ASS nut question

[steveh]

Hi - I was playing my daughters ASS the other day when I noticed the open G was buzzing. Putting pressure on the string behind the nut cured the problem so I assumed the nut slot needed a bit more of an acute angle. However, when settling down to attend to this today, I can see the nut is actually cracked in half (across the G slot), so it will need replacing. It's well out of warranty.

I fancy having a go at this myself so quick query - what material do you suggest? I know the newer guitars have a compensated nut but this is from a few years back. Doesn't look like bone to me although it could be. What about tusk? Anyone have any tales of replacing their nut (!) to relate?

I'm not aware of a good tech locally or I'd take it there, although ultimately I may have to end up doing that.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[beej]

One option to consider is sending it to EBMM for a new nut (and setup). Their bench rates are really reasonable and the work is top notch. I've sent many a guitar their way for work that would have cost me more locally.

 

[Slingy]

CS told me they use a type of melamine, but I had my guy install a bone one since he didnt have any readily available. You could also get an Earvana if you want the compensation, similar to what EB uses, but not exact.

 

[steveh]

Thanks for the replies thus far. I'm in the UK so sending it back to EBMM isn't a viable option.

I've been trawling the Web a bit and a preslotted nut (eg Tusq or Graphtech) looks attractive (ie I wouldn't have to buy files etc) but I'm assuming that the relatively narrow nut width on the ASS will preclude a nut that's made for a standard Amercan strat? I'll check the earvana out although I did have a Buzz-Feiten compensated guitar a few years ago and couldn't tell a blind bit of difference!

cheers,
Steve

 

[Jimmyb]

Have a word with the guys at Strings & Things on Monday. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

[Adamr]

strings and things might be able to help you . or send you to your local dealer who might be able to do it for you. u can probably get the correct component from cs in the states and strings and things might be able to get it for you.

 

[guitfiddle]

Steveh,

I suspect that you weren't using a tuner that has a Buzz Feiten setting built into it. A different (Buzz Feiten) tempered tuning is required. Compensated nuts and the Buzz Feiten system do work, and trust me if you tune it properly it will be a night and day difference. If you use a regular standard tuning you won't get the benefit from a Buzz Feiten setup. Get a Peterson tuner.

Good luck with your nut problem!

 

[steveh]

Have a word with the guys at Strings & Things on Monday. They should be able to point you in the right direction.

Quick update. I did exactly that and this morning got a brand spanking new nut, free of charge courtesy of Nick Clubb at Strings and Things.

What stellar customer service!

Sometimes you just need to do the real obvious thing!

Cheers,
Steve

 

[Jimmyb]

Cool!

Glad it worked out for you. Top blokes at S&T!