Installation

Download Complete PDF instructions with photos

Compensated Tuning Systems

RETROFIT EARVANA CTS INSTALLATION

First thing, thank you so much for your support in purchasing the finest intonation technology available. Our mission is to dramatically improve your intonation on your entire guitar collection, while offering excellent customer service and technical support.


We thank you and encourage you to share this information to your friends that play guitar.

Remember the cool things: NO MODIFICATION, NO SPECIAL TUNERS, AMAZING RESULTS, CAN USE ALTERNATE TUNINGS,

CAN USE CAPOS!

Second, we realize there are varying degrees of experience with handling guitar repairs. Earvana, LLC highly recommends that you have a qualified guitar tech install the Earvana CTS for you. He or she has all the proper equipment, experience and can provide you with the best possible results.

We KNOW this will improve your guitar beyond belief and our desire is for you to reap the most benefit possible!

So, take it to a PRO. Our 30-day money back only applies if a pro does the installation.

Third, It is very important that these installation instructions are followed carefully. Please give them to your tech and let them know that another in-depth version with pictures is available here.

Prior to an Acoustic Guitar Installation

If you are installing the Earvana Nut on an acoustic guitar there are a couple of things to consider. You cannot adjust the bridge without re slotting and moving it. Most techs say the best results come when the bridge is moved forward. Many people buy these for acoustic guitars, it is just fair for us to say that it could involve a bridge reslot which costs more money and is a modification. Even without movement of the bridge, you will hear an audible and objective improvement of your intonation. We also offer a retrofit compensated saddle that eliminates the need to move the bridge.

What is recommended for the installation?

Check the intonation at the 12th fret before removing the existing nut. If the guitar reads sharp at the 12 fret with the original nut, you should not have to move the bridge forward. Even without moving the bridge, you will enjoy an improvement.

···Also, when using a wound G-string the compensation at the G block on the nut top must be filed back. Recommendation is to start slow and check it on the tuner as you file slowly back. Never go past the D string block!

Old Nut Removal

Score each side of the original nut with an exacto knife. Gently tap out the nut. You can also saw a slot pattern down the center of the nut lengthwise, and then pinch the nut together with a pair of pliers. Clean out excess glue.

Nut Base Installation

The nut base must be sanded to fit into the nut slot. Our bases come in 1 11/16" + and 1 ¾" + in width. So don’t panic when your 1 5/8" nut set is too wide. Techs are used to filing and fitting. We oversized the tops and bases to cover all models out there. The base MUST be flush with the top of the fret board and conform to the fret board radius.

NOTE: With the Acoustic and Gibson style bases, you must position the screw holes towards the fret board, not the headstock. Glue the base with either white glue or super glue.

Nut Top Installation

Set the compensated nut top directly on top of the base. Again, you will have to file the sides to fit the width of your neck as it is oversized. If you are using an un slotted 1 ¾" you will need to line up the strings over the compensated string blocks and file with precision nut files. We sell precision nut files on our accessories page.

NEVER file the bottom of the nut top.

Once you have it all fitted on the sides set the top back on the base and install the screws, but do not tighten down. Move the top all the way back towards the headstock. This is the normal setting.

Set string height in conventional manner with nut files to desired height.

The string slots are pre-slotted for jumbo frets so if yours are smaller then you will need to file them down accordingly. String guitar and tune NORMALLY! No special tuner required. We sell Peterson VS-II tuners!

WHEN USING A WOUND G STRING, YOU MUST FILE BACK THE G BLOCK TO COMPENSATED FOR THE WOUND G.

SEE PREVIOUS PAGE UNDER ACOUSTIC INSTALL FOR DETAILS.

Setting Intonation

Intonation is first set at the bridge in the conventional manner using a strobe tuner if possible. The configuration at the bridge will definitely change with the Earvana Nut. It will actually flatten out.

Make sure all strings intonate correctly at the 12th fret. The next step is to adjust the nut to attain correct intonation at the 1st fret. A simple way to do this is to fret the Low E, then the High E string at the 1st fret (F note).

The goal is to make the tuner read 0 cents flat or sharp at the 1st fret (F note). Adjusting the first fret on these strings will automatically set the other strings. Make certain the tuner reads 0 cents flat or sharp when fretting these notes.


You should now be very happy! We have done years of research, testing and have enjoyed hearing and reading thousands of testimonials. We know we have a winner here. If you are not singing praises of joy, then please contact Rick and he will help you dial it in perfectly.


"Play in tune and rock on!"

- Rick