Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

[Demanic]

How many of you are using Graph Tech string saddles and/or nuts and what do you think? I've put the string saddles in all of my guitars and I noticed a distinct increase in both sustain and harmonics. It makes me wonder why more companies don't run them standard. My Ibanez has them in both the saddles and the nut and they make it sound like a much higher end version of their bolt on (screw on) series guitars.
It seems to me like they are an even less expensive but noticeable upgrade to a less expensive guitar than pickups. Are many of you using them?

 

[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

Love the tusq nuts. Have one on my strat. Owner of my local recording studio has the saddles in one of his strats and it sounds killer too.
I believe the Kenny Wayne Shepherd strat has the saddles stock right?

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

If I am gonna swap out a nut, white Tusq XL is the only thing I use any more. I get them as blanks, then fit them and slot them myself; the results are better than when using the pre-slotted type.

I don't think I would like the stuff as a saddle material, though. Metal works fine; I don't see any reason to want plastic instead.

It's also important to make the distinction between Tusq and Tusq XL. Tusq is just plastic, and – nut craftsmanship being equal – it performs like your standard cheap plastic nut. If you are gonna swap out a cheap plastic nut with plain Tusq (non XL), you might as well just get your original nut properly fitted and slotted, as there will be no difference in the results. But the XL stuff is "permanently lubricated," and IME it does perform better with bends and with vibratos. In short, IME there is a reason to buy the marketing for the XL, but not for the regular Tusq.

In any case, the proper fitting and slotting of the nut is many times more important than the nut material itself.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I was meaning the XL stuff. Better living through chemistry.

 

[CTN]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

Better living through the innovations of an awesome canadian company. I love graphtech products. I used to use the string saver saddles on my '62ri strat, and have the tusq or tusq xl nuts on several guits currently as well as had them on guits that i no longer have. Fantastic products. I never have a reason to complain about their stuff.

 

[Falloffthebonetone]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I should clarify then. Tusq XL.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I didn't realize that they are based in Canada. Hat's off to them.

 

[dominus]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I tried the saddles once on a Strat, they made it sound plinky. Didn't care for them at all.

 

[thebowl]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I have a tusq nut in my Prestige Musician Pro. Great (Canadian) guitar; great nut.

I tried a set of the saddles in my G&L ASAT; long story short - they didn't fit.

Their picks are also pretty awesome. Very nice tone.

 

[AlterBlackbird]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I have a Tusq XL in my Dean, and have a Strat nut and trees for my current project. I haven't tried the saddles, though. I'm intrigued by the picks, however.

 

[greekdude]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

Tusq nut stock in my ibby arz800. 10s seem to sit too tight, and i have slight tuning problems because of this, but no big deal. Haven't tried any nut lubricant yet. The guitar still sounds great with stock strings, after 2 years!!!! . As far as tone is concerned, open notes ring very well, loud and clear.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

How many of you are using Graph Tech string saddles and/or nuts and what do you think? I've put the string saddles in all of my guitars and I noticed a distinct increase in both sustain and harmonics. It makes me wonder why more companies don't run them standard. My Ibanez has them in both the saddles and the nut and they make it sound like a much higher end version of their bolt on (screw on) series guitars.
It seems to me like they are an even less expensive but noticeable upgrade to a less expensive guitar than pickups. Are many of you using them?

I have graphite saddles on all my Strats, I have them on two of 5 Teles, my Les Paul, 335 and a few others. For me it was a combination of things. My guitar teacher(about 20 years ago) was using them and swore by them, but he was gigging at the time about 4 to 5 times per week. I started switching over gradually on all my electrics as they needed them. I have a lot of guitars so I did it over time, but now most have either the string savers or the Ferraglides. They work extremely well, and on a few guitars I have a graphite nust and locking tuners.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I just got another set of them today for a strat copy that I'm soon to get back up and running again. I love them.

 

[Lucid_Lunatic]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I've never tried them but I do have Tone Pro's bridges and tails on my LP's.

 

[Telecustom]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I recently replaced the stock nut on my MP Tele with a BLACK TUSQ XL GUITAR NUT. I am very happy with the results. I installed the string trees also. The guitar plays and sounds great. I plan to do the same with my other Tele too. Defiantly worth the money and effort involved in the mod..

 

[SJ318]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

Hi,
I have a Jeff Beck strat W/an LSR nut. It is worth every penny to me. However, I got a spare Squire strat and boy the strings really stuck when I used the vibrato bar. I can do a decent nut, even though I am not a pro. So I decided I did not want to go through the hassle of measuring and installing an LSR by myself. That could be a mess if I tried it.
So I tried a TusqXL, it fit beautifully with just a few touchups for height, and now It works equally well as my JB strat. I can deck the strings, pull em up a Carl Verheyen minor third, and it will not go out of tune. it is maybe better than my LSR; although I don't think that is possible, It just is so good I would never use anything else. Not a TusQ, but a TusQXL. I talked to the owner/head guy and he explained that the regular might have a deeper sound, but only on open strings, so I don't give a rat's behind. The XL stays in tune so I could not care less if the open strings sound a little thinner. Personally, I don't hear it. HTH.
SJ

 

[Demanic]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I have a Tusq XL in my Dean, and have a Strat nut and trees for my current project. I haven't tried the saddles, though. I'm intrigued by the picks, however.

I just picked up a pack of the TusqXL warm 0.68 picks. Love them too. Though they do tend to wear rather quickly.

 

[80's_Metal]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I just installed a Tusq XL nut on my beloved Blue V and it flat out sings better now! Loving it so much more than the stock POS.... Glad you guys turned me onto them.

 

[Lucid_Lunatic]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

I had a shop set up my Amber LP with a Tusq nut but they did a bum job on it. I need to get it redone one day.

 

[SJ318]

Re: Graph Tech string saddles and nuts

Man,
If a pro can mess up a tusqXL nut, I wouldn't let him string my guitar up! Bummer. Hope there are others who can help.........Off topic: ....Clean and sober 4 years, 7 months. Had to think about it. After a while, I just forgot about getting drunk. Forgot about counting too. Quit cold turkey-got very sick, then better. Never slipped or had a sip. The fact you are counting in public shows real resolve. Bravery too.
SJB