Preslotted Nuts V. Diy Nuts V. Custom Made Nuts

[terbo]

Hey all,

I'm starting my 12-sting project soon, and the only thing I havn't really decided on is the nut. Since there is a shortage of pre-slotted 12-string nuts, and I don't want to attempt one myself for a 12-string first try, how much would a luthier charge for something like this? I live in the boonies, so I don't have the luxury of a local guitar builder.

And, would it really be worth it to have a luthier do it? I'd imagine the difference between that and a preslotted nut would be pretty significant.

AND, if that's the rout I go, should I put a bone blank in the spot for the luthier to cut, or should I just cut a slot for the nut and let him have at it?

Thoughts, discussions, insults? I'm open to all!

Andy

[GregP]

Use a zero fret.

Sorry... just a joke with regards to another thread.

[terbo]

Actually, my next guitar will have a zero fret.. But, by the nature of this project, I can't do that...

Wow, fast reply...

Andy

[GregP]

I don't know what the "first" question that should be asked would be, but an important one somewhere along the way would be: do you have the tools for the job and/or the willingness to buy/make and learn the tools?

Greg

[terbo]

I have access to a lot of tools, and the willingness to use them, but not if it will be insanely difficult and my entire project will hinge on it. I have read that a nut is the difference between a guitar and a nice looking paddle.

Andy

[GregP]

Well, if it's any comfort:

1. blanks are cheap (at least compared to the overall project) so you can usually afford to screw a few up

2. even after making your own, and it doesn't sound or feel right, they can be removed with varying degrees of difficulty, but I can't imagine a situation in which it'd be "impossible" to remove it

3. At the end of the day, even though I myself would be hesitant to do it, for someone with a bit of skill and confidence, it still doesn't seem to be rocket science, and there are good tutorials out there to help you through it.

So, I guess what I'm saying is that nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Greg

[mledbetter]

Slotting a nut is usually a 20-40 dollar fee at our guitar stores. It's truly not rocket science.. but you do need to have the right tools. I have bought pre slotted the first few times because I don't have the 60 bucks to throw down on the file set.. But i will certainly do that as soon as I can free up the cash.

[Devon Headen]

I've done just fine without the specialty file set so far. I use a razor saw to lay out the spacing and get the depth close, then I use feeler gauge "saws" (feeler gauges with notches cut in the edges) to get just a hair about the right height, then I round up the bottom with a needle file and sand it up good.

[mledbetter]

I've done just fine without the specialty file set so far. I use a razor saw to lay out the spacing and get the depth close, then I use feeler gauge "saws" (feeler gauges with notches cut in the edges) to get just a hair about the right height, then I round up the bottom with a need file and sand it up good.

←

Cool.. I may just have to do that. What did you notch the feeler gauges with?

[Devon Headen]

I used the cutoff wheel on my dremel, but I've heard of some people filing it in.

[Doc]

For some nut material check your local countertop fabricator. If you want to make your own see if they'll cut you a strip off of a scrap piece of solid surface. (Corion is one brand). Most shops do some work with this stuff these days.

Takes a minute to set up a saw to the right setting and run a three foot scrap through. Comes in nifty colors too. I'll do something like that for a ten spot, so I image, will most other woodchucks.