Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi,

I thought anyone here could help me with my question: I want to replace the nut on my 12-string from 1967, as the nut is cut too deep on one of the high E-strings and I get fretbuzz when the string is played open. I ordered a new 12-string nut from Rickenbacker, but when I look at it it appears that the radius of the new nut is somewhat bigger (the nut flatter) that the original one still on the guitar. If this is the case, is there any source where I can get a matching nut, or will I have to cut one myself? Thanks for any info on this topic,

Michael

The '67 has a crown radius of approximately 6"; the current 12er is about 9". Definitely flatter. I'd suggest taking it and the new nut to a competent local luthier. Have him shave the top of the new nut down to match your '67, and re-cut the string slots. It's the best way.

If it's only one string, and the high e string at that, have you tried the trick of filing some powder off the top of the nut, mixing it with superglue, applying it to the slot with a toothpick, and re-filing the nut slot as necessary? I did that to my 320 and it worked great. It preserves the originality of the guitar, and it actually makes a harder surface for the string for better tone, sustain and wear.

Filling just that one slot sounds like a good idea to me, I just don't know if I'll be able to fit the glue into that tiny slot. But I guess it's worth a try...

if you get liquid and not the gel it will go right in, superglue has this great creeping inside the open spaces and between fingers ability , instead of shaving the nut around to get something to glue there you could glue in the thinnest piece of black binding or plastic; it will be dry in about 20 minutes ...and don't forget to mask the area off and go easy with the superglue, when you're done cutting shave some graphite from the pencil led in the new slot...