Ethan Clarke
A guitar nut is a small but important component of a guitar, sitting at the end of the fretboard closest to the headstock. It is usually made of plastic, bone, graphite, or ivory, and holds the strings in place, affecting the spacing and action of the strings. Over time, a guitar nut may become worn, chipped, or cracked, leading to string buzz, rattling, or tuning problems. Replacing a guitar nut is a routine procedure that can be done by many guitarists themselves, although it requires careful work and patience. This involves removing the old nut by gently prying or tapping it out, selecting a new nut of the correct shape and size, and securing it in place with glue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to replace a guitar nut | Worn slots, change in string gauge, complete breakage, need for different string spacing, dull sound, poor intonation, string buzz, cracks, string rattling, insufficient height, need to improve sustain |
| Tools required | Craft knife, fresh blade, mallet, small block of wood, abrasive paper, masking tape, narrow flathead screwdriver, hair dryer, sandpaper, nut file, superglue, wood glue |
| Materials for replacement nut | Wood, ivory, plastic, graphite, metal, Graph Tech’s Tusq (synthetic polymer), Slip-Stone (self-lubricating Delrin), bone |
| Steps to replace a guitar nut | 1. Remove all guitar strings. 2. Measure the height of the strings above the first fret. 3. Score around the nut with a craft knife to prevent chipping and breaking. 4. Place a small block of wood against the nut and gently tap it with a hammer to remove the nut. 5. Place a new, pre-slotted nut where the old nut sat. 6. Sand the new nut down to size if it is too tall or sticks out from the neck. 7. Secure the new nut with glue and let it dry. 8. Restring the guitar. 9. Adjust the guitar’s truss rod to match the previous string height. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a replacement nut
When choosing a replacement nut for your guitar, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the nut should be the same shape as the original one and as close as possible to the original's dimensions. It is better to choose a replacement that is slightly too big, as you can always sand it down to the right size.
Secondly, the material of the nut is important. Plastic nuts, for example, are inexpensive but can make your instrument sound duller. On the other hand, ivory nuts are expensive but give your guitar a richer sound. Other options include bone, which is affordable and easy to work with, and brass, which provides greater sustain and a low-to-mid-range boost for a weightier tone. You could also consider synthetic materials such as Graph Tech's TUSQ, which is a special polymer that lubricates the nut, or Slip-Stone, made from Delrin.
Thirdly, the brand and function of the nut should be considered. For example, Sintom's Zero Glide nuts completely replace your existing nut, and there is likely a model that will fit your guitar.
Finally, you will need to consider the size of the nut in relation to your guitar. Pre-cut nuts are often supplied very slightly oversized, so you will need to adjust the thickness and trim the ends to prevent overhang. You can use abrasive paper to adjust the nut until it fits snugly into its slot.
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Removing the old nut
First, remove all the guitar strings to access the guitar nut. This step will give you the space and flexibility needed to work on the nut. It is also a good opportunity to replace old or worn-out strings with new ones. Before removing the strings, use a ruler to measure the height of the strings above the first fret, as you will need this measurement later.
Next, use a craft knife with a fresh, sharp blade to carefully score around the guitar nut. This step is crucial for two reasons: it helps prevent the guitar's lacquer coating from sticking to the nut when you remove it, and it also reduces the risk of chipping or damaging the wood during the removal process. Take your time with this step, carefully tracing the finish around all the edges of the nut to ensure a clean release.
Now, you will need a small block of wood and a lightweight hammer. Rest the block of wood against the nut, and gently tap on the wood with the hammer to begin loosening the nut. If the nut is particularly stubborn, try rocking it back and forth in its slot to break any glue joints. You can also try using a hairdryer to heat up the area gently, being careful not to damage the finish on the neck of the guitar.
Once the nut is loose, you may be able to use a narrow flathead screwdriver to carefully prise it out from its slot. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding wood or finish.
Finally, inspect the slot where the nut was placed. If there is any remaining glue or residue, carefully remove it with a suitable solvent or gentle abrasion. Ensure the slot is clean and dry before proceeding with the installation of the new nut.
Remember to take your time during the removal process and be cautious to avoid any damage to your guitar. With patience and attention to detail, you will successfully remove the old nut and be one step closer to enjoying an improved playing experience on your instrument.
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Shaping the new nut
Firstly, it is important to select a replacement nut that closely matches the original in terms of shape and dimensions. It is advisable to choose a slightly larger nut as you can always sand it down to achieve the perfect fit. Once you have your new nut, place it where the old nut was and examine how it fits. If the new nut is too tall or its edges protrude from the neck of the guitar, you will need to sand it down gently. Use 800 or 1000-grit sandpaper for this purpose, ensuring that you only sand down the areas that need adjustment. Be cautious and take your time during this step, as excessive sanding can lead to an uneven or ill-fitting nut.
If your new nut is a pre-slotted drop-in replacement, it may only require minimal adjustments. However, if you are working with a Fender-style neck, pay attention to whether you need a replacement nut with a flat or curved bottom. The thickness of the nut may also need adjustment to ensure a snug fit in its slot. You can use abrasive paper fixed to a work surface with masking tape to refine the nut's thickness. This process allows you to gradually adjust the nut until it fits perfectly into its designated slot.
In addition to thickness, you may need to adjust the height of the slots within the nut. This can be done by carefully sanding the bottom of the nut. It is crucial to work slowly and with precision when making these adjustments, as the nut's slots play a vital role in string spacing and action. The slots should be deep enough to allow the strings to clear the first fret when played open, while still allowing for easy fretting.
Once you are satisfied with the fit and adjustments of your new nut, it is time to secure it in place. Apply a small amount of wood glue or superglue to the underside of the nut and carefully seat it into its slot. Be cautious not to drop the nut too far down, as this can cause the open strings to buzz against the first fret. Take your time during this final step, as gluing the nut securely is essential for maintaining the guitar's sound and playability. Allow the glue to dry completely before restringing your guitar.
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Installing the new nut
Once you are happy with the size, secure the new nut with wood glue or superglue. Place two small dabs of glue on the underside of the nut and seat it in the slot. Be careful not to drop the nut too far down into the slot, as this can cause the open strings to buzz against the first fret. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours, then restring your guitar.
After installing the new nut, you can adjust your guitar's truss rod to ensure the strings are the same height as they were with the original nut.
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Restringing the guitar
Restringing a guitar is a routine procedure that can be done by many guitarists themselves. It is important to note that the guitar strings should be replaced if they are old or damaged. Here is a step-by-step guide to restringing a guitar:
Firstly, remove the old guitar strings. Loosen the tension of each string using the tuning keys and unwind them from their posts. Pull out the bridge pins that hold the strings in place at the bottom of the guitar with a pair of needle-nose pliers, and then remove the strings. It is recommended to measure the height of the strings above the first fret before removing them, so that you can adjust the new strings to the same height later.
Next, clean the old strings if you plan on reusing them. You can also use a graphite pencil to colour in the string slots on the nut, making it easier to guide the strings into the correct slots when restringing.
Now, you can begin the process of restringing. Put the bottom ends of the strings back into the bridge and secure them with the bridge pins. Wind the top ends of the strings around the tuning posts. Ensure that the strings are tight and tuned to the correct pitches.
Finally, check the height of the strings by pressing down on the third fret of the top string. There should be a small gap between the string and the first fret, ideally about 0.25 mm or 0.01 inches. Adjust the truss rod of the guitar if necessary to achieve the correct string height.
It is important to note that the process of restringing a guitar may vary slightly depending on the type of guitar and the specific design of the nut. Additionally, some guitars may have different stringing procedures, such as for the octave G string on a 12-string guitar, where the string must be wound from the top moving downward to avoid tuning issues.
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Frequently asked questions
A guitar nut is the plastic/bone/graphite component that sits at the end of your fretboard, closest to the headstock. It holds the guitar strings in place.
Plastic nuts are inexpensive but can make your instrument sound duller. Replacing a plastic nut with a denser material such as bone can improve the tone and increase sustain.
You can replace your plastic guitar nut with bone, graphite, or man-made ivory (Tusq). Bone is denser than plastic and offers better sustain and tuning stability. Graphite is self-lubricating and provides greater tuning stability. Tusq is credited with improved sustain.
First, remove all the guitar strings. Then, use a craft knife to score around the nut to prevent the guitar's lacquer coating from sticking to the nut when you remove it. Gently tap a small block of wood against the nut with a hammer to remove it.
Place the new nut where the old nut sat. If it's too tall or the edges stick out, sand it down with 800- or 1000-grit sandpaper. Secure the new nut with wood or super glue and let it dry for 24 hours before restringing your guitar.
