$19?? I'm pretty sure it will run me at least 3 times that amount here in Connecticut...
$19?? I'm pretty sure it will run me at least 3 times that amount here in Connecticut...
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?
Ah, nothing relieves the discomfort of GAS pains like the sound of the UPS truck rumbling down your street. It's like the musician's Beano.
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.Originally Posted by Bloozcat
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.
Guit Boxes: 87 MIJ Strat, Ibanez MIJ RG540, Korean Fender Dreadnaught, The Loar LH-500 (1934 L-5 Reproduction)
Amp: Marshall TSL100 amp head with JCM900 1960 Lead 4 X 12 angled cab
Effects: Crybaby, TS10 Tube Screamer, Badder Bad Monkey, Boss Metal Zone
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.Originally Posted by navvid
Then there's the handy little torch tip cleaner set for cheap...
Ah, nothing relieves the discomfort of GAS pains like the sound of the UPS truck rumbling down your street. It's like the musician's Beano.
Would a little jig help in making the slot geometry right (perpendicular to the nut)?
Last edited by poodlesrule; February 2nd, 2010 at 09:27 PM.
Less golf, more saxophone
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.