Help with keeping Wilkinson In Tune

[avalanchis]

Hello all,

I've got a Warmoth Strat with a Wilkinson Tremolo that I'm having some tuning issues with.

Originally this guitar had a Flame Maple Warmoth Pro neck with a Warmoth installed Graph Tech TUSQ nut.  This combination stayed in tune fairly well after a tremolo dive, but this neck started having some other problems and I ended up swapping it out for a Rosewood/Birdseye Maple neck that I had laying around.

The new neck is a Vintage Modern with a 1 5/8 nut with and has a Warmoth installed Corian nut.  Now several strings are going sharp after a tremolo dive, so I'm thinking I need to swap out the nut.

What would the best option for a new nut to keep it in tune after using the tremolo?

I'm considering a Graph Tech TUSQ XL, an Earvana, or possibly even a roller nut such as the LSR.

The guitar has Schaller Locking Tuners installed.

I'd prefer not to have to modify the neck if possible.  I understand that I'd have to if I went the LSR route.

Thanks for your help!

Alan

 

[Jumble Jumble]

First, lubricate the nut slots with vaseline or preferably graphite powder from a pencil.

 

[Cagey]

I generally use Tusq nuts with Wilkinsons and don't have a problem. The LSR is the ultimate nut to have, though. I understand not wanting to modify the neck, but unlike installing a locking nut, it's not something you're likely to want to reverse and not be able to.

The Earvana nuts are ok, and there is some improvement when playing "cowboy" (open) chords, but they don't improve tuning stability any more than regular Tusq nuts do. Outside of patent issues that have been stupidly fought over for years, there's no reason for them to cost what they do. So, I generally don't recommend them. No sense in rewarding such behavior.

 

[avalanchis]

First, lubricate the nut slots with vaseline or preferably graphite powder from a pencil.

I've tried using GHS "GraphitAll" on it, but it didn't seem to help much.

 

[avalanchis]

Looks like the LSR roller nut might only be available in a 1 11/16" nut width?

My neck has a 1 5/8" nut width.  Are there any other roller options that would work for this neck?

 

[Cagey]

If you're not doing it already, you should know that the main reason for using locking nuts is to get rid of the wraps on the binding post. You pull the string tight by hand, lock it, then tune it up. If you have much more than about a half a wrap on the post, you lose most of the advantage of a locking nut. I've seen in the past where some users will wind 'em up as if they were the ancient design, ending up with 3 or 4 wraps on the post, and then complaining that the lockers were a waste of money because the thing still loses tune easily. No surprise - the string unwinds when you dive the vibrato, then doesn't tighten back up consistently.

 

[Cagey]

Looks like the LSR roller nut might only be available in a 1 11/16" nut width?

My neck has a 1 5/8" nut width.  Are there any other roller options that would work for this neck?

Ah, sorry. Forgot to consider that.

A company called "ABM" makes a roller nut in that width...

Allparts sells them, but they're somewhat pricey. Not that LSR nuts are cheap - just sayin'. Also Thoman, if you're in Europe or don't mind waiting a bit for delivery.

 

[avalanchis]

If you're not doing it already, you should know that the main reason for using locking nuts is to get rid of the wraps on the binding post. You pull the string tight by hand, lock it, then tune it up. If you have much more than about a half a wrap on the post, you lose most of the advantage of a locking nut. I've seen in the past where some users will wind 'em up as if they were the ancient design, ending up with 3 or 4 wraps on the post, and then complaining that the lockers were a waste of money because the thing still loses tune easily. No surprise - the string unwinds when you dive the vibrato, then doesn't tighten back up consistently.

Yes, I've been using the Fender recommended way of stringing up the locking tuners:

http://www.fender.com/support/articles/stratocaster-setup-guide/

"Locking tuning keys. Picture the headcap of the neck as the face of a clock, with the top being 12:00 and the nut being 6:00. Line the six tuning machines so that the first string keyhole is set at 1:00, the second at 2:00, the third and fourth at 3:00, the fifth at 4:00, and the sixth at 5:00. Pull the strings through tautly and tighten the thumb wheel, locking the string in. Now tune to pitch."

This guitar definitely seemed to stay in tune better when I had the other neck (with the Graphtech nut) installed.  Perhaps I should just try another Tusq nut?

 

[Cagey]

Well, as I mentioned earlier, I've always had good luck with the Tusq parts. They're both hard and slippery so they wear and last well. What's not to love?

 

[avalanchis]

Anyone happen to know which Graphtech part number would work best to replace a Warmoth installed 1 5/8" nut?

Seems like this one is pretty close to the correct measurements:

http://www.graphtech.com/products/brands/black-tusq-xl/product-detail/pt-5042-00-black-tusq-xl-42-mm-flat-bottom-strat-nut?id=58e5b9ff-88a7-41ee-b48a-b21232b97d4d

 

[Cagey]

It doesn't appear that they make a pre-slotted 1 5/8" nut, but the one you've chosen is pretty close. You'll just need to sand/file it a bit on either side to knock it back a bit.

 

[avalanchis]

It doesn't appear that they make a pre-slotted 1 5/8" nut, but the one you've chosen is pretty close. You'll just need to sand/file it a bit on either side to knock it back a bit.

Just to update, I received the nut and it was nearly a perfect fit.  I had to narrow the width just a little bit to get it to fit into the slot.

The string height was in the ballpark.  I'm sure it could be lowered a bit, but I left it alone for now.

The new nut seems to have made a big difference in how well the guitar stays in tune, so I'm happy!

Thanks for the help!

Alan

 

[Cagey]

I'm glad that worked out for you.