I just made a new nut for my Phil Leadbetter RK to give it common string spacing. I replaced the cone, bridge, and inserts with Beard stuff earlier this year. After playing today I noticed that my 4th string will buzz sometimes, but only on an up stroke (finger pick). I am assuming it is the string slot, but I have tried to rectify it to no avail. Any ideas on what could be the cause? It doesn't happen when the bar is down. And it only happens when I am picking up on the string.
Thanks for the ideas.
Edited by - dstretch on 05/04/2025 17:52:56
Try "flaring" the string slot on the peghead side. I should slope down and become wider as it approaches the peghead so that the string rests in the depth of the slot nearer the fretboard side. I suggest all slots be cut that way. Also, strange but possible, check the tuner button on the 4th string tuner to make sure the screw is tight and the knob isn't vibrating. The depth of the slots should be about half the diameter of the string....a little deeper on the unwound strings.
Edited by - docslyd on 05/04/2025 20:44:08
And check the tuner clamped onto the headstock; that turned out to be the odd noise on my instrument.
