Compensated nut slots cut too narrow?

[BillyLorentzen]

My new neck has a Graphtech Earvana compensated nut and the B & G strings don’t ring well in open position. I think the slots must be cut for extremely small gauge strings. I’m using 0095 (9.5s) and they barely fit the slots. I see on my other guitars that the slots are either much wider or slightly wider, but none are super tight.

Is this a common issue, and how is it handled usually?

 

[swarfrat]

Not sure about common but there's only one solution. File the nut. Or get someone to.

 

[Cagey]

Many aftermarket necks and even new guitars have their nuts installed/cut in such way as to allow them to be adjusted for string gauge and height after the fact, as there is no way for the manufacturer to know what size strings you're going to install or how you want them to feel. That is, the slots are going to be narrow and shallow. A good setup is usually required to "correct" these things if you have different requirements.

Some guys will invest the time/money in a set of nut files if they expect to adjust more than a few nuts, but you're probably looking at better than $100 for a set of files, and wrecking several nuts before you get good at it. Maybe even a few after :laughing7:  Otherwise, find a luthier you can trust who's already paid the dues and get it done.