Graphtech Nut replacement

Here's a parkwood guitar with a nut that's been cut too low. For nut replacements, I like a dense material and Tusq nuts from graphtech fit the bill perfectly. Although Tusq nuts are usually precut, there's still a fair amount of work needed before the job can be completed. Here's how it turned out:



Parkwood by Cort



Here, you can see the G string slot is lower than my straight edge: fret buzz is imminent. For those DIYers you can check if your nut action is good here.



The nut is gently knocked out and the slot has some glue residue in it.



Nothing a sharp chisel can't take care of.



Using a nut seating file, the base is filed flat. I was skeptical about these nut seating files from stewmac until I succumbed to my geekiness. Can't do without them now.



Nut slot is squared out nicely and ready for Graphtech nut.



Graphtech nut basking in all it's glory - doesn't know that I'm about to kill it.



Quick check with the straight edge suggests I need to remove approximate 0.015" from the treble side and 0.020" on the bass side. This is just an approximation.



Nut is brought to the slaughter.



Nut base is cleaned up on my diamond sharpening stone which is a perfectly flat surface.



The meticulous prep work results in a good tight fit.



I got lucky, only the B string needed some filing. The rest of the strings had 'perfect' action.



Guitar is strung up and the Tusq nut has enhanced the tone overall, more treble and bass and a more 'cut through' tone.



Finally, for the geeks out there, the nut action measured 0.020" at the bass and 0.015" at the treble. It's the kind of nut action that most people like and if you like what you see, don't hesitate to email or call up the Maestro Guitar Hospital for an appointment.

regards,

KC