I am going to replace the nut on a cheap acoustic/electric guitar - anybody done that?

[old mark]

Is does not seem so hard - it is not a fancy installation, the nut is pre-cut (started, at least) and the correct size (bone).

mark

[kysrsoze]

1. Well, as long as you got the width alright, you should be OK.

I love to screw with electronics on a geetar, but you can fix your problems much easier if you're soldering than grinding a nut. You have to get the string width/depth right. Do you have the tools and the know-how to do that? If you think you can figure it out, knock yourself out - shouldn't be too expensive to replace if needbe. But if you feel the least bit apprehensive about it, I'd have a pro set it up for you.

[ProfessorGAC]

2. I've Done It

When i was teaching in a music store, i became really good friends with the owner, so i did a lot of repair work for him.

I've probably put about a dozen or so of these in.

If it's already the right width, it's really easy. Make sure you get the old glue really clean by using a very fine file. Best if it's triangular, so you can put the flat side against the bottom of the groove and minimize any gouging.

If you don't have one, get some really fine steel wool and just wrap it around a big nail. Then use that to get the surface clean.

Almost any glue will work, but i always used epoxy.

These days, i think the string grooves are usually very well machined, so you probably won't need to do much to those. We used to have a set of very tiny files that were all made to fit each of the 6 string grooves so that you could notch them pretty easily. But, if you just wrap your strings around the pegs, and then just lay them in there and hold the ball-end with your hand, you can see and feel if the fit is good. I'm guessing it will be.

If there is a little overhang (not exact right width), it's easiest to grind those off with a file. Bone doesn't resist steel very well! Put a little vaseline on the edge of the neck so if you slip you reduce the friction. This will make scratching the finish less likely. (Not a guarantee, though.)

Should be pretty easy for you. Good luck.
GAC

[here_is_to_hope]

3. NEVER use epoxy to afix a nut or anything else on

a guitar.
If the adhesive cannot be undone, do not use it.
A simple match head size dab of elmers will hold it in place.
I recently got a 1940 D28 from a customer for a neck reset. Needed to replace the bridge too but it had been epoxied to the sound board.
The guitar is worth 1/10th of what it should be.
Never do anything to a guitar that can't be undone.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Epoxy Can Be Removed

You just have to know how. There are solvent systems that can be assembled from things i can buy at any hardware store that will soften fully cured epoxides without harming the varnish on the guitar.

Trust me, not only do i know how to work on guitars, but my first advanced degree is in chemistry. So, i know how to use the chemicals, too.
GAC

[here_is_to_hope]

5. Not wanting to argue with you but

you do it your way, what works for you is not an accepted form of repair.
I would urge any one reading to NEVER use epoxy to affix any part to a guitar, especially any part that may need to be removed at some point in time.
I do not know of any Luthier who would use epoxy for anything but perhaps to fill a fretboard divot or a cracked bridge pin line on a guitar.
Those who do this for a living (me) would never, ever put anything in place on any stringed instrument using epoxy.
I don't work on imported guitars but if I did, not even those would get epoxy.
Hide glue or a simple dab of wood glue.
DMF, Acetone and other chemicals used to soften epoxy will eat any finish out here, be it shellac or a linked polymer.

Let's see, a chemical to soften epoxy which you then get to try and scrape off, perhaps ruining the finish, or a bit of heat and some water to remove a hide glued nut?
I will stick with what I was taught and what has worked for Centuries.

You can keep your many "advanced degree's".

Might look into getting one for common sense.

The nut takes very little to hold it in place when there is a good fit to the fingerboard and peghead. The string pressure alone will keep it in place.

Educate yourself...

http://frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Data/Materials/gluechart.html

[ProfessorGAC]

6. Not Arguing With You Either

Don't have the interest, nor do i care what you think. Someone asked for some simple advice. I proffered some, based upon the fact that i've done it myself.

You don't like my advice, i don't care.

And, making fun of someone's education makes me think you might be on the wrong site, Rush.
GAC

[here_is_to_hope]

7. Not on the wrong site...

I get it, you are one of those people who cannot be questioned.
And if you spout something that is then shot full of holes, you resort to
calling them 'Rush' and implying they may be on the wrong site...
The trouble with some of those who feel they have a 'higher education', you may be educated but that does not make you smart.
In fact, in your case, it has turned you into a close minded, my way or the highway asshole.

Enjoy your bitterness and contempt for those who can do what you cannot and should not be doing.


And please, stay away from Luthiery!