The compensated nut -- is it worth the effort?

[Timothy R]

All,

My Taylor GC seems to have .01" less then the standard distance between the nut and the first fret, based on the specified 24 7/8 scale length and the stew mac fret distance calculator. I measured from nut to leading edge of fret using an inside caliper, then added half of the fret width. The distance between first and second fret, however, appears to be dead on.

This suggests that Taylor uses slight nut compensation, given their precision in manufacturing. Ken, it would be really interesting to see if Taylor confirms this...

Tim

[Ray Ussery]

I think guitar tuning is a compromise at best...as well as other string instruments. musically it can be explained fairly easily...now I'm no expert for sure...but it kind of makes sense even to me...my problem is, even though I can't see out of one ear and I'm blind in the other...I have perfect pitch and the first 3 strings on the first 3 frets drive me absolutely crazy.
I installed "Zero frets" or "E-frets" on two telecasters and one '54 LP Jr. and it solved MY problem for ME. But that's just me...and my .02
I have a musical explanation for the problem somewhere and I'll see if I can find it...it may explain the issue much better than I can.

Ray

[Tim Benware]

Interestinly, I just saw one of these (Earvana) on ebay yesterday for $10 so I bought it and will test it out.

[ken cierp]

And there's the DIY version

http://www.mimf.com/nutcomp/index.htm

[Tim Benware]

And there's the DIY version

http://www.mimf.com/nutcomp/index.htm

Thanks Ken, I've been looking for that article on and off for a couple weeks now, should have asked (and known you'd have had it!).

[Christopher Perkins]

Hello there

I was fortunate enough to study under Al Carruth for 24 months. I just finished my first guitar, which i am extremely proud of. That being said, I decided to spend the extra time necessary to include the compensated nut on my first instrument, and can say with certainty that once you play a guitar and experience the amazing intonation up and down the entire fretboard, an instrument with a standard nut just cant compare. Not even close.

Chris

[Tim Benware]

Hello there

I was fortunate enough to study under Al Carruth for 24 months. I just finished my first guitar, which i am extremely proud of. That being said, I decided to spend the extra time necessary to include the compensated nut on my first instrument, and can say with certainty that once you play a guitar and experience the amazing intonation up and down the entire fretboard, an instrument with a standard nut just cant compare. Not even close.

Chris

I think it depends on how well one can "hear" the differences in those notes. The closer one gets to perfect pitch the bigger the difference it makes. I don't know how much i could personally tell but I do want to know how to do it properly for those that may want to have it done.