String binding in nut?

[mhartfield]

Hi folks,

Difficulty tuning the middle string on my Cedar Creek dulcimer is driving me crazy, and I'm beginning to think it's due to binding in the nut. Does anyone have any tips for lubricating the nut, I've read a guitar tip that "scribbling" in the groove with a graphite pencil prior to putting a new string in works, but don't really see how to get a pencil into that little space .

Alternatively, is it a risky thing to make a few swipes through that slot in the nut with extremely fine grit sandpaper to slightly enlarge the slot?

FYI, the symptom is that when I get the string under tension it no longer raises in pitch smoothly. Sometimes it will stop rising for a partial turn then jump in pitch, most often right when I'm getting close to my target pitch (the string is mocking me, I know it) . Occasionally the "release" of the binding is significant enough that it makes an audible creak/ping, so I'm pretty certain that's what's going on. Another symptom is that if I get on pitch and then play for a while the middle string slides sharp, which I suspect means that as the string vibrates it helps distribute the tension that was "bound up" between the tuning peg and the nut across the length of the string, resulting in the note going sharp.

Thanks,
Matt

[Steve D]

Rubbing a soft lead pencil in the slot does work. It's ok if the pencil does not "fit" in the groove - the flakes that come off from the rubbing, do. Whenever I change strings on any of my instruments I always make a quick over the slots on the nut and the bridge with a No. 1 pencil.

[mrchips]

Just loosen up the string enough you can get it clear of the nut THEN rub the string with a pencil where the string contacts the nut. Now simply put it back and tune it up. That puts the lead right where its needed.

[Seane]

I have heard of the pencil trick, and I have also heard of using a tiny bit of vaseline in each slot.

[kwl]

The pencil application is a good one. I have a tube of powered graphite that is used to lubricate locks that I use, but then I lubricate quite a few dulcimer, guitar and banjo nuts. You can pick a small tube up at Lowe's, Home Depot, or an auto parts store. If you choose to enlarge the slot with sand paper, be very careful. It doesn't take much to make the slot too large and then the string will vibrate in the slot.

Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

[mhartfield]

Thanks everyone, I'll give the pencil trick a try. Steve, thanks for the tip about rubbing the pencil on the loosened string, that's a good way to hit the target area.

[mhartfield]

The pencil trick worked, thanks again folks!

[folkfan]

A very soft pencil is a good addition to your tool bag, along with extra strings, fresh batteries for your tuner, and an emery board for your nails.