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Buffalo Horn nuts and saddles... opinions?
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Author:  Dave_E [ Mon Apr 27, 2009 7:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Buffalo Horn nuts and saddles... opinions?

Hi All,

There is a guy on e-bay selling nothing but buffalo horn nuts, saddles and pins. Has anyone ever used it for nuts and saddles? I've used pins before, that's no biggie. I quit using ivory because I think it's to soft and expensive, tusq muffles my Martin pfft so I'm not using that on my guitars. The "amber" buffalo horn is pretty looking, he has black and polished white also. Would like to hear from someone that has tried it and what you think. Thanks.

Dave

Author:  David Newton [ Mon Apr 27, 2009 8:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Buffalo Horn nuts and saddles... opinions?

If ivory is too soft for you, horn is softer.
Horn grows in layers, and it seems the layers don't stick together, they sort of de-laminate after a while.

This is just my experience in cutting up some water buffalo horn into guitar picks and seeing them crack and delaminate after a short time. Could be an experienced horn guy would know how to pick the better material.

I wish it were stronger, I do like the look of the amber-clear stuff.

Author:  old man [ Mon Apr 27, 2009 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Buffalo Horn nuts and saddles... opinions?

I used black buffalo horn on the twins I made for my sons three years ago. Nuts, saddles and pins. (I use a zero fret so no wear problem on the nut). After three years os play I see NO wear at all. They are plenty hard and sound mighty fine. I will use them again. Of course, there could very well be different qualities of material and some might be softer than others.

Ron

Author:  Dave_E [ Tue Apr 28, 2009 5:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Buffalo Horn nuts and saddles... opinions?

Thanks Ron,

Mighty fine looking twins there BTW! [:Y:]

Author:  Bill Hodge [ Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Buffalo Horn nuts and saddles... opinions?

I replaced a broken nut for a friend of mine on an Epiphone EA-260 Hollow Body Bass that was made in the mid 70's, with a black buffalo horn nut. He loves it! It's holding up fine under the load of the strings on a 4 String Bass so far. Don't know if I'd use it on a commission type guitar but over time I might change my mind if they prove beneficial.

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