Need Help Replacing a Nut

[ShredMAN]

I need to replace a nut on one of my guitars, so i decided it was time to learn. Can someone give me a list of stuff i should buy to accomplish the task, as well as directions on how to do it? thanks

[kmcguitars]

Re: Need Help Replacing a Nut

Cuting a new Nut IMO is one of the harder repairs to make on a guitar.
But if your looking to learn Here's some tips. 1st you have to space
the string properly. If you have the old nut you can copy it. If not?
your in for a whole new challenge. I use a gauge from www.stewmac.com
They have all the tools you need for this. (more than you need) Once
you get the spacing correct. If your good w/t math there's a formula
I think measure the width divide by 6 ? ( I'm no good w/t fractions )
Than It's time to cut. If you have a small vise use it. I use a X-acto
knife set to get started, Than the old strings to rough it out. You
can buy the propper nut file's But it gets pricy. Now that was the easy
part. The hard part is fine tuning it The only tip I can give you
is take your time and don't go to deep. I use a small file I got from
Radio Shack of all place's. Also when you put the nut in the slot
Only use a small drop of glue .This way next time it has to come out
you can knock it out and NOT! have to chisel it out. Hope this helps
maybe one of the pro Luthiers on the board will chime in with better
tips? Good luck

[7th Hell]

Re: Need Help Replacing a Nut

I tried this once, and failed quite miserably! I bought a graphite nut and attempted to cut string slots in it with tiny sawblades. You have to A) use the right thickness sawblade to cut each string notch, B) space the strings evenly apart from one another, C) saw each string notch to the correct depth, and D) cut each string notch perpendicular to one another.

Why not save yourself the grief and frustration- bring it to a repair shop. A good reputable one won't charge more than $20 to do the job. That's what I ended up doing AFTER wasting lots and lots of time and energy! I wish someone had recommended the professional route to me beforehand!

[Zerberus]

Re: Need Help Replacing a Nut

Here´s a pretty decent tutorial IIRC http://webpages.charter.net/bricli/E...n/nutactn.html