Cheapest Source for Quality Nuts?

**TheEmptyCell** · #1 12-07-2009, 12:33 PM

My brothers SX has a case of nut-broke-at-the-E-string, so I need to replace it. I'm looking for something P-bass width with a flat bottom, 1 5/8" long, pre slotted. I've checked over eBay and haven't found a better deal than about $12 to $15 for Tusq or graphite.

Are there any sites I should be looking at where I can get a better deal than this (that includes shipping)?

HogieWan · #2 12-07-2009, 12:41 PM

the nut blanks at stewmac are ~$5 for the expensive ones.

Benjamin Strange · #3 12-07-2009, 04:24 PM

There's no such thing as a quality pre-made nut. You have to make it yourself.

JLS · #4 12-08-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

There's no such thing as a quality pre-made nut. You have to make it yourself.

Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. Ditto.

Rickett Customs · #5 12-08-2009, 10:30 AM

$12.50, that is if you want it pre slotted..... 1 5/8"...Ebanol

http://www.allparts.com/Graph-Tech-B...n-2350-00g.htm

202dy · #6 12-08-2009, 11:37 AM

In carpentry, pre-cut equals too short. Or too long.

In guitar nuts, pre-slotted equals unfinished.

Even when the spacing is correct the nut slots have to be fine tuned for correct string height.

As for the length of the nut, see above.

**TheEmptyCell** · #7 12-08-2009, 02:47 PM

Thanks guys.

Can one 'dress' the slots using an old string, as I have read here on TB before, or would I need to shell out the $$$ for a set of files? I wish I could afford the materials to make a nut myself, but that just isn't in the cards, and I can't fathom having my brother pay out the behind to have someone make one. There's not a tech who could probably do that for a hundred miles of here, anyway.

jworrellbass · #8 12-08-2009, 03:04 PM

I just use needle files, the metal files don't have a taper, you can get a set at Home Depot. One thing to keep in mind, when you file the nut keep the handle slightly elevated. I filed a nut on a build with the file level to the fb and the strings buzzed in the slot. A friend told me to raise the handle. It worked.

202dy · #9 12-08-2009, 03:21 PM

A better solution is to use drill bits. Size the bit approximately .020-.030" smaller than the desired slot size. Abrasive papers have thickness. Wrap the shaft of the bit with some 320 or 400 grit wet or dry paper. This solution requires owning a complete drill index to do properly. Or you can purchase the right sized bits from an industrial supplier.

If you're only going to one nut this is the way to go. If you're going to do more than one it would behoove you to purchase the proper tools.

Benjamin Strange · #10 12-08-2009, 06:43 PM

Needle files are the way to go if you can't afford the nut files. The sandpaper trick mentioned above might work, but it will take you about eight forevers.

Make sure that when you're cutting your nut the neck is perfectly straight. If you cut it when you've got relief, if you ever straighten the neck you'll most likely get some buzzing at the first fret.

archer121 · #11 12-08-2009, 06:57 PM

Take it to a reputable tech or luthier and have them do it and set it up. This way you're not going to screw it up and you have someone to blame if it's wrong.

mmbongo · #12 12-08-2009, 08:51 PM

I used the Tusq nuts on 2 of my basses (and a Fender branded nut on my SX). All pre-slotted and all were perfect width. Just needed minimal finishing using the methods above. Can't see buying a non slotted nut requiring $80 worth of files to use twice, or paying a tech $100 for something I can do for $12.