Nut and saddle: bone or ivory?

[Heretic]

I'm just wondering if there is any difference between bone and ivory for acoustic guitars. I can get a bone saddle for $5 and an ivory one for $35. Tonally wise is it worth it?

As a side question, does anyone have any idea about the sound of a water buffalo horn and a camel bone? Please compare them to the regular cattle bones.

Thanks!

 

[Hellion]

Re: Nut and saddle: bone or ivory?

i don't think you'd be able to tell a considerable difference between bone & ivory. The ivory MIGHT be a little brighter, but probably not by much, since ivory is a form of bone. I suspect the price difference is due to the relative scarcity of ivory. And I don't think they're be any substantial difference between water buffalo or camel vs bovine.

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Nut and saddle: bone or ivory?

I don't want to violate the Forum's "no politics" rule, but some people take issue with using anything other than fossilized ivory. The idea is to avoid encouraging/supporting poachers of rare animals.

Tonewise, your dog might be able to hear the difference between nuts made of these different materials, but I doubt my 45 year-old ears could.

Chip

 

[NathanCahill]

Re: Nut and saddle: bone or ivory?

The only differance that I know of is that some say it is warmer yet more focused. This is second had info so take it with a grain of salt. Ask Jeff_H.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Nut and saddle: bone or ivory?

First off it will depend on the guitar you are doing this to. If you are making this change on a laminated guitar.... go the cheapest way... ot won't make much difference. If you are making this change on a high end solid wood guitar it WILL make a noticeable difference. Solid woods, and Ivory is going to be a big improvement. The tone will be brighter, but not harsh, each note will be clear as a bell. I have a Ivory saddle, and nut on my Santa Cruz. This guitar came with bone, and there is nothing wrong with bone. I broke the saddle and decided to go to Ivory on the recommendation from the luthier who did the work. The tone of this guitar improved considerably and it already sounded better than most acoustics I played. So on a real good guitar it will make a difference no question!

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Nut and saddle: bone or ivory?

I use bone nuts(Vintage Bone) and I get all of my nuts from www.stewmac.com