The nut of a guitar or any other string instrument is a hard piece of material that supports the strings where the headstock meets the fretboard. The resonating section of the string starts at the nut and ends at the saddle.
Nut Material: Bone, Synthetic, NuBone or TUSQ
Nuts are made of various materials, including plastic (Corian), bone, Graph Tech TUSQ and NuBone. Guitars equipped with a double-locking tremolo bridge are always fitted with what's called a locking nut, which clamps the strings in place for enhanced tuning stability. The material the nut is made of also influences the sound. Some musicians swear by the natural sound and resonance of a bone nut, while others prefer the consistent sound of synthetic material or brass for a warmer sound. One material isn't better than the other: picking out the right nut simply depends on personal preferences.
Picking a Nut: The Right Width for an Electric, Classical or Acoustic Guitar
Besides the material, the width is another important specification when it comes to finding the right nut for your guitar. It all depends on string spacing: electric guitars are usually equipped with a 42mm to 43mm-wide nut, while acoustic guitars have a 43-45mm nut and classical guitars have a nut that's anywhere between 43 and 52 millimetres wide. As such, always carefully measure your instrument before you pick out a replacement nut. Also, nuts come in slotted and non-slotted form, so with and without grooves. A blank nut will need be to filed with proper string distancing in mind, while slotted models come pre-filed. Again, always take careful measurements before you install any new nut.
Maintaining or Replacing a Nut
Since it guides and supports the strings, the nut is a guitar part that's essential for the tuning stability of the instrument. As soon as the strings start getting 'stuck' in the grooves, it becomes harder to keep the instrument in tune, which is when using a little lube or graphite can help, or you can decide to install a self-lubricating nut. Aside from the tuning stability, the nut also has an effect on the playability and sound of your instrument. If sits too high, the nut forces you to push down on the strings too hard, which isn't just tiring but makes your notes sound just a little off. If it sits too low, the nut will lead to string buzz and other noise. That being said, installing a new nut can be quite tricky, so if you're in doubt, make sure to have the job carried out by a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nuts for Stringed Instruments
What's TUSQ?
TUSQ is a synthetic material that's been developed and patented by GraphTech and gets formed under high pressure and heat. It's made of organic polymers, meaning it's completely free of oil and animal by-products, is a more consistent material than bone and offers a rich, harmonic sound.
Which nut do I need?
Always pay attention to the width, height and the material when you're picking out a new nut. Then, decide whether you want a slotted nut, a non-slotted nut without pre-filed grooves, or a blank nut you can fully customise.
