Tuning instability on a vintage Rick

[beatcomber]

I have a well-used vintage '60s Rick 6-string that is all stock, with the exception of the nut (which looks to be a genuine Rick part) and the frets, which were professionally installed. The guitar has an Accent vibrato and roller bridge, and is strung with Thomastik Infeld .011 flatwounds.

Unfortunately the tuning on the unwound B and E strings leaves something to be desired, as they go out of tune more often than I like. Sometimes they go sharp; sometimes they go flat. Naturally, these strings go out of tune most often when I use the vibrato bar or bend the strings, but that's not always what causes it. Oddly, the wound strings hold their tuning just fine. And, yes, I know the proper way to wrap the strings around the tuning post.

Any suggestions on ways to correct the problem would be appreciated!

[adam_swapp]

Most tuning problems are caused by strings that stick or bind in either the nut slots or the saddle. Since you have a roller bridge, make sure the saddles do, indeed, roll. You might also try a little graphite in the nut slots. If you've got nut files, run them through the slots to remove any burrs and/or mung. If you don't (far more likely), try a jeweler's saw or an X-Acto saw blade. Remember, though, you just want to clean the slots - you don't want to widen or deepen them.

However, if it is a replacement nut, it might have been cut for lighter strings than you're now using. As such, it is possible that the slots are, in fact, too narrow for the strings.

Aren't you in San Francisco? You might want to take the guitar to Gary Brawer for a quick tuneup. I normally recommend DIY solutions, but a professional once-over on the nut might well be cheaper than a set of nut files.

FWIW, I've got a 62 625 with the original Accent, bridge, and nut. I have no tuning problems.

[beatcomber]

Thanks, Adam! I suspected it was the nut causing the trouble.