Changing nuts?

Andrew Lamprecht

Andrew Lamprecht

Minion of One
I'm trying to be self efficient when it comes to my guitars. I can do most things a tech can now, yippeeeee, but I've never messed with nuts. How difficult is this? And can anyone point me towards some good resources for getting started?

Thanks. :)
 
Re: Changing nuts?

I was just watching this yesterday...



I'm tired of paying people for simple stuff too. Not sure why I didn't make the switch earlier. Just picked up an action gage, notched straight edge, and capo. Tired of my guitars buzzing with every seasonal change too. So far so good. Haven't done a nut yet but I'd love to get that and fret dressing under my belt someday. I've had erlewine's book for awhile, and bust that out for my simple tweaks.
 
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Re: Changing nuts?

I struggle to find a good tech. Although I can do things like setups, fret detailing, wiring etc myself, I work three jobs. I'd like my guitar time to be spent playing rather than fettling.

But as I can't find a decent tech anywhere near me, it's a moot point.
 
Re: Changing nuts?

A preslotted nut is actually a good way to get started. You're still going to have to adjust the slots to your preference however (depth for your action preference, and width for your string guage), so you'll need to get a set of slotting files.

When you feel confident with that you can move up to unslotted, bone blanks.

It's a bit tricky. Go slowly and carefully and don't go too deep. And remember, too much back relief is better than too little.
 
Re: Changing nuts?

It's really easy to file too far, so heed Docs advise to work slow. Other than that it's really not a difficult job.

FWIW, most of the "techs" around do ****tier work than if you had just done it yourself in the first place. Thus, why I do all my own work.
 
Re: Changing nuts?

I was really worried about doing it myself. I have ok skills at fixing things, but was really afraid to mess with my baby... I ripped out the old and installed the new in no time flat, turned out much better than I hoped. YOU CAN DO IT BRO!
 
Re: Changing nuts?

Like every other skill out there, it takes practise, and a decent amount of flair for working with both your hands and head at the same time.
Even after like a gazillion nuts filed and all that, they can still make me go bonkers ;)
Usually I am good, but every now and then something with a mind of its own shows up.....
Then the image of a flamethrower, directed at the offending guitar seems like a good idea!
In other words.....be alittle patient...those little slots can do strange things with strings...
Get at least two different kinds of nutfiles!
 
Re: Changing nuts?

My first time ever was making a nut and saddle for an acoustic from bone blanks... easier than it looks IF you take your time and are careful... the shaping is the fun part...easy with nice files and sandpaper.

For the slots, you want to find a good set of nut slot files (there are cheaper solutions out there but they're not Worth your time if you're serious about making quality work, even if it's just for yourself).

Have fun!
 
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