non mm, but please help.

[skabassist13]

i have a very crappy LP knock off. made in japan its so crappy. but i really like it. im sure you all know how that goes. the only thing is the nut slot for the low E is pretty much broken off. theres enough left to keep the string on but just barely. because of this there is some serious string buzz on the lower frets. i want to replace it but ive never done it before. so i have a few questions. i know its not and mm but i need some help and i feel you guys are the best i know. what type of nut should i replace it with? how much is it gonna cost me? is it easy to replace? ive tottaly ripped apart my guitar and put it back together no sweat, so easy is a relative term. thanks for your help.
Travis

 

[OrangeChannel]

graphite nuts are good replacements. graphtech makes an lp slot sized one. email them if you have questions.

 

[Jimi D]

The hardest parts about installing a new nut are removing the old one (not too big a deal if they didn't glue it in) and cutting the grooves for the strings... getting the old one out can chip the finish on the side of the neck at the nut if you don't score it well before tapping the nut out, and grooving the thing is a fiddley pain in the butt, imho... I do everything on my own guitars except nuts and frets, and I'm happy to pay a pro for them to alleviate the almost certain frustrations I'd suffer trying to do it myself... my (notveryhelpful) 2¢

 

[skabassist13]

well thanks. i kinda got an idea of what im doing now. ill let you know how it goes when i get done.

 

[hbucker]

I agree with Jimi. If you're lucky enough to get a nut that has the slots cut perfectly then you might give it a try. Otherwise, you'll still need to take it to someone to have the slots filed to the proper depth.

In case you wanted to still try it yourself (there's a lot to be said for that since you can learn a lot working on "crappy" guitars) try this site:

www.stewmac.com

They are pretty good and have reasonable prices.

good luck