Anything like a String Butler that looks less horrible?

[Rex Rocker]

Any suggestions to improve stability on a Gibbo? Thanks!

 

[Dave M]

A well cut and lubricated nut.

 

[Ben Waylin]

Graphite nut with correctly angled string slots.

 

[MusicIsLife]

I'll just echo the above. I had a new bone nut installed and properly slotted, and I haven't had any tuning issues since then.

 

[napalmdeath]

Graphite nut with correctly angled string slots.

Yep.

 

[Ben Waylin]

Yep.

I have a USA made Dean ML... worst possible string angles coming off the nut to the tuners.

GraphTech® nut. Slots cut at correct angles.

You can bounce that guitar off a wall, and it won't go out of tune.

 

[Rex Rocker]

My Les Paul came with a Graphtech Nut already. I guess I just gotta lubricate it further. It's not bad... but the D string goes a bit sharp at times. The other strings are rock solid.

I have a roller bridge in it as well. And Gotoh locking tuners. So I'm guessing the issue is the nut here.

 

[CrystalSky]

My Les Paul Tribute came with a Graphtech Nut already. I guess I just gotta lubricate it further. It's not bad... but the D string goes a bit sharp at times. The other strings are rock solid.

I have a roller bridge in it as well. And Gotoh locking tuners. So I'm guessing the issue is the nut here.

Not only is it the material, but correctly cut slots too that affect tuning stability.

 

[Ben Waylin]

I have a roller bridge in it as well. And Gotoh locking tuners. So I'm guessing the issue is the nut here.

That's it, bro.

Schaller roller bridge and a GraphTech nut.

 

[Rex Rocker]

That's exactly the bridge I'm using. I wanted to get the matching fine-tuning tailpiece, but looks like it's discontinued.

I am using a Gotoh tailpiece with Kluson posts... wonder if I get some locking posts that would improve the stability?

I'm going to try some Nut Sauce on the nut tonight. Will report back.

 

[napalmdeath]

I have a USA made Dean ML... worst possible string angles coming off the nut to the tuners.

GraphTech® nut. Slots cut at correct angles.

You can bounce that guitar off a wall, and it won't go out of tune.

Thats the thing that's kept me from buying a Dean. I had an ML and it was a tuning nightmare. Even with a new nut made.

 

[Devin]

So I'm guessing the issue is the nut here.

It's basically always the nut being cut wrong

 

[Detroit1973]

I'll just echo the above. I had a new bone nut installed and properly slotted, and I haven't had any tuning issues since then.

Same thing i did for my Silverburst. no issues.

 

[Rex Rocker]

Looks like the nut is alright? Looks like the inner string grooves are at a slight angle.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Aside from the angle towards the tuner, the bottom of the slot should curve a little downward towards the headstock face, too.
If the bottom is flat there sometimes can be binding. Have you checked the bottom of your D slot tapers down a little?

You might also check for burrs in the slot. A little abrasive cord is a handy thing to have around.
You can also wrap fine sandpaper around an old string, or simply fold the sandpaper in half.
A couple of light passes is enough to smooth out any irregularities.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

How about something MORE horrible looking than a String Butler?
Check out the Tune Voodoo skull, from Finland.
Cool looking, but in a macabre way.