Discussion: How the nut can be checked

General

The nut is located at the top end of the fret board at the point where the fret board joins the head stock. The purpose of the nut is to position the strings in the correct spacing from each other from the fret board edge and at the correct height above 1st fret. The precision of the nut is a prerequisite for perfect playability and comfortable action, especially with unfretted or ‘open’ strings. The notches guide the strings without choking them during tuning.

Checking the notches

Strings must be at the correct clearance above the 1st fret. To determine this, fret each string with your ring finger at the 3rd fret and simultaneously lightly tap the string with your index finger at the 1st fret, checking the gap between string and 1st fret (see diagram). The gap should be the thickness of a business card. After a while your eye will focus more readily on the affected area and you will be able to assess the gap more easily.

Correcting the nut

For technical reasons, a correction of the nut will not be possible for you. However, should your guitar’s nut require adjustment, please contact [email protected] for assistance. Unlike a bridge insert, nuts cannot be delivered for fitment by the player since each one is uniquely finished for its guitar. For this reason, the correction or exchange of a nut requires a luthier‘s expertise.

Problems and questions

1. A deviation is detected when checking the nut.
   Answer: please contact [email protected]
2. The nut has come loose during restringing.
   Answer: The nut is simply held in place by means of a small amount of wood glue. You can refix it into the correct position by means of a drop of glue, taking care to place it centrally and hard against the fret board.
3. What is the material from which a guitar nut is made?
   Answer: Argentinian bleached cattle bone.
4. What can be done about strings which catch in the nut during tuning?
   Answer: depending on string gauge and composition, strings can catch in the nut grooves. This can be reduced by rubbing the offnding groove with graphite  (pencil lead).
5. Some strings rattle when played open. What has happened?
   Answer: Over time, the grooves have been deepened due to repeated tuning. The nut must be repaired or replaced. As the nut is wearing part, this is not covered by the warranty.