Question about frets, Pleking etc.

[Cagey]

You're working too hard.

A properly cut nut precludes the need for string trees or a locking nut, as long as you have locking tuners. Never mind about the headstock angle, that's a hangover from acoustic guitars. You still see it on some electrics, but the numbers are thinning. You also don't need to be multi-wrapping the locked tuning pegs to get the string lower. Defeats the purpose of the locking nut, and doesn't get you anything in return.

For someone paying as close attention to all this as you seem to be, I can predict you won't be happy unless you get that new neck set up properly. Frets needs to be leveled, crowned, dressed and polished, and the nut will need to be cut properly. Since it's roasted Maple, you should also burnish it, and I like to install threaded inserts as well.

 

[AirCap]

Gotta back up Cagey, here...

WindsurfMaui, you're just wrong about nuts. PERIOD. You are a rank newbie, I can tell because you keep asking the same questions newbies always ask out of ignorance (it doesn't mean dumb, it means YOU DON'T KNOW). Also, like most newbies - you get all your exercise jumping to the wrong conclusion, and defending it vigorously.

Open your mind to those with knowledge and experience, and learn. Otherwise - you'll learn the hard way.

 

[WindsurfMaui]

AirCap it is worse than that. I am an OLD newbie. Which means I keep looking for logic in a world that doesn't seem to run on logic. But I like to do experiments/research because it makes my mind work.  :doh:

 

[TBurst Std]

Air Cap and Cagey are right.  A properly cut nut is paramount.  Next, you can’t eyeball frets, you need to measure.  We are talking dimensions on the order of only 10%-40% the width of your high e string matter.  Ever lost a clipping on a high e string and when went looking for it? Now imagine something important that’s only 10%-40% of that size. 

 

[WindsurfMaui]

On a side note, off topic. I had put some stuff in my StewMac cart and they sent me an email they are having a 10% off sale on everything. So is there any tool/item that every newbie should have in their toolbox? I have soldering stuff and have assembled pickguards with pickups and pots before so I think I am covered there. I plan on buying some copper shielding tape to shield my single coil pick ups. But any other tool/item that every guitar player should have? Fret rocker? ruler? book? fret polishing  paper?  Thanks

 

[Cagey]

Depends heavily on what you plan to be doing. StewMac sells most things you'd want for stringed instrument work, so even they categorize things into fretwork, finishing, electrical, etc. You can easily spend a couple/few thousand dollars and still be wanting.

 

[WindsurfMaui]

Yes I have that problem when I go through their catalogue.  Well I think I have most electrical/solder stuff. My eyes are too old to do fret dressing but I will  buy an end file to touch up an end that is too sharp (not on any Warmoth neck so far). Some sanding paper to polish frets. Other than burnishing the neck in 3 months I can't think of anything else that I need and can use without causing a disaster. 

 

[Cagey]

Maybe just give it some time for needs to become apparent. Trying to load up an order to save on shipping or anticipate needs can have you spending money you don't need to.

 

[stratamania]

Stratamania I don't own enough guitars of different makes and models to prove it, but I assume a flat headstock guitar like a Strat needs a higher nut to create the proper angle from the nut to the tuning machine.

Your theory is incorrect. Which I already stated.

You can get staggered locking tuners by the way.

I notice Cagey and Aircap have already replied and am about to read what they say but I think it will already have confirmed the nut height issue.

 

[AirCap]

I should point out that a nut set too high, will NOT play in tune. You'll be sharping the string at both ends when you play.

And WSM - you don't get 40 years at the bench without being old (I'm 62). As for my eyes, I was wearing tri-focals at 29. I wear an Optivisor with LED lights for fret and nut work. I want to see clearly.... After all, that's why I make the big bucks.

 

[fdesalvo]

I have a great relationship with a local plekk operator.  The machine, if manned by a skilled dude, will turn out incredible work (that still requires a manual setup after treatment) - the before and after measurements tell all.  I can't see going back.