Compensated nuts versus Regular nuts

[stratamania]

I really like the compensated nut on the MM SM I have.

From a point of view of curiosity, could you retrofit an older MM with a compensated nut without altering the position of the nut slot ?

Conversely if someone wanted to swap out the compensated nut with a regular bone nut for example, would this also retrofit.

I know some other non MM systems involve part of the fretboard towards the first fret being removed to accommodate the nut, but this doesn't appear to be the case on the MM compensated nuts.

Does anyone have a definitive answer ?

Bonus question, what are the compensated nuts made from ?

 

[canuck6string]

If you get a chance, email your inquiry to Customer Service Monday for an official answer. Though I suspect a few of the members here have some first hand experience.

There are some threads floating around in the archives weighing the pros and cons of the compensated vs. bone/typical if you do a search.

 

[stratamania]

Thanks,

I'll see what other replies come in and contact Customer services if needed.

 

[DrKev]

From a point of view of curiosity, could you retrofit an older MM with a compensated nut without altering the position of the nut slot ?

Short answer - No. If you just stuck a compensated nut into a standard nut slot, the guitar would not play in tune.

Long answer - theoretically yes, but it would involve cutting and shaping a ledge into the underside of the front of the nut so that that part of the nut protrudes forward towards the first fret, and preferably radiused to rest on and be supported by the surface of the fretboard. And you'll probably have a gap behind it at the rear of the slot nut, which you may like filled.

Conversely if someone wanted to swap out the compensated nut with a regular bone nut for example, would this also retrofit.

Yes, ish. The exact nut position within the fret slot would have to be adjusted to assure optimum in-tune-ness, and there would be gaps before and possibly behind to be filled.

Bonus question, what are the compensated nuts made from ?

They used to be made from melamine. Not sure if that is still the case.

 

[stratamania]

Thanks DrKev, it is as i thought it might be but was hoping perhaps it wasn't.

I just bought a couple of spares just in case I ever need them. It set me to thinking about the possibilities.

 

[Steve Nukather]

I kind of prefer the traditional non-compensated nut.

 

[stratamania]

I kind of prefer the traditional non-compensated nut.

Ok, although the threads more about the technicalities of nut slot position relative to scale length and the first fret rather than preference.

 

[Squints]

Are these the same as the earvana nuts?

 

[DrKev]

Same basic concept, different execution. The compensation amounts for each string differ between them. I think EBMM did the much better job (though the Earvana nut is still better than a stock nut).

 

[Spudmurphy]

I retrofitted an Earvana nut onto a non MM guitar.