Filing TOM and nut grooves

[DocNrock]

I have a baritone that I built a few years ago and never did file grooves in the TOM for the strings.  I now have files and have done another TOM, so I feel fairly comfortable with doing this.  My question is about a string gauge for which there does not seem to be a good file size from Stew Mac. 

One of the strings is a 0.036.  Stew Mac has a 0.035 or a 0.042.  From what I have read, 0.042 might be a bit too large.  Would a 0.035 used vertically, then at a slight angle to each side be OK?  Should I go ahead and use a 0.042?  Could I clamp a 0.024 and a 0.013 together to make a 0.037?

Thanks.

 

[SustainerPlayer]

You use the smaller size and wiggle it a bit.

 

[DocNrock]

You use the smaller size and wiggle it a bit.

Thank you for the prompt reply, good sir.  :icon_thumright:

 

[Cagey]

I agree with Mr. Player.

If you had to buy a file for every string width, you'd need to win the lottery to finance it. So, a little "english" on a file that's close will usually do the trick. Just be sure to leave an abrupt edge where the string leaves the saddle (or nut) on its way to the nut (or saddle). Otherwise, you'll get that singing "sitar" sound you hear sometimes on fiddles that aren't properly set up.

This article talks about filing nut slots, but the same principles apply to saddles.

 

[DocNrock]

Just be sure to leave an abrupt edge where the string leaves the saddle (or nut) on its way to the nut (or saddle). Otherwise, you'll get that singing "sitar" sound you hear sometimes on fiddles that aren't properly set up.

This is a great point.  Thank you for that.  Makes perfect sense, but I would not have thought of it.  For saddle filing, I have been using this as a reference:  http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Hardware_Installation/Are_you_supposed_to_slot_Tune-o-matic_bridge_saddles.html

I will give your reference a look-through, as well.

Thanks.

 

[Cagey]

There are some good graphics in that article that really bring home the points he's trying to make. Well worth the look.