Nut Replacement

Guitar 6 string Premade (graphtech preshaped) $50 + Setup + Cost of nut if I am supplying it (usually around $20)

Bass 4 string preamde (graphtech preshaped) $40 + Setup + Cost of nut if I am supplying it (usually around $20)

Custom 6 string from a blank $105 + Setup Plus $20 for bone blank

Other options available for other instruments including 12-string, mandolin ect

Why should I replace the nut of my guitar?

Nuts should be replaced if:

They are made of an inferior material, that causes binding or tuning stability issues.

If the nut has slots that are cut too deep. A slot that is cut too low can be filled, and reshaped, but should only be used as a temporary fix.

If the nut is damaged, and the damage affects its function.

If the player wishes to adjust the spacing of the strings.

Do I need a custom nut?

Most of the time, a premade nut blank, either of bone or Graph Tech, can be found and implemented. However, on rarer guitars, extended range guitars, or guitars with multiple scale lengths (fanned frets) a custom nut will have to be shaped and installed.

What is the best nut material?

My own personal preference has always been graph tech. It is hard wearing, self lubricating, and blanks are made in a multitude of shapes. Natural bone is a close runner up and is perfect for vintage guitars to keep the ascetic intact. I do not like brass for a nut material as it causes binding. On fretless basses, I like using ebony as an aesthetic choice, but also because it makes the open notes sound more like finger notes. On guitars with zero frets, nut material is much less of a concern. On the instruments I build, I use a zero fret with a wooden nut.