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nut width

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 6:17 pm
by osgoor
I have a D model success kit and am starting to layout for the nut. First thing I noticed is that it is more than 1/4" too wide. I assume since these are generic that this is as it should be. My question is on the proper/best way to cut it down to the right size.

Thoughts?

Thanks

Re: nut width

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 6:39 pm
by ken cierp
Whoa Nelley!!! Stop the bus!

The nut blank is only about 5/16" to begin -- how can it be 1/4" too wide?

Something does not seem right -- As I mentioned you should have measured back along the fret board plane from the body joint using the center of the 14th fret (If I recall you asked me for clarification on this as well) The distance from the nut end of the FB to where the head-stock begins to slope is the width of the nut usually about .200" or so

Pictures are always a help to responders.

Re: nut width

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 6:46 pm
by ken cierp
To your specific question about how to size and shape the nut -- this should help, especially the little clamp to hold the bone while you file it down to size:

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/zerofret.html

Re: nut width

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 6:51 pm
by osgoor
kencierp wrote:Whoa Nelley!!! Stop the bus!

The nut blank is only about 5/16" to begin -- how can it be 1/4" too wide?

Something does not seem right -- As I mentioned you should have measured back along the fret board plane from the body joint using the center of the 14th fret (If I recall you asked me for clarification on this as well) The distance from the nut end of the FB to where the head-stock begins to slope is the width of the nut usually about .200" or so

Pictures are always a help to responders.

width maybe my other width :)

I did mean the leangth of the nut... Sorry to confuse.

Re: nut width

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 7:08 pm
by ken cierp
That's great news!

Re: nut width

Posted: Mon May 21, 2012 9:16 pm
by dave d
I just used my razor saw to trim it to length.

Re: nut width

Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 3:27 pm
by Tim Benware
I use one of these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/bench-top- ... 42307.html

Quick and saves up my old man energy reserve:)