Oiling the nut and saddle?

[roadbiker]

Somewhere along the line I saw a video (I think it was on the Taylor site) in which they recommended using a very little amount of oil on the nut and saddle. I have never seen this done before. Is it something that is really recommended?

Jim

[S MS Picker]

I sometimes use pencil lead in the nut slots,it's graphite.It helps lube the slots a little.
Steve

[Ed422]

I've never seen anything about putting any sort of lubricant on the saddle of an acoustic guitar.  I have heard from various places about lubricating the nut.  The only thing that makes sense to me is rubbing a little graphite (pencil lead).  Usually, the need for lubricant in the nut means the nut slots need attention.

Ed

[sachi]

Besides, you wouldn't want lubricating oil to soak into the wood of the guitar!

[Steely Glen]

Lubricating the nut with graphite will help the strings vibrate in the slots a little better.  The saddle shouldn't need it if it's in good repair and has been polished (toothpaste works well for this). 

[redsnapper]

I have used Big Bends Lil Luber Ultra Nut Sauce on my electrics for several years. I intended to use it when I change the strings on my new 814ce. After reading the comments, and since I am not having any intonation problems, I've changed my mind. If it ain't broke...

Thanks folks.

[cjd-player]

I use pencil lead (graphite) in the nut slots and on the top of the saddle .

[Edward]

I've never had to treat the saddle or nut with anything in yeeeaaars of playing over many acoustics (and my style is rock and contemp so there's lots of string bending and agressive strumming/picking).  Electrics, yes, and that's likely because of the playing style and such, and even then, only a bit of pencil lead in the nut at string changes ...that's it.  But for acoustics, never.  It shouldn't need it.  If you are having tuning issues check your string-winding procedure, then your nut-slots (may be rough or tight, especially if you went up a gauge).  A proper nut/saddle on an acoustic doesn't need any treatment, IMHO.

Edward

[coldshot]

Sometimes when people decide to change string gauges you may need to check the clearance and depth of the nut slot o the string.
Occasionally a nut might be pinching the string a little when tunning. As others have mentioned graphite or lead from a pencil is what I use.

[darylcrisp]

I've never had to treat the saddle or nut with anything in yeeeaaars of playing over many acoustics (and my style is rock and contemp so there's lots of string bending and agressive strumming/picking).  Electrics, yes, and that's likely because of the playing style and such, and even then, only a bit of pencil lead in the nut at string changes ...that's it.  But for acoustics, never.  It shouldn't need it.  If you are having tuning issues check your string-winding procedure, then your nut-slots (may be rough or tight, especially if you went up a gauge). A proper nut/saddle on an acoustic doesn't need any treatment, IMHO.
Edward

what he said.
d

[Picken Pappy]

It seems to me that if it is the oils in your hands that makes strings go dead in time, putting oil on where the strings rest would wick into the wound strings, decreasing the life of the string. I have no proof of this, it's only supposition on my part. 

[Walt Q.]

I lubricate the nut and saddles of my Strat, as I use the tremolo arm quite a bit, and it cuts down on the friction and helps the guitar remain in tune.  Never had the need to do it for an acoustic.

[michaelw]

i believe that with the Elixir NanoWeb 80/20s that come on most Taylors,
the extra 'slickness' of the WL Gore coating may  reduce potential binding,
provided the nut slots have been sized correctly, with no 'pinging' while tuning

on a bone nut or saddle, i imagine that a little graphite (pencil-lead) couldn't hurt,
but i would be very wary of using any kind of oil, as it could  be detrimental to overall
string life & may  possibly affect the headstock overlay & fretboard areas over time

i looked at the Graphtec website & didn't find any lubricity properties shown for standard Tusq,
but they do offer PTFE impregnated nuts & saddles (black Tusq XL), which shouldn't require 'oil'
http://graphtech.com/products.html?CategoryID=5

on another note, they also offer Supercharger kits  & picks 
http://graphtech.com/products.html?SubCategoryID=24
http://graphtech.com/products.html?CategoryID=22

[DMBfan41]

I've never treated the nut or saddle and will never do so unless there is a problem that is rectified by doing so.

[Satsuki]

That's a new one on me. I have never heard or read to oil your nut or saddle.