1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless - Nut Dilemma

[Figjam]

I have a gorgeous 1979 Gibson Ripper Fretless. All original. Rare natural finish. Only fretless one I have seen like this. Shows every sign of being original finish as well. It has aged very nicely. It definitely sat out of a case for a LONG time but probably untouched for most of its life. Perhaps it was on display in a music shop. I can tell it was caked with dust at one point, but it has been since cleaned (bridge under the cover is filthy, though, ha).

It is near mint. But the nut is chipped off on the G string side. The string does stay in place, and it does not affect function.

What to do?

 

[Figjam]

No longer have the G3.

 

[Mr.Fingers]

I'd replace it with a new, properly cut, nut. The original nut can probably be salvaged, so keep it in the case in a plastic bag, for sake of authenticity.

 

[AaronVonRock]

Since I very rarely played the G string, I voted Leave it.

 

[growlypants]

I would say to leave it, as well. And here's why - I notice the tuning peg pulls the string INTO the nut. Unless you play with some VERY strange fingering, I doubt very much that the chipped nut would become a detriment.

 

[Figjam]

Exactly. It functions perfectly. Im thinking about resale value mostly, I guess. All original versus totally clean. The price to replace it probably is more than any resale value it would add, I suppose.