Floyd nut shelf not deep enough!

[phred]

OK ,
I just finished getting all the parts on my new all maple flamey neck and the floyd shelf isn't deep enough. I can get .048 worth of feeler gauge between the fret and the bottom of the high E.  Warmoth told me to sand the shelf and they do it like that on purpose! Arrrgh!  I should have known better, it was all going too smoothly.

Scott

 

[Wyliee]

That's better than having it too low, isn't it?

 

[blue313]

It's better to err on the high side, and sand back a little, instead of sending you shims.  Unfortunately the tolerances for aftermarket parts (nuts, saddles, etc)aren't always spot on, so they build in some insurance for ya.

Edit: BTW don't try to file the nut itself, you'll just trash your file.

 

[DocNrock]

That's better than having it too low, isn't it?

Yes, but not as good as having it just right.  It was my impression when I order a Floyd shelf that I am ordering a shelf done just right.  It is one thing to drill holes for ones self, it is another thing entirely to file down a nut shelf.

Sorry Eric, as a consumer, I have to disagree with you here.

 

[DangerousR6]

That's better than having it too low, isn't it?

Yes, but not as good as having it just right.  It was my impression when I order a Floyd shelf that I am ordering a shelf done just right.  It is one thing to drill holes for ones self, it is another thing entirely to file down a nut shelf.

Sorry Eric, as a consumer, I have to disagree with you here.

Agreed, if the service is to be offered then the shelf should be cut at least to Floyd Rose's spec. Now the nut one chooses to buy is just an important factor. I would say that one should buy the proper nut in conjunction with the nut shelf spec...However even if the nut is hardened, the nut slot can still be filed. But you would need a jewelers diamond file. They'e not real expensive either, compaired to the price of possible trashing the neck. Usually can pick up a set for around $20, and they come in various shapes and sizes..

 

[GoDrex]

this is my nightmare - especially since I can't find anyone decent to do any guitar work for me. I really want to get a guitar with a floyd  - but this worries me. I think I'd rather shim one that was too low than try and sand down a shelf that should be perfectly flat. Seems like the chances are greater for screwing it up.

 

[stubhead]

I would wrap 220 grit sandpaper around a flat mill bastard file, get it down to your .018" feeler gauge... switch to 320 grit. Tape off the edge of the shelf so that you don't sand a groove in the edge of the shelf. It might take two hours, if you go slow enough to be perfectionist about it... it'd be as flat as you make it. You could even start with the 320 grit, just be careful. What's the next best alternative to two hours work? :dontknow:

Is there a "right" Floyd nut height spec? I always make mine as low as possible, but I can always make another bone or Delrin one in an hour... I blow one once in a while. Floyd Roses freak me out.

 

[Wyliee]

Is there a "right" Floyd nut height spec? I always make mine as low as possible, but I can always make another bone or Delrin one in an hour... I blow one once in a while. Floyd Roses freak me out.

This is the question of the day.  What is the 'right' height?  I'm not trying to be flip in any way.  Serious question.  Remember to take into account the height of the frets.

As has already been observed, there are tolerances in all the parts involved, much of which is outside of Warmoth's pervue.  So some final fitting and adjustments may be necessary.

Though in a perfect world, I would certainly want the cut to exactly match my setup preferences with no additional labor required.  In principle, Doc, you and I are definitely on the same page.

 

[RobR]

Lets not forget there are several "off" brands of Floyds, string gauge as well as a number of other variables involved .... unfortunately there is not a universal tolerance between manufacturers.... Personally, I would rather remove a little wood than shim...

 

[DocNrock]

Lets not forget there are several "off" brands of Floyds, string gauge as well as a number of other variables involved .... unfortunately there is not a universal tolerance between manufacturers.... Personally, I would rather remove a little wood than shim...

For myself, I would rather shim.  One recent neck seems like the shelf is not deep enough, but all of the ones I've received earlier seemed perfect.

 

[Nando Vallart]

That's better than having it too low, isn't it?

To me it's too low now  :laughing7:
Like 2mm from frets, but I think warmoth shold say how tall would be it or make three different paterns... something that way, to CNC shouldn't be that difficult


Gary, how long from frets do you like?

 

[GoDrex]

I like it as low as possible without any buzz on open strings... I'm not sure what measurement that would be.

Anyway I'm sure if I order a neck with a floyd setup I'll be having all sorts of fun trying to make it work right.

 

[Nando Vallart]

I like it as low as possible without any buzz on open strings... I'm not sure what measurement that would be.

Anyway I'm sure if I order a neck with a floyd setup I'll be having all sorts of fun trying to make it work right.

How about measure a guitar that you like to have an idea  :icon_thumright:

 

[GoDrex]

I don't have calipers.  I just press down at the 3rd fret and if there's a small amount of space over the 1st fret (and no open string buzz) then it's fine.

 

[blue313]

Old guitar strings make great feeler gauges.  Cut off a piece, superglue it to a popsicle stick, and write the string gauge on the stick.

 

[Nando Vallart]

I don't have calipers.  I just press down at the 3rd fret and if there's a small amount of space over the 1st fret (and no open string buzz) then it's fine.

Get a rule in inch scale and do it... Ok will be harder... better get one centimeter
Probably doesn't have one that easy? Ok, that is not my fault  :laughing7:

 

[Patrick from Davis]

Oh just get a gap measuring tool for spark plugs.  I have not needed to pick one up for a decade, or two come to think of it, but they are not that expensive.  A couple of bucks at the local auto parts store...  Also, just to chuck some fuel at the fire, LSR nuts are designed to be low and shimmed up.  I get the heebie jeebies thinking about getting a file or sandpaper near something that looks so nice.  Those necks are purty nice looking when they arrive.
Patrick