Anyone able to make a copy of an existing guitar nut?

[Pickngrin]

I want to upgrade the plastic nut on my import Hamer, but I don't want to drop the cash that would be entailed for the nut cut + setup, etc.
Is there anyone who makes their own nuts who can make a copy (Tusq, bone, graphite) of a nut?

[evenkeel]

I've only done it once. Have adjusted the slots many times. Lots of guitars leave the factory with the slots not cut deep enough.

Unless you are talking about a custom situation you are likely able to buy a replacement nut.

Couple of sources.

http://www.graphtech.com/products.html?CategoryID=1

http://www.lmii.com/

[t_ross33]

Nut and a setup shouldn't cost that much... had it done a few years ago on one of my guitars for $19 at a local retailer.

[Pickngrin]

$19?? I'm pretty sure it will run me at least 3 times that amount here in Connecticut...

[Bloozcat]

You could check out a pre-slotted Tusq nut. It would depend on the nut width on your guitar, though many imports are between a 1-5/8" and a 1-11/16" ((1.650" I think), and the slotted Tusq nuts are usually made to fit a particular American size. For instance, I have a slotted Tusq nut here at home that won't fit any of my Agiles or my Ibanez, but it would fit a Gibson LP about perfectly. Of the pre-slotted Tusq nuts that AllParts sells (there's only about 2-3), it's the only one that's anywhere close...but not close enough.

It generally costs about $50.00 or more to have a new nut fitted, depending upon the nut material type. Maybe it's time to take a shot at cutting and fitting one for yourself?

[navvid]

Maybe it's time to take a shot at cutting and fitting one for yourself?

I posted a thread about the bone nut I made for my dreadnaught with pics, if I can dig it up. It is a lot of work with bone as it is very hard (hence the pricey cost of a custom job), but can be done with minimal tools. I used a hack saw blade, an exacto,a 0.5 lead pencil, a flexible double sided steel nail file, a set of needle files and some sand paper. I'll put my result up against any thing done with gauged slotting files, etc.

I would advise against using power tools like a dremel, as the bone burns and smells like hair but worse. I just used the original nut as a template/starting point, making modifications where desired for action, string space, etc.

I personally am of the opinion that most nuts I see have string slots that are way too deep. According to the very skilled craftsman who advised me, the string should have the top third protruding above the slot. This is particularly important with the wound strings. I, from experience, have come to prefer half my string to be in the slot.

[Bloozcat]

I posted a thread about the bone nut I made for my dreadnaught with pics, if I can dig it up. It is a lot of work with bone as it is very hard (hence the pricey cost of a custom job), but can be done with minimal tools. I used a hack saw blade, an exacto,a 0.5 lead pencil, a flexible double sided steel nail file, a set of needle files and some sand paper. I'll put my result up against any thing done with gauged slotting files, etc.

I would advise against using power tools like a dremel, as the bone burns and smells like hair but worse. I just used the original nut as a template/starting point, making modifications where desired for action, string space, etc.

I personally am of the opinion that most nuts I see have string slots that are way too deep. According to the very skilled craftsman who advised me, the string should have the top third protruding above the slot. This is particularly important with the wound strings. I, from experience, have come to prefer half my string to be in the slot.

Oh, there are lots of common tools that can be used to slot a nut. The nut files just make it easier and quicker...but a full set isn't exactly cheap.

Then there's the handy little torch tip cleaner set for cheap...
http://qualitytoolsforless.com/images/Products/FPW1423-0016.jpg

[poodlesrule]

Would a little jig help in making the slot geometry right (perpendicular to the nut)?

[Pickngrin]

Thanks for the input. I ordered a Tusq XL nut - the size designated for Epiphone is large enough and I will have to sand it down to get it to fit. It's preslotted, although I imagine that I will have to further slot it.
I am very much a DIY guy, but people often seem to warn others to leave nuts to the pros.