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Before I spend a fortune on files, can you tell me what files you use for slotting nuts and saddle for classical strings? I never owned or strung a classical. It looks like I am going to go with these gauged strings (.028, .032, .040, .029, .034, .043).   

Stew-Mac has a .028, .032, but nothing else that matches the exact gauge that I will use.

LMI (Ibanez) has a .032, but nothing else that matches the exact gauge that I will use.

What do I do for the strings that I don't have a file for? Do I get the set that has the smallest gauge deviation between string and file?

Thanks,

Doug Ubele

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Guitars...One's too many...Twenty is not enough.

.029, .034, .043, Doug, looks like you could use these three sizes, the others (using these three file sizes)would be within .001, .002, and .003, and I bet you'd be in great shape with those tolerances.

Grobet at Martin Guitar:   Specify thickness: .016", .020", .025", .028", 032", .035", .039",

.028, .035, and .039, if you bought just these three files you'd be good to go. By rocking left filing, then rocking right and filing, you can dial in the groove you need. Each file at Martin is $18.50, you get a little break buying the set, but will have some you may never use.Dickey38396.7857175926

(.028, .032, .040, .029, .034, .043)


   4542 0.026" / 0.032" Yes   $22.95    


   4543 0.036" / 0.042" Yes   $22.95    

These are the double sided files from stewmac.

you are within these tolerances:

.002, .000, .002, .003, .002, and .001

With just two double files, very little fanageling required there, maybe rather than rocking, just a little side pressure Right and Left would do the job. These are the type I started with and really liked them.

I since bought the Ibanez files from LMII.com, the small ones are thin and easy to bend. I put little Epoxy handles on them ala Frets.com Two advantages come to mind using the tapered double handle stew mac files, they are stronger, and the taper or vee is easy to file. The Ibanez file has cutting on the bottom curve only, not on the sides. They tend to bind as they go in.


   

Ibanez used to have a set of nut/saddle files that had two sizes to each file ( each side). Allied used to sell them and I think they still do if not try LMI. I have them and use them on all the different string gauges. With a .009 or .010 you can "role the file" as you use it and get a slot all the way up to .015 or more. Same thing with the other sizes. So you don't need a dozen different files for all the gauges. You just need to know which one will get you to where you want to go. I don't know if they were the "Ibanez" set or not. Three files red, blue and yellow handles and are realy great. Ask Brian or Todd at Allied Lutherie they will know what set I'm talking of.

p.s. I have several different sets incl. the StewMac set but the set I like best is the one I described above.

_________________
Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

Yes, David, allied has them, and the price is right too.

This is the kind a local music store had and I'd go down there to file the nuts on my first few. They just work so much better than individual files in my opinion, no binding.

I use the Wormoth set. I find them to be an excellent set of files and well priced.
http://www.warmoth.com/supplies/supplies.cfm?fuseaction=file s

Bruce - Whats the difference between the tapered Stew Mac files and the Allied files? I can pick up the Stew Macs for $45, but the Allieds are $70 or $85.

Thanks,

Doug Ubele

_________________
Guitars...One's too many...Twenty is not enough.

StewMac how to do a nut, pretty nice explanation, click here: x

Yeah I see your point. The main difference I see other than price is the taper of the Ibanez files from Allied, I like that, and they mention the fact that the taper may just keep you from scratching the headstock of the guitar and I agree.

Hi Doug,

I use four files, and I bought them all from StewMac. I use .028, .032, .042, .032, .042 and .046 respectively on each of the six strings. The files from StewMac work great and I've never had a problem since starting to use these files. These sizes are from Dave Schramm's website and are also the same sizes he used on my Hauser model, which is AWESOME!

Good luck!

John

Interesting discussion...this is another one of those items that I haven't yet bothered to 'upgrade' to, but think I really should. Question though: why spend 30 bucks more on a nutfile that might protet your headstock finsh when covering it with a piece of cardboard (or make a thin aluminium/plastic template if you've standardized your headstock) will do just as well?

Doug

I have never owned a dedicated nut file. I use grinding compound on an old string section of the right diameter. I have these set in small fret saw holders. I'm sure if you look through the various makers string gauges you'll find every size you need for a few bucks.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Bruce,
Those the ones! I like them the best. Three files...six sizes ( actually more because they are tapered at the tips)! Take em any where...you can even do an electric bass guitar with them!

_________________
Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"