How to lube a nut using #2 lead.

v8ko · 12-12-2008, 03:05 PM

Ok I know this is a guitar tech 101 but I get asked this on occasion so I thought I would do a quick MLP tutorial. THIS WILL PROBABLY GET MOVED TO THE LUTHIERS CORNER. Thought I would put it here for now and give you guys a chance to see it.

I hope to post some more simple quick and easy fixes out there for guys that want to start working on there guitars but havent felt brave enough.

If your having to tune your guitar often or you have that *ping* sound when tuning your nut needs lubed. There are several materials you can use but this has always worked fantastic for me and lets face it youll always have a #2 pencil sitting around the house...or even at a show.

First go raid your kids room and steal a #2 pencil and grab a knife (switchblade not completely necessary)

Loosen the string enough to pull it off the nut and off to the side.

Put the pencil near the nut slot and using your knife shave off a small amount of lead. Try to keep it off the fretboard if it does get on the FB just blow it off after the last step.

Should look like this.

Take your knife blade or better yet a credit card and carefully push the lead into the slot.

Carefully put your string back on the slot...if your not careful you can knock the lead out of the slot.

There you have it!!! Quick simple and youve just tooled on your guitar.

Next week I will post some how to's on intonation. : )

Boleskinehouse · 12-12-2008, 03:23 PM

That's what I do.

Belzeebub · 12-12-2008, 03:36 PM

nice detailed write up.

v8ko · 12-12-2008, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belzeebub

nice detailed write up.

hey did you get your problem fixed?

Belzeebub · 12-12-2008, 03:39 PM

I have the strings but haven't proceeded to do it yet. I might do it over the weekend as i will also take the opportunity to baptize my virgin fretboard with Fret Doctor.

PMcG No.6 · 12-12-2008, 05:07 PM

Thanks, man! I was actually going to do this this weekend.

Huey · 12-12-2008, 05:39 PM

nice man, thanks

R9. · 12-12-2008, 06:48 PM

Good stuff.
I bought a tube of powdered graphite and use that instead.
Your method requires too much work.

VastHorizon · 12-12-2008, 09:51 PM

Thanks, v8ko!

lowe · 12-12-2008, 09:57 PM

Most of the stuff people fret about can be fixed as easily as this.

Stevehose · 12-12-2008, 09:57 PM

Perfect, thanks

ag997s · 12-12-2008, 09:58 PM

wish i saw this before i got wd-40 all over my brazilian fretboard!!

just kidding...thanks for the write up!

marc1kim · 12-12-2008, 11:05 PM

I just run the sharpened tip back and forth untill the nut slot is penciled in. This has worked great for me for 17 years of owning Les pauls. Never have I had to change out my tuners. Tuning has always been stable.

v8ko · 12-12-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boleskinehouse

That's what I do.

heck ya old school brotha. Not as old school as using a pencil as a nut but old none the less.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMcG No.6

Thanks, man! I was actually going to do this this weekend.

Good stuff!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huey

nice man, thanks

Hope it comes in handy : )

v8ko · 12-12-2008, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R9.

Good stuff.
I bought a tube of powdered graphite and use that instead.
Your method requires too much work.

lazy is as lazy does haha. J/K yeah thats the proper stuff but I ALWAYS forget to pick a tube up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vasthorizon

Thanks, v8ko!

Awesome dude hope it helps!

Breaks over....back to band practice for me lol...

Ayrton · 12-13-2008, 12:07 AM

One thing I have seen is using a small amount of Vaseline mixed with the pencil lead. This will keep the lead in the slot longer. Keep in mind a small amount...

155 · 12-13-2008, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

One thing I have seen is using a small amount of Vaseline mixed with the pencil lead. This will keep the lead in the slot longer. Keep in mind a small amount...

makes sense to me

lpplayer · 12-13-2008, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

One thing I have seen is using a small amount of Vaseline mixed with the pencil lead. This will keep the lead in the slot longer. Keep in mind a small amount...

Pretty sure this is what Stevie Ray Vaughan did with his guitars

jodymauk · 12-13-2008, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R9.

Good stuff.
I bought a tube of powdered graphite and use that instead.
Your method requires too much work.

v8ko · 12-13-2008, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowe

Most of the stuff people fret about can be fixed as easily as this.

haha "fret" about. Thats so true, so many guys will haul there beloved axe off to some tech and have them hack on it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ag997s

wish i saw this before i got wd-40 all over my brazilian fretboard!!

just kidding...thanks for the write up!

DOH.

Ayrton · 12-13-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lpplayer

Pretty sure this is what Stevie Ray Vaughan did with his guitars

Yep, in fact I think it was Rene Martinez interview where I first read that.

River · 12-13-2008, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc1kim

I just run the sharpened tip back and forth untill the nut slot is penciled in. This has worked great for me for 17 years of owning Les pauls. Never have I had to change out my tuners. Tuning has always been stable.

That's the way I've done it until I read this thread. It works, but IME only if the nut isn't all that bad. I just tried v8ko's method on the guitar with the recalcitrant nut, and it fixed it!

Paul · 12-13-2008, 08:44 PM

i use my graphics lead ejector pencil, very thin lead and i just rub it in each slot, it crumbles really easily and then poop the strings back in. does the same job bit you don't have to mess with a knife neer your guitar

v8ko · 12-15-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc1kim

I just run the sharpened tip back and forth untill the nut slot is penciled in. This has worked great for me for 17 years of owning Les pauls. Never have I had to change out my tuners. Tuning has always been stable.

Ive done that as well but for me shaving some lead seems to work better. Both methods are solid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ayrton

One thing I have seen is using a small amount of Vaseline mixed with the pencil lead. This will keep the lead in the slot longer. Keep in mind a small amount...

Hmmmm. Yet another use for Vaseline! I might give that a try, thanks!

skydog · 12-15-2008, 11:47 PM

When I was still drafting with tools, I'd empty the graphite from my sharpener into a little container. CAD sucks! But to hell with all that. What I want to know is who made that nut. That thing is gorgeous!

SFK · 12-16-2008, 10:46 AM

I bypass the knife and just "write" (for lack of a better word) across the nut slots. This fills the slot with lead.

It's a li'l messier but the excess wipes away (eventually).

On my trem guitars I will also put a drop of 3 in one oil on my figer and wipe it across the nut and the bridge saddles.

Marto · 12-23-2008, 08:22 AM

Mark1kim:

Thanks. Very helpful thread. I've got stock tuners on my Jr. I use chapstick on the nut and always tune "up," as opposed to "down." Anyway, my stock machines hold pitch pretty good. My only comlaint is the ratio of the stock machines. A higher ratio makes it easier to "creep" up to pitch and not over-shoot.

Thanks again,
Marto

v8ko · 02-12-2009, 02:12 PM

Bumped for those in need : )

LEFTY LES · 02-12-2009, 04:35 PM

Im doing this on an Epi and I know this is the gibson room but this will work for your Gibby's to guys!!!!

I like the pencil led also v8. That works awesome to man. There great to keep in your bag.

Vintage_Burster · 02-12-2009, 07:34 PM

Thank you! I tried to do this the other day and failed epicly!

Wow! What a difference, just did it! I tuned the strings right down till they were floppy, put the 2B lead in, tuned up.....No ping? Not one?

Amazing! Thanks alot!

12-12-2008, 03:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
v8ko Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 3,064 Thanks: 110 Thanked 46 Times in 7 Posts	How to lube a nut using #2 lead. Ok I know this is a guitar tech 101 but I get asked this on occasion so I thought I would do a quick MLP tutorial. THIS WILL PROBABLY GET MOVED TO THE LUTHIERS CORNER. Thought I would put it here for now and give you guys a chance to see it. I hope to post some more simple quick and easy fixes out there for guys that want to start working on there guitars but havent felt brave enough. If your having to tune your guitar often or you have that ping sound when tuning your nut needs lubed. There are several materials you can use but this has always worked fantastic for me and lets face it youll always have a #2 pencil sitting around the house...or even at a show. First go raid your kids room and steal a #2 pencil and grab a knife (switchblade not completely necessary) Loosen the string enough to pull it off the nut and off to the side. Put the pencil near the nut slot and using your knife shave off a small amount of lead. Try to keep it off the fretboard if it does get on the FB just blow it off after the last step. Should look like this. Take your knife blade or better yet a credit card and carefully push the lead into the slot. Carefully put your string back on the slot...if your not careful you can knock the lead out of the slot. There you have it!!! Quick simple and youve just tooled on your guitar. Next week I will post some how to's on intonation. : ) __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------- My Bands new video, go on click it. http://www.myspace.com/russianmaderobots . . Having trouble keeping your Gibson tuned? http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibs...ng-2-lead.html Ive always thought of myself as a Hunter...but after looking at my Lps Im pretty sure Im a Gatherer : p

12-12-2008, 03:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Boleskinehouse V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Next to Raleighwood Posts: 17,688 Thanks: 63 Thanked 506 Times in 90 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. That's what I do. __________________

12-12-2008, 03:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Belzeebub V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Essex Mountain Sanatorium Posts: 2,232 Thanks: 64 Thanked 23 Times in 10 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. nice detailed write up. __________________ 2008 Gibson Les Paul Classic Heritage Cherry with Guitarforce Vintage '57s

12-12-2008, 03:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
Belzeebub V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Essex Mountain Sanatorium Posts: 2,232 Thanks: 64 Thanked 23 Times in 10 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. I have the strings but haven't proceeded to do it yet. I might do it over the weekend as i will also take the opportunity to baptize my virgin fretboard with Fret Doctor. __________________ 2008 Gibson Les Paul Classic Heritage Cherry with Guitarforce Vintage '57s

12-12-2008, 05:07 PM	#6 (permalink)
PMcG No.6 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 952 Thanks: 8 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. Thanks, man! I was actually going to do this this weekend. __________________ PMcG No.6's Facebook

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12-12-2008, 05:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
Huey Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oh Hi, Oh i didn't see you there (Ohio) Posts: 3,650 Thanks: 38 Thanked 15 Times in 7 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. nice man, thanks __________________ Gibson 2006 Les Paul Manhattan Midnight Line 6 Spider III 75W Combo Solid State Amp Join Geartalk.com today, while the admission is still FREE!!! Click on the logo below and JOIN NOW!!!

12-12-2008, 06:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
R9. Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 5,249 Thanks: 269 Thanked 222 Times in 38 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. Good stuff. I bought a tube of powdered graphite and use that instead. Your method requires too much work. __________________ Historic Les Paul Database

12-12-2008, 09:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
VastHorizon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 4,771 Thanks: 31 Thanked 95 Times in 22 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. Thanks, v8ko!

12-12-2008, 09:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
lowe V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 4,023 Thanks: 23 Thanked 14 Times in 7 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. Most of the stuff people fret about can be fixed as easily as this. __________________

12-12-2008, 09:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
Stevehose Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 79 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. Perfect, thanks __________________ 1986 Les Paul Custom Shop Original '59 Reissue 1962 Country Western Natural 1996 Stratocaster Lake Placid Blue

12-12-2008, 09:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
ag997s Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 110 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. wish i saw this before i got wd-40 all over my brazilian fretboard!! just kidding...thanks for the write up!

12-12-2008, 11:05 PM	#13 (permalink)
marc1kim Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,016 Thanks: 8 Thanked 7 Times in 2 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. I just run the sharpened tip back and forth untill the nut slot is penciled in. This has worked great for me for 17 years of owning Les pauls. Never have I had to change out my tuners. Tuning has always been stable. __________________ www.myspace.com/scorned_08 My Bar band road dogs: '05 Jooooooooooooooooooooooonyur Speeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeshul w/ humbuckers (thanks to BCRGreg for the correct spelling) '07 Les Paul BFG Hughes and Kettner Edition Tube combo Dime Custom Crybaby DB-02 Last edited by marc1kim; 12-12-2008 at 11:43 PM.

12-13-2008, 12:07 AM	#16 (permalink)
Ayrton Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA Posts: 136 Thanks: 12 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. One thing I have seen is using a small amount of Vaseline mixed with the pencil lead. This will keep the lead in the slot longer. Keep in mind a small amount... __________________ ".....if you're not sure about me, assume I'm laughing and smiling as I type.....none of this is worth taking that seriously...."

12-13-2008, 08:44 PM	#23 (permalink)
Paul MLP Cub Reporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 2,186 Thanks: 11 Thanked 25 Times in 5 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. i use my graphics lead ejector pencil, very thin lead and i just rub it in each slot, it crumbles really easily and then poop the strings back in. does the same job bit you don't have to mess with a knife neer your guitar __________________ Current gear: Gutted and refitted Epiphone '58 Korina Flying V custom light finish, Marshall JCM900 SL-X head MLP community video blog click here to watch the latest blog. Buckle Rash: Dude, just stop polishing R.I.P Phillip Burkinshaw 15/8/1945 - ?/8/2009 64 years old and still a rocker. Paul....Where the hell is that guy half the time!?!!

12-15-2008, 11:47 PM	#25 (permalink)
skydog Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 650 Thanks: 23 Thanked 19 Times in 12 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. When I was still drafting with tools, I'd empty the graphite from my sharpener into a little container. CAD sucks! But to hell with all that. What I want to know is who made that nut. That thing is gorgeous!

12-16-2008, 10:46 AM	#26 (permalink)
SFK V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toledo, OH Posts: 1,691 Thanks: 30 Thanked 32 Times in 11 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. I bypass the knife and just "write" (for lack of a better word) across the nut slots. This fills the slot with lead. It's a li'l messier but the excess wipes away (eventually). On my trem guitars I will also put a drop of 3 in one oil on my figer and wipe it across the nut and the bridge saddles. __________________ MY SOUNDCLICK NOODLINGS http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...&content=music

12-23-2008, 08:22 AM	#27 (permalink)
Marto Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 346 Thanks: 22 Thanked 8 Times in 1 Post	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. Mark1kim: Thanks. Very helpful thread. I've got stock tuners on my Jr. I use chapstick on the nut and always tune "up," as opposed to "down." Anyway, my stock machines hold pitch pretty good. My only comlaint is the ratio of the stock machines. A higher ratio makes it easier to "creep" up to pitch and not over-shoot. Thanks again, Marto

02-12-2009, 02:12 PM	#28 (permalink)
v8ko Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 3,064 Thanks: 110 Thanked 46 Times in 7 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. Bumped for those in need : ) __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------- My Bands new video, go on click it. http://www.myspace.com/russianmaderobots . . Having trouble keeping your Gibson tuned? http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibs...ng-2-lead.html Ive always thought of myself as a Hunter...but after looking at my Lps Im pretty sure Im a Gatherer : p

02-12-2009, 04:35 PM	#29 (permalink)
LEFTY LES Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 3,361 Thanks: 82 Thanked 141 Times in 24 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. Im doing this on an Epi and I know this is the gibson room but this will work for your Gibby's to guys!!!! I like the pencil led also v8. That works awesome to man. There great to keep in your bag. __________________

02-12-2009, 07:34 PM	#30 (permalink)
Vintage_Burster Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 1,771 Thanks: 5 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Re: How to lube a nut using #2 lead. Thank you! I tried to do this the other day and failed epicly! Wow! What a difference, just did it! I tuned the strings right down till they were floppy, put the 2B lead in, tuned up.....No ping? Not one? Amazing! Thanks alot! __________________ "Bursting with a Vintage 07 Standard!"

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