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How do I replace a nut..?
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Author:  harv [ Sat Jun 08, 2013 12:38 pm ]
Post subject:  How do I replace a nut..?

I was a bit of a dozy bugger when stretching my strings when replacing them and smacked the top E string right on the edge of the gap where the string sits and damaged it. Leaving it sounding like a sitar when played open lol oops_sign

I've now had a new nut delivered, pulled out the old nut with a pair of pliers without doing any damage but now can't get the new one in there. I can squeeze in the edge of it, either the top E end or the bottom E end but can't get it in any further. It's a real tight fit!

What do I do..? Hit it with a hammer or something..? It's a Graphtec nut which I'm guessing is made of graphite but the thing is very fiddly and have no tools to file it down if it needs it. Will hitting it with a hammer damage the neck or nut..? Should I file it down..? File the hole that it sits in so that there's more room for it..?

I don't have a clue what I'm doing, any help will be very much appreciated. [uncle]

Author:  dzsmith [ Sat Jun 08, 2013 2:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How do I replace a nut..?

Hey Harve,
I'd try filing the slot the nut sits in. Could be some left-over glue in it.
dan

Author:  the Padma [ Sat Jun 08, 2013 9:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How do I replace a nut..?

File? Sandpaper? Vaseline? laughing6-hehe

Author:  George L [ Sun Jun 09, 2013 1:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: How do I replace a nut..?

I'm not sure I'm following you correctly but you need to adjust the nut material to fit the slot, not the other way around. This may be stating the obvious, but do NOT file or sand the leading edge of the fingerboard, as that risks messing up the intonation. I can't think of any reason to ever use a hammer on a guitar.

Author:  B. Howard [ Sun Jun 09, 2013 4:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: How do I replace a nut..?

George L wrote:
I can't think of any reason to ever use a hammer on a guitar.


I Use one to put frets in......

As for the nut, yes make the nut fit the slot not the other way around.

Author:  Corky Long [ Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: How do I replace a nut..?

I'd take some 220 and some 400 sandpaper, find a very flat, hard surface and sand the nut down a little bit, testing the fit often.

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