I do love the way my L-09 sounds. I was told by Larrivee that the saddle is bone and the nut is probably TUSQ.

I have trouble with my G string (yeah, I know :rolleye:). It often grabs when I tune. TUSQ is supposed to self-lubricate. Could that mean that mine is bone? Or just TUSQ that needs adjusting?  So Confusing.

I see texture and tool marks on the bone saddles I have, and I think I detect some tool marks on the nut where I can see. The nut is not finished over, so slides out of position if I don't take care when I string, but I haven't tried to remove it.

Any tips on how to tell without dismantling or scarring the parts.

I don't expect bone nuts to sound much different from TUSQ nuts, but I like to know what I have. Nuts!
Am I nuts?

You can tell if it is bone or plastic by sanding it a bit and sniffing it.

Thanks, GA-ME. I'll have to wait to try that next time I restring.

I have never looked at anything TUSQ that I knew was TUSQ. Is it that similar to bone? Color, texture? Is it tooled like bone or molded? You do your own work so fill me in. Thanks! :donut

Get a safety pin,heat it up to red hot and stick it in the side of the nut.If it goes in it Tusq,if it does not well then its bone.Either way if its pinging when you tune it up have it opened a pinch.

I read you can drag the old string in the slot to open it up. Does that work, or is there a better way?
I would rather not buy luthier files!

Quote from: cke on December 07, 2009, 06:58:54 PM
I read you can drag the old string in the slot to open it up. Does that work, or is there a better way?
I would rather not buy luthier files!

Yes, I've done that, and it helps. It also helps to add some pencil lead/graphite or other lubricant to the slot after you've run the string through it a few times.

File's are really the way to go.All Parts has a nice set of 3 files 6 edges.Not sure how much it is but for me its got to be the rite tool best outcome senario.

Hey Unclrob!

You are  a real tech. So how dangerous it this to do myself?  I have a small amount of skill and daring when it comes to something that is easy to replace. I think I actually have TUSQ. Does the file cut across and down or can I confine the cut to widening only?  I presume I should follow the existing contour, or should I try to "flare?"

Sorry to ask so much, but I get curious + I want to do it right.

Thanks

The nice thing about working on a (guitar!) nut is that, if (when?) you mess it up, it's easy to start over and make a new one. They only cost a few dollars, so it's a cheap way to learn a new skill.

One of the mistakes folks make is leaving too much bone/Tusq/"meat" on the top of the nut. It should not be taller than the top of the strings when they sit in the string slots...and really, the bass strings (E, A, D) should sit part way to half way above the top of the nut when they're in the slot. Having the nut the right shape (height) when you cut the string slots makes it easier to shape them and get them done right. It takes time to get the height and shape of the nut right, but this is half the battle, trust me, and makes it much easier to cut the nut slots...and it takes a LOT less time, because you're not having to remove that much more bone or nut material when you cut the slots.

Also, when you get done cutting the nut slots, you may not be done...because you may find that you have to lower the slots a little more than you are comfortable in order for the action to be correct (low enough) at the nut and on the first few frets.  You'll know if it's too high because 1) the guitar won't play in tune, and 2) after playing on the first few frets for a short time, your fingers will be sore, and it will be uncomfortable - it will feel like a cheap guitar. So one at a time, and slowly and carefully (taking off just a little more bone in each slot) you will need to lower the strings until the action feels right (but does not buzz on the first fret). 

Some folks use feeler gauges to measure the string height at the nut, I "eyeball" it, and keep comparing the action over the first fret of each open string to the action over the second fret with the string pressed down at the first fret...they should be very close, with perhaps just a hair more space over the first fret with the string "open".

I've had to lower the action at the nut on almost every guitar I've ever had, including my Larry D-03, and after the tech cut a bone nut for it, I lowered the E, B, G and D strings just a little more to get them right (for me).

 :+1: Mikeymac .Yes you can just widen,the file has a downward cutability and also side cutability.It take's some practice but if your handy its fairly easy.Just remember a pinch{which is a lot less then a little}at a time.As always you can always call me,I can talk you thru it.Remember that Tusq is softer then bone so always be gentle,no rippin into it.

Thanks all of you. The Forum is a great :bowdown: :cheers place!

Quote from: unclrob on December 07, 2009, 11:36:28 PM
File's are really the way to go.All Parts has a nice set of 3 files 6 edges.Not sure how much it is but for me its got to be the rite tool best outcome senario.

Another option (suitable for slight "cleanup" of slots like this) is a set of Welding tip cleaners.

http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=STC-KTC

Either the standard or king will have the right sizes for guitar.  I wouldn't want to do a whole nut from scratch with one of these but like I say, for cleanup and minor adjustments, they are just what the doctor ordered.  And, for a non-luthier, they are affordable.  One other thing, they don't take much off per stroke which is a good thing.  It's a lot easier to take more off than it is to put some back.

Ed

Thanks all of you. Great help. I may someday actually take the advise, but I made a decision to take it to my luthier. He just finished fixing up my old Goya and did a fabulous job. I am having him repair a finish chip on my L-09 next week and so he will do a touch up on the nut then.

Still, I get absorbed (obsessed?) with detail and want to know as much as I can about whatever I am into - I may try making a nut sometime - if I decide I can justify buying a set of tools! That translates to a lot of strings or a saving fund for  more gits! And somewhere in the back of my mind it seems  there are some other things and considerations in life than music...

BTW I determined that the nut is ... TUSQ. No biggie of course.  Someday I may try to make a nut that spaces more like 1 13/16  to accommodate my chunky fingers. Might be fun ... :thumbsup