Shawn Lane Master Nut / Gauge

[stav92]

Hey , 

 

So I have a Shawn Lane black flamed excalibur ... I am a bit confused about something .

I want to change string gauge from 09-42 up to 10-46  ... Can I keep my current nut or do I need to buy a new nut ?

The reason I am confused is because I called a local Vigier Dealer and they told me that the pre-cut replacement nut can be used for 10-46, 09 - 46, AND 09-42... They said that they sell the (09-42 / 09-46 / 10-46) nut which works for all 3 gauges and then the next available one is the 10-52 nut ...

So does this mean I can use 10-46 strings with my stock nut ? Or is the stock nut only for 09-42 ?

 

 

[stav92]

Also I have 1 other question ... 

Is there much of a difference in playability or or bending difficulty with 10-46 vs 10-52 ??  I want to increase the string gauge but without sacrificing too much playing ease / comfort. 

I am interested in maybe going up to 10-52 BUT I'm a bit worried that the thicker Low strings may increase the overall stiffness and make bends a bit tougher on the high strings ...

Maybe I should just stick with 10-46  ... I'm not sure ...

Many thanks

[Ben]

Hi, they are correct, Vigier Nuts are cut at these sizes;

 

9-46

10-52

12-56

 

So yes, a 9-46 nut will work on 9-42 and 9-46. Personally I would use a 10-52 nut for 10-46 strings, but as the material is soft, you could 'cut' 10-46 into a 9-46 nut.

 

For the heavier strings, if you can, bigger gauge strings will always produce a fuller tone.

[VigierDJ]

I second Ben. Give your preferred strings a try before you swap out the nut. They're so soft, they're pretty forgiving. The stock nut is cut 9-46, so usually 10-46 is gravy in there, but if you feel like it's pinching you can swap them out for whatever you need!