practice. It could be a fun learning experience.

Eh, I work with my tools in my day job. I can't even seem to keep up with home R&M.

I even hate/dislike changing strings. I just wanna play it.

I wouldn't be averse to buying some files and enlarging the slot, if need be, but beyond that I'd prefer to pay someone.

 

[norminal]

You can pick up some inexpensive nut blanks on Amazon to practice. It could be a fun learning experience.

Or contact EBMM and see if they’ll sell you a replacement nut. Keep the existing one in case you want to revert.

 

[Allexi]

I my experience It won’t fit and you will need to file a wider opening for the string. What I did on mine is just wider it without making it deeper

 

[TSJMajesty]

I my experience It won’t fit and you will need to file a wider opening for the string. What I did on mine is just wider it without making it deeper

Awesome. What string size was your nut originally cut for, and what size did you increase it to?

 

[TSJMajesty]

Or contact EBMM and see if they’ll sell you a replacement nut. Keep the existing one in case you want to revert.

Removing a nut involves basically just heating up the glue...? If so, yeah I really don't wanna mess with that.

I know! If I need to widen the slot, and don't really care for that 62, I'll just buy a Majesty 7!

 

[DrewJD82]

Before hackin' into what is most likely a perfectly cut nut, I'd just buy a few gauges of low B's and work your way up until you're happy with it and THEN file the nut if you have to. StringJoy has a few different 7-string sets leading up to .70 or you can order a custom set-

Stringjoy Signatures | Custom 7 String Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings

Stringjoy Signatures feature nickel-plated steel wrap wire wound on a hexagonal steel core. Focused, modern tone with balanced tension profiles.

stringjoy.com

Or you can order the singles https://stringjoy.com/guitarstrings...s/signatures/single-signatures/single-string/

 

[TSJMajesty]

Before hackin' into what is most likely a perfectly cut nut, I'd just buy a few gauges of low B's and work your way up until you're happy with it and THEN file the nut if you have to. StringJoy has a few different 7-string sets leading up to .70 or you can order a custom set-

Stringjoy Signatures | Custom 7 String Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings

Stringjoy Signatures feature nickel-plated steel wrap wire wound on a hexagonal steel core. Focused, modern tone with balanced tension profiles.

stringjoy.com

Or you can order the singles https://stringjoy.com/guitarstrings...s/signatures/single-signatures/single-string/

I like that idea! I knew we kept you around here for a reason.

 

[2112]

Before hackin' into what is most likely a perfectly cut nut, I'd just buy a few gauges of low B's and work your way up until you're happy with it and THEN file the nut if you have to. StringJoy has a few different 7-string sets leading up to .70 or you can order a custom set-

Stringjoy Signatures | Custom 7 String Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings

Stringjoy Signatures feature nickel-plated steel wrap wire wound on a hexagonal steel core. Focused, modern tone with balanced tension profiles.

stringjoy.com

Or you can order the singles https://stringjoy.com/guitarstrings...s/signatures/single-signatures/single-string/

I've got some of their 10-64 sets for my JP7 and they work great.

@TSJMajesty just a heads up that if the heavier gauge string doesn't fit through the tuner hole you can partially unwind the string to the core so it does. I have to do this on mine but it works fine.

 

[TSJMajesty]

I've got some of their 10-64 sets for my JP7 and they work great.

@TSJMajesty just a heads up that if the heavier gauge string doesn't fit through the tuner hole you can partially unwind the string to the core so it does. I have to do this on mine but it works fine.

Good to know.

What are you tuned to? Lemme guess..., drop A?

 

[Eagle]

It’s worth soldering the wrap if you have to unwind any because it is likely to go dead much quicker if you don’t. Also I don’t recommend repairing a nut with built up super glue and graphite because it is unlikely to be as good sounding or performance as a properly made replacement. I only ever do this as a quick fix before replacing it.

 

[DISTORT6]

I've ran into the tuner not being able to accept large strings without having to enlarge it.

 

[DrewJD82]

I've got some of their 10-64 sets for my JP7 and they work great.

@TSJMajesty just a heads up that if the heavier gauge string doesn't fit through the tuner hole you can partially unwind the string to the core so it does. I have to do this on mine but it works fine.

I haven't tried their strings yet but I've considered some custom gauge sets lately, I'm never happy with the tension on the G-string when tuning down. They were all I used for bass strings for a while until they stopped offering a .115, which I've found is *PERFECT* for tuning to C on a 34" bass.