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[Alun]

Hi. I'vnoticed on my (new style) Ashbory that, no matter how I try winding the D and G strings , they tend to rest slightly against the side of the nut slot leading to a slightly muted tone on the open strings. Has anyone got any advice on how to solve this? :?

Thanks,
Alun.

[Mike Tavener]

The strings, when fully stretched, will always be thinner than the slots in the nut, and rub against only one side of the nut. The knack is to get the string as low as possible in the slot so it rests solidly on it and doesn't 'rattle'. This can involve a bit of trial and error, but aim to get the very last wind on the post as low as possible below the other windings, and you should get a clear open string note.
Other postings have discussed using an elastic capo behind the nut or a bar type string retainer. I haven't found this necessary and the above works for me. Despite its drawbacks in many respects compared to the DeArmond, the Guild actually got this better sorted with the head face stepped a little bit further back, thus increasing the break angle over the nut. See Brocks Guild/DeArmond comparison for illustration.

Mike

[Brock]

The strings, when fully stretched, will always be thinner than the slots in the nut, and rub against only one side of the nut. The knack is to get the string as low as possible in the slot so it rests solidly on it and doesn't 'rattle'. This can involve a bit of trial and error, but aim to get the very last wind on the post as low as possible below the other windings, and you should get a clear open string note.

Mike is right on about this stuff. Also, I just added in the downpressure difference in the nut on the comparison page.

I shoiuld remind everyone that having strings leave the bottoms of the tuners is mentioned in the LargeSound.com Ashbory Bass User's Guide, as is a lot of other useful stuff:
http://www.largesound.com/ashboryarticle/general/userguide/

2. Guide the strings as you wind them to pitch so the strings leave the tuning pegs towards the bottom. This is important because it creates downward pressure on the nut area of the neck. Depending on the amount of winds, it may be necessary to detune a string and then retune with the string winding more towards the top then ending more towards the bottom. Strings play, sound, and feel much better with greater down pressure so make the effort when tuning.

-Brock

[Alun]

Thanks, guys. Unfortunately this seems to happen even with the strings leaving the very bottom wrap on the tuner. Maybe I'll try the capo idea.

Cheers,
Alun.

PS Thanks for the string Mike. It's already lasted over double the life of the original and shows no sign of wear. I also think the tone is slightly cleaner.

[Alun]

Thanks, guys. Unfortunately this seems to happen even with the strings leaving the very bottom wrap on the tuner. Maybe I'll try the capo idea.

Cheers,
Alun.

PS Thanks for the string Mike. It's already lasted over double the life of the original and shows no sign of wear. I also think the tone is slightly cleaner.