Author Topic: Looking to upgrade my guitars's nuts (Read 1543 times)

Machek · « **on:** February 19, 2008, 10:47:55 AM »

Hi guys,

Im' looking forward to upgrade this cheap litlle plastic bit that serves as my LP's nut... Apparently this will make a difference.

I already used the search function, and i narrowed it down to two better materials: Bone and Tusq... (earvana looks a bit too complex for me... I play in a rock band :lol: )
From what a bunch of you guys said, bone is slightly better than tusq, but tusq is also quite good... so i got round to buy one of these, and went to a shop in Pigalle...
Results: Both are quite cheap, but tusq is already made whereas the bone one is a raw square of bone that still has to be shaped, cut, sanded etc...

Well I don't have the tools to shape a bone nut, and having it made + installed will cost a bit too much... plus i sort of understood that sanding it smells horridly bad :lol:

So there are my questions: is the bone nut so superior (to the tusq one) that it justifies the supplement? Or should just don't bother and go for the already shaped tusq one (that i'd still might have to sand a bit here and there for adjustment anyway)?
Then: Is the nut changing a complex operation? delicate? can i do it myself? Any tips? or should i just pay another 50eur to have it changed?

Mr Ed · « **Reply #1 on:** February 19, 2008, 10:58:14 AM »

The term "nut" is always funny. Sorry that's no help at all.

Machek · « **Reply #2 on:** February 19, 2008, 11:24:06 AM »

Yeah that's kind of why, i felt a bit forced to put the words "guitars's" in my title.... :lol:

WezV · « **Reply #3 on:** February 19, 2008, 11:32:00 AM »

stick with the tusq - but be aware it will still need some fitting, every guitar is different!!

i prefer bone but bone only works well when it is well cut... and that takes the proper tools

Dazza1004 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 19, 2008, 11:34:50 AM »

go earvana, made a huge difference on my LP with respect to chords sounding a lot more in tune.

Not sure I could go back to a regular nut on it now.

Philly Q · « **Reply #5 on:** February 19, 2008, 11:36:13 AM »

And presumably Tusq has the advantage of being more consistent?

I guess with bone, like wood, you can get good bits and bad bits.

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #6 on:** February 19, 2008, 01:07:40 PM »

Earvana do an easy drop in version of the nut
2 versions available 42mm wide and 43mm wide (and also available in black)
It's called the shelf nut and is easier to instal - made from the same stuff as Tusq
The slots still need cutting carefully to height
Costs £20 currently (plus P&P)
Havent got them on ebay yet but PM me if you want one

Machek · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2008, 03:23:03 PM »

Hey! Cool stuff! Thanks Jonathan!

in my great stupidity i did't even exactly measured my neck width, which can be useful when you're thinking about changing your (guitar's!) nut...

I'll definitely come back to you, cause i wanted to go earvana first but then it seemed a little too complex, but this seems to be the deal...
Is this shape made for LPs-like guitars? Is it tuned for a specific tuning? or does it doesn't matter?

Thanks again!