String Buzz Behind Nut

[BoogieMKIIA]

Noticed by G string buzzes being the nut when playing the string open (jokes expected). It goes away by touching the string anywhere behind the nut. What would be a simple fix? Don't want to install a new nut.

[tbonesullivan]

What's the break angle over the nut look like? If it's ringing behind the nut that would usually mean that it's way too shallow of a break angle. Do you use standard tuners, or locking tuners?

[BoogieMKIIA]

I will need to get a photo later. No locking tuners. Factory nut and setup so assume break angle would be correct. Wondering in the notch in the nut could be wide. May loosen the string and pull out to see if there is any debris in the slot.

[brainkillsbeercells]

quickest cheapest fix would be "fill with baking soda/ superglue and re cut the slot" if its a nut problem, or put a few extra string windings on the tuner to increase the angle.

hope this helps.

cheers

[Jeff R]

Double-check that all six hex ferrules on the machine heads are tight while you're up there too. Loose one(s) can cause exactly what you describe.

[tbonesullivan]

8 hours ago, Jeff R said:

Double-check that all six hex ferrules on the machine heads are tight while you're up there too. Loose one(s) can cause exactly what you describe.

AH! That's right! I find loose ferrules all the time on my guitars... of course after I just changed the strings. Never before.

[Jakeboy]

If that break angle isn’t steep enough, you will indeed have that issue. I had that on a partscaster Tele I built and a simple string tree on the g & d strings took care of it.

[Dave Scepter]

40 minutes ago, Jakeboy said:

 a simple string tree on the g & d strings took care of it.

+1  "if it's a player" & you don't mind a extra small hole

[BoogieMKIIA]

Thanks for all the tips. I had a long work day and will check them out this weekend.  The guitar is a 2002 Studio Custom. Bought used but is like new, which is why I might not have considered some of the ideas until mentioned here.

[BoogieMKIIA]

Seems it is the string angle on the back of the nut.  Put a new G string on with a few more wraps and the buzzing greatly reduced. I ran a feeler gauge thru the nut slot and did not feel any burrs.  The tuner nut was tight.  Maybe the nut slot could use a little work, will see with next string change

Have had Tonepros bridge and locking studs installed. Waiting on a pair of Gravelin Ultimate PUs. Perhaps I can get $375 at that point.

[Thundersteel]

The nut slots are too deep. According to Dan Erlewine, "The slots should be only deep enough so 1/3 of the string is above the top of the nut and 2/3 in the nut."

[Jeff R]

Seems it is the string angle on the back of the nut.  Put a new G string on with a few more wraps and the buzzing greatly reduced. I ran a feeler gauge thru the nut slot and did not feel any burrs. 

Slot is too wide, string is vibrating sideways in the slot. Fill the slot and re-cut the slot with the proper gauge nut slot file. Easier said than done if you haven't done it before, but that's what needs to be done.