RM 1998 Nut question

[Dasher]

Hi Guys
Although I registered my guitar back in the early days - in 1999 - this is the first time I've actually posted. I've had my '64 1998 (DA96) since September '75. I've never, ever had to have work done but that is about to change. In the period before I acquired it I think that the nut had been changed. The nut is made out of what looks like rosewood (as in the fretboard) but with the grain on its end. The last section, between the top "E" and the ether has finally succumbed and snapped through. I need a nut replacement doing, but want to get back to as close to the original as possible. Can someone (a) tell me what the nut was made of on this guitar and (b) post me a picture if possible. I've seen the pictures posted on the register of one only two numbers away from mine - looks like ebony but difficult to tell - nor do I know if this is original.
Thanks
David

[doctorwho]

Welcome, David!

Someone more knowledgeable will respond, but FWIW I believe that the nuts were made of Bakelite (plastic) and not ebony (wood).

[Dasher]

Thanks Gary - Bakelite would make sense - the one on the register image is definitely black.

[jps]

Welcome, David!

Here is a photo showing the nut on my '67 330, they are bakelite, some I think were made from Delrin, or similar, but those are usually white, not black.

[cjj]

Welcome to the RRF David!

Yes, if it's black, it's bakelite, according to John Hall, the CEO of RIC:

The only Delrin we've ever used is white; if it's black and not aftermarket, it's polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride. Er, bakelite.

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=386149#p682958

[Dasher]

Thanks Jeffrey, CJ - Bakelite it is then - certainly not the wood that has been on there for at least the last 36 years!
Time for a replacement!

David

[Dasher]

Got the nut sorted today, A major thanks is due to Robbie at Rickysounds for dropping everything at a moments notice and performing surgery there and then!

The rest of the patient got a thorough check over too - it's first in a long long time. It's now back in good health with all the proper grommets and screws too.
Thanks Robbie!

[jps]