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Besides aesthetics?

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

I used to have a PRS with a scalloped nut. Supposedly, the lack of nut material between the string slots improves downward transfer of string vibration through the nut to the neck by eliminating sideways dissipation of vibrational energy within the nut between the strings. I think the difference has got to be so infinitesimal that the scalloping is just aesthetic in practice.

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Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right - Robert Hunter

It looks nice, and is more work - therefore I can charge more....

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

And if you can make up an impressive line of B.S. like this you can charge as much as PRS.

Yep. Although PRS certainly wasn't the first.

You can also find examples of guitars with scalloped saddles.

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Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right - Robert Hunter

Weight. At the headstock a gram here and there can make a big difference in the guitar's balance. These details usually don't make a difference but they can add up. As for a scalloped saddle: changes in weight at the bridge can make a bigger difference in tone than pretty much anything else in my humble opinion.

If you were the first and only one to offer this, then you can capitalize on the persona of an esoteric artist and craftsman. Board the train too late and you risk just being seen just as following a dated fad. Then again, wishful engineering can still attract a surprising following if sold well.

Really though, it's an aesthetic. Actually it can be a very nice and graceful accent if paired well with the rest of the instrument's styling (or just as easily quite tacky if not placed and executed well).

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Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

Not convinced yet there is any other reason Doug.

Steve

I thought the Hi Fi lot could dream up some real sht but that idea has entered their league, although one would have to get even more creative to overtake them.

Makes the nut more prone to breaking so you can do more nut work for the customer...

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Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com

I've had Scalloped Taters , But never Scalloped Nuts !


Seems like excessive work for small returns , but then again I dont get massive prices for what I build

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There you go again, Wud! Making a mockery of a serious discussion. Ya beat me to it again!

Alex

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