Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi everyone--

I have a few mother of pearl nut blanks and was considering using one for a 1979 HD-28 and was curious if anyone had ever used one before? If so, can I expect a significantly different sound for the open strings than bone? Also, I hear a lot about MOP dust being toxic... any special precautions I should take? Thank you to everyone in advance!

John

I personaly would not consider a mop nut a "good" upgrade on a dred.

MOP dust is not toxic that I know of but can cause a lung condition. There is a name for it I can not recall but it is similar to asbestos poisoning...WEAR PROTECTION!

John, it's a good idea to wear a respirator while working with MOP. You can also use a shopvac with a good HEPA filter to capture the dust.

As for the sound, I'd say just go for it and see for yourself. Just make a bone nut if you don't like it. Let us know how it turns out!

_________________
Mike

"The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh." The Stranger

John, I wish I could help you on this but I've never tried it.
I would just give it a try and see how you like the sound.
I know they are used on banjo and mandolins for a brilliant,crisp
sort of tone. I haven't heard one on a guitar , yet.
Let us know how it sounds.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Go for it. On the dust take percussions and use a vac system. It is pretty simple to will make it safe to work with. MOP is denser and harder than Abalone and does not put off as light of dust. Therefore is some what less of a health risk than abalone. But in either case it is a accumulative risk not a short term exposure risk. Like coal dust it will clog and cut the lining of your lungs leading to silicosis.

Just takes a particulate dust mask to eliminate the hazard.