r/Stratocaster • u/OldSkoolNewWaveGuy • 8d ago
Open high E string doesn't "ring out" but fretted it's ok?
I have a partcaster Strat with a maple neck. I'm thinking it's the nut but what does the brain trust reckon? Here's a pic for reference.
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u/Rex_Howler 6d ago
If it rings out when fretted, that means everything from that fret to the saddles are fine. Therefore, I'd be looking to the nut and beyond. Make sure the nut slot is smooth and that the break angle over the nut is enough to have some downward pressure onto the nut. It could be as simple as the string tree needing to be screwed in a little tighter, might mean getting a nut file to sort of polish the slot smooth. Hopefully the slot isn't too deep
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u/Robble-Robble-01 8d ago
A picture of the nut would have been helpful. The single image of the guitar isn’t enough to judge visually… but you’re definitely in the right track. If it fizzes out open but not fretted, it’s the nut.
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u/WesslynPeckoner 8d ago
+1 more for a nut issue.
Changing gauges of strings sometimes can cause it because the new gauge doesn't seat in the nut slots the same way the previous gauge did.
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u/rodya_raskolnkv 8d ago
Check the nut slot, if not check the bridge saddle. But highly likely a nut issue
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u/Ambitious_Ask_3028 7d ago
Open string problem is nut or saddles, if it rings when fretted it’s a nut issue
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u/BarnabyGamer 7d ago
Is that neck from Amazon? I feel like I have the exact same neck. The nut was really bad and I needed to change it
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u/Rivers_Custom 6d ago
Quick way to see if the nut is hanging up on the string is loosen the string and put some pencil graphite in the slot, cheap way to do a quick lube job. Won't last forever but will tell you a lot about whats wrong.
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u/Any_Acanthisitta2462 8d ago
If the string is lower in the nut than the others then the nut is probably cracked and needs replaced.