changing nut size

[stevepaulson]

Can I change the nut size on my guitar from 1 11/16 to 1 3/4?

[donh]

Sure!

But it will look a bit weird with the nut hanging out over the guitar neck like that.

[duluthdan]

Yes, it can be done - I've played 2 Martin D-35 that had this modification, but remember, the neck doesn't widen along with the nut, and you will lose space.

[tonelit]

It can be done but you probably will not like the result. The high E string will likely off the fretboard very easily and there will be general problemswbuth string spacing.

[Westy]

Originally Posted by stevepaulson

Can I change the nut size on my guitar from 1 11/16 to 1 3/4?

Have a look and see how much space to the edge of the fingerboard there is already and if it appears there is a bit more than you need you could probably get a luthier to cut and fit a custom nut that has a bit more space for you.

cheers

[Ned Milburn]

Originally Posted by stevepaulson

Can I change the nut size on my guitar from 1 11/16 to 1 3/4?

If there is a good luthier in your area, you should be able to have a custom nut made with custom string spacing based upon your needs/desires (tight or wide spacing), shifted towards the low E string edge of the fingerboard or mid-spaced as desired, and string spacing measured centre to centre or distance between strings.

Point is, getting a custom nut done for you lets you choose all the variables. It is fine work so it is best to find someone who understands it fully and can execute well.

Are you aiming for a wider string spacing??

[Lakedaisy]

You didn't mention your purpose, but I'm guessing you want more string spacing. I think you may have misstated putting a 1 3/4" nut on a 1 11/16 neck. As already mentioned, the nut will be wider than the neck. Again, I'm guessing, but believe you meant to ask if you could put 1 3/4" string spacing on a 1 11/16" neck.

- The difference in string spacing on my 1 3/4 and 1 11/16 guitars is the 1/16" you would expect. I don't think the 1/16" you will gain - over the 5 string spacings is going to help. As already mentioned, you may find the 'e' strings fall off the fret too easily.

- You can't easily widen (not very practical) the string width at the saddle. So the 1/16 you gain at the nut will be nill at the 12th fret.

Not worth the cost of a new nut in my opinion. However, if you were making a new nut anyway, then why not widen it a hair? Just my thoughts.