Nut on MIM Strat...

GregJr

New member
How much of a difference between the stock plastic nut vs a new bone nut on a Strat if you don't replace the Vintage style trem??
Will tone and sustain be noticeable??
 
Re: Nut on MIM Strat...

We can debate about tone but you will get better action and tuning stability from having a well cut nut installed.

Many argue that once you fret a note, the tonal character of the nut is a moot point, as in essence the fret becomes the new nut. I think the main reason to get a new nut is if your current one is cut and slotted poorly.
 
Re: Nut on MIM Strat...

How old is the guitar in question. It is possible that the stock nut is synthetic bone.
 
Re: Nut on MIM Strat...

I don't think mine is cut wrong. Although my B string's intonation is a bit off.
I always lube it when changing strings.
Thought that a quality change would improve tone and sustain.
 
Re: Nut on MIM Strat...

Going from a mass-produced nut made of random plastic and just slapped onto a guitar, to a nut custom made by a skilled luthier from a hard, dense material and fitted to the guitar and your desired setup, is a big change. How much difference does the material make? I've never done a nut change where the material was the only variable, but I think it's a factor. You don't want something that bleeds off a lot of energy.
 
Re: Nut on MIM Strat...

I dunno - Some of the modern synthetic materials are really good. I know of some high end vendors using Tusq.

I did get a bone nut installed in place of Corian on a Martin... 2 shims were found under the nut (a shim IMO is a proper quick fix, but I'd rather go new nut) so the string nut is not the only thing changed. Lets just say I did notice something different - other than proper playability. I'm on a longer than usual change interval right now and still sounds fine.

I'm betting on a Fender it would be less noticeable due to size. Playability and tuning stability are another factor.
 
Re: Nut on MIM Strat...

I dunno - Some of the modern synthetic materials are really good. I know of some high end vendors using Tusq.

Sure. There's no reason why a proper nut can't be made of a synthetic material, or a well-suited metal. I'm just hung up on bone because part of me still thinks it's cool to have dead animal parts on my guitars.
 
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