What makes a string "ping" when tuning?

[Tone deaf]

Back in high school, I once pinged a nut...wait, are you talking about a guitar?

Like HRC and our other resident resources pointed out, that particular string ping is almost always due to the string binding or catching in the nut slot. Also, as previous pointed out, there are two key factors to getting the most enjoyment out of your nuts - err, I mean guitar nuts - which are proper sizing (and smooth surface) of the nut slot ('proper' is most relative to the diameter of the respective string) and proper lubing of the slots (just sounds naughty).

For proper slotting, sizing, cleaning and maintaining of the nut slots, I use a cheap (about $4.00) tool from Home Depot that is intended for use in cleaning oxi/acetylene torches:

Oxygen-Acetylene Torch Tip Cleaner Kit-KH575 at The Home Depot

For the lube, I use pencil graphite and a knife (or other sharp edge) and make a pile of shavings (just the black part, no 'wood') and dump a bunch into each slot.

 

[Mule Train]

The nut needs filed.

Nuts - how to cut the slots

A pirate walks into a bar with a steering wheel coming out of his pants, the bar tender asks " is that a steering wheel?"
The pirate replys " arrgh, and it's driving me nuts!"

 

[lespaul01]

I have had good luck with waxed dental floss. Cleans the slots and adds a coat of lube.

Sounds liek a great idea.

 

[swamprock]

I have had good luck with waxed dental floss. Cleans the slots and adds a coat of lube.

This is also what I do.

Nut Sauce... that's one of those cheesy product names that reminds of cringe-worthy words- like dollop, panties, moist, and... djent...

 

[Shawn Lutz]

Typically a nut cut too narrow. Try some graphite or nut sauce. It also can be caused by poorly installing the string with a sloppy mess at the tuner post.

 

[Hergz]

I like to take that POS nut out and get real guitar nut. The suggestions so far have just been work arounds for a crappy product. They are great suggestions and solve the symptoms. Still, Gibson doesn't cut those corian nuts very well. A well made bone nut would be a nice addition to a fine guitar.

I agree. I had the same problem and filing/lubing were only a temporary fix. The problem disappeared when I had a bone nut installed. What's Gibson's cost difference between Corian and bone nuts? I would like to know how much they save per guitar by using Corian for the nut.

 

[HRC]

Wouldn't matter what Gibson used for nut material if it isn't fitted right.

 

[mechtech]

For a home fix,try 1000 wet.dry sandpaper folded against a feeler gauge. The paper [folded] is about .010",so select the appropriate feeler for each string.
And, ALWAYS use lube.