Compensated Nut

sweepy

I'm not sure if it's just me but now I have rhe MM Majesty, I'm finding it's compensated nut arrangement very odd indeed, I'm used to hearing the tuning inaccuracies of a standard nut and have foundt myself a few times double checking that I'm playing the right notes. Obviously it's an adjustment issue and my ears will adapt but it's odd how relative and perceived pitch works or not. It does make me wonder if a true tempered guitar actually sounds "comfortable" or not 

robgilmo

Watch this,

ElectroDan

I have the same Compensated nut on my MM 25th Anniversary.
I know what you mean. In isolation it can sound more in tune than my regular Blade guitar. But as you've said, it can be strange hearing it especially in a mix. I've had another band member screaming 'Tune that F*&^%$£ Guitar!' at me, only to find it correct on the tuner.
I took it to Jaden Rose who gave it a great set-up and checked the nut and intonation. It's just a different set of compromises than we are used to. I have considered getting a regular nut put on there.

siraxeman

That is one BIG tuner!  ....oh nevermind. The GIANT thumb spoiled it. Not as impressed now!

WezV

robgilmo said:

Watch this,

that's one way, although worth noting the offset will vary depending on your guitar set-up and playing  style.  The good bit is anyone can try it and figure out what tuning  offsets work for you.

The other way is to actually compensate the nut which can vary from a reduced nut to first fret distance (ala PRS), a slight angle on the nut, or an individual offset for each string.  Its kinda fixed in place but can be balanced with the bridge compensation.  lots of info on that here, but things like the earvana nut are as god a place to start as any.

The buzz feiten system basically uses a combination of those things along with bridge compensation offsets

Finally you can actually compensate the frets themselves, which takes you down the curvy fret/true temperament system.  That system is about as close as it gets for standard set-ups


or you can just accept the standard guitar with its tuning imperfections. not a good enough answer for some, but most are okay with it.

Voxman

Interesting vid to be sure, but it seemed geared towards capod players and acoustics.  For electrics that are not played with a capod, would this 'alternate' tuning approach still be appropriate (subject to tweaks for individual guitars as mentioned by @WezV )?

vale

tuning is overrated.

FelineGuitars

I'm a real fan of what the Earvana nut does both to the chords being more in tune and also the extra harmonic shimmer that the guitar has as a result.