Modifying the nut

riffmeister · Post by **riffmeister** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 5:45 am

Hello, I just got a real nice 360V64/12. I want to lower the nut just a tad, it's a bit too much of a push to get notes fretted at the first fret. Are there any issues that I should be aware of when removing the nut? For example, is the nut partially held in place by the fretboard finish?

One final question, does anyone know where replacement nuts for the 12-string Rics can be obtained?

Thanks!

sneakers · Post by **sneakers** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:19 am

Serious stuff. I wouldn't suggest removing the nut because of the other things that could happen, like breaking it, chipping the finish, etc. Make sure that the string guages are correct for that instrument first. Heavier strings are harder to play. Is it all the strings, one, or some? It's costly, but I invested in some nut files of various thicknesses, corresponding with the diameter of each string. There are small files available at local hardware stores that you could use. I would definately file the slots instead of removing the nut. If absolutely necessary, go a little bit at a time. You don't want to get the slots too deep, and a little filing makes a BIG difference. I get all my nut material from stewmac.com. Good luck, be patient.

riffmeister · Post by **riffmeister** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 10:09 am

Thanks for your reply Joe.

The guitar is strung with the proper guage strings. It's really a distance issue, not a pressure issue.

I'd prefer to lower the nut by taking some off the bottom -- all the strings are a bit high, esp on the treble side. I've done this before on other guitars. The nut is made of Delrin, right?

Yeah, I should probably also get some files for fine-tuning. Is there a "luthier specialty shop" which sells them? I'll also check with the local hardware stores as you suggest.

dave4004 · Post by **dave4004** » Fri Oct 10, 2003 3:01 pm

I don't know whether the nut is bakelite or delrin. I agree with Joe about not removing a nut that's already in place. I suggest using feeler gauges to determine the first fret height, then stacking on another .005 feeler or whatever you wish, then marking that height on the nut and filing down to it.

If you just have a little bit to remove, you can use a roundwound string of the same diameter to file it down. Take care to maintain the slot shape.

You can buy nut files from Stewart-Macdonald, Luthier's Mercantile or Warmoth. Worth the investment, IMO.

riffmeister · Post by **riffmeister** » Sat Oct 11, 2003 5:49 am

Okay, I tried to remove the nut but it's pretty well glued in place.

Time to get some files!!!

Thanks everyone!