SX SPB-62 Nut needs to go.

billoetjen · #1 01-01-2010, 12:08 PM

Hi,
I searched and didn't find the answer to this specific question.

My Essex SPB-62 had had the same issues with crumbling nut that I've seen reported here.

I'd like to go the route of quick and cheap fix. Hoping to also squeeze a little more oomph out of the attack on this axe at the same time by going to a harder nut material.

I really love the Corian that Warmoth sells in their blanks but I'd much prefer to get one pre-slotted. I know that I'll have to fine-tune the slots to the fat flats that I use and probably lower the slots some. Done that before; I balk at the idea of starting my own slots.

Anyway, considering the Tusq pre-slotted nut on this page:

http://www.graphtech.com/product-502-2/

Anyone know if the curved bottom of this nut matches up with the shape of the neck on the SX? Or do I need a flat-bottomed nut?
Any suggestions?

How about the material used in the Tusq? All fairy dust, or is it good?

Like I said, I've seen the topic come up in several threads, but nothing definitive.

Thanks as always,

B

bassalo · #2 01-28-2010, 09:22 PM

bump for an interesting topic. I'd like to get a tusq nut for my SX Jazz...

jmercer91 · #3 01-28-2010, 09:23 PM

my friend replaced his nut on an sx guitar and needed a flat bottom nut.
likely the bass will need a flat one also

chunger · #4 02-01-2010, 06:32 PM

From the picture, the shadow underneath the nut seems to indicate this particular on is has a curved base and would not work on an SX. Graphtech does make a flat bottom nut that might work, but it is 3/16" thick and would need to be thinned in order to fit. That operation can be done probably with "common" tools.

I'm in the same boat though and am keeping eyes out for a semi-drop-in solution.

ProfGumby · #5 02-01-2010, 07:13 PM

Howdy. I am a big fan of Tusq and Graph Tech nuts. I have replaced a few over the years. All of the SX basses, my Squier CV and an odd P bass copy all have flat bottomed nut slots. Every Tusq for I have personally seen for a Jazz or P bass that is pre slotted is set for a curved Fender neck. A 9.5 Radius I believe.

That being said I have been able to make the curved Tusq work in a flat nut channel. You have to build up the nut slot or the bottom of the nut. It is as much or more work than shaping a new nut blank.

I see there are some flat bottomed blanks available from Graph tech, I suppose a guy would simply have to take a few measurements and see which one would work for them. Possibly e mail Graphtech and ask them which they suggest?

Their email link is on this page -
http://www.graphtech.com/service.html

bassalo · #6 03-30-2010, 01:43 PM

and the outcome was....?

Jayhawk · #7 03-03-2011, 08:32 AM

My SX SPJ-62 needs a flat bottom nut, so chances are yours will need the same. I bought mine used with a pre-slotted Tusq nut in it that had replaced the original, but the Tusq nut had a curved, not flat, bottom and the strings were way too high at the first fret. When I eventually had a set-up done by a luthier, he took it out and made a flat bottom bone nut for it.