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Assembly InstructionsString slotting file, nut & bridgeRev: 3/18/09 Pt# 450

Siminoff string slotting needle files are madeof tempered steel and cut with 60 faces andsharp corners. They are the correct shape forpreparing V-shaped notches in bridge saddlesand pearl, bone, or abalone nut blanks.

It is our recommendation to use V-shapedslots rather than gauged slots (slots cut to theprecise width of the strings). V-shaped slotsensure that the string is securely anchored be-tween two points and will not buzz. By compari-son the gauged-slot technique presents prob-lems when changing to a different string gauge.In addition, the round-bottom slots made bygauged files do not securely anchor the stringand are prone to causing buzzes.

Instructions - SADDLE:

1) Use a pencil to mark the locations of theslots on the saddle. Double-check that thedistance between strings or string pairs is the

same string-to-string.

2) Use leather cauls on either side of the bridgesaddle and place the saddle in a vise. File thestring notches into the saddle. Hold the file atan angle (similar to Fig. 2) so that the slots areangled back towards the tailpiece.

3) Make smooth deliberate strokes. Only verysmall notches are needed in the nut to keepthe strings from moving sideways.

Instructions - NUT:

1) Use a pencil to mark the locations of theslots on the nut. Double-check that the dis-tance between strings or string pairs is thesame string-to-string.

2) String up the instrument, making the stringssnug, but not tuned up to pitch. Allow thestrings to rest on the nut.

3) Begin to cut a small notch for each string.Place each string in its slot and check the loca-tion of the strings as they relate to the edge

of the nut and distance string-to-string. If an ad-justment is needed force file sideways as youwiden the V to the left or right.

4) Pull one string out of its small slot and pullit to the side. Hold the file as shown in Fig. 2- at an angle that is halfway between the angleof the fretboard and the angle of the peghead.Make smooth deliberate strokes. Be aware thatsmall changes in the size of the V-slot will setthe string lower quickly.

5) As you get closer to the final action (dis-tance between string and first fret), tighten thecorresponding string so that it is almost up topitch, but tight enough to get an accurate set-ting of the string into the nut.

6) The correct action: the distance between thestring and the 1st fret should be the same asthe distance between that string and the 2ndfret when the string is fretted at the first fret.

Fig. 1The V-shaped string slot (lest) ensures that the string isanchored securely at two contact points. Gauged slots (i.e.,using files that are intended to make slots the same size asthe strings) cause problems if changing to either a larger orsmaller gauge. And, they allow the strong to roll around in thebottom of the slot and cause buzzing.

Fig. 2

PO Box 2992 Atascadero, CA 93423 USAsiminoff@siminoff.net www.siminoff.net 805.365.7111