Taylor Nut Replacement

[DungBeatle]

I have a Taylor steel string acoustic that I brought to a luthier to replace the nut (1 7/8"). The replacement nut was not cut correctly, so I plan to do it myself. I'm no luthier but I have some wood working skills. Can someone point me to the right video or web page that would provide me with this information?
~Bob

[YamahaGuy]

I just ruined my Taylor finish on the headstock. I tried scoring it, but sadly the veneer overlay splintered. If the nut is finished (with lacquer) be sure to score it with an exacto knife before knocking the old one out.

[DungBeatle]

Originally Posted by YamahaGuy

I just ruined my Taylor finish on the headstock. I tried scoring it, but sadly the veneer overlay splintered. If the nut is finished (with lacquer) be sure to score it with an exacto knife before knocking the old one out.

Thanks, I'll be sure to do that!
~Bob

[DungBeatle]

So nut files are rather expensive. Any recommendations?
~Bob

[Melt in the Sun]

I'm about to bite the bullet and get a set of Grizzly T25458 (Uo-Chikyu). You first, let me know how it goes!

[Fathand]

The uo-chikyu nut files are a bit cheaper ordered from Plaza Japan , https://www.plazajapan.com/search-results/?q=uo+chikyu

I finally broke down and bought a set but didn't save as much as I expected because I got dinged $20 for duty, still cheapest place to get them to Canada.

For doing 1 or 2 guitars, I would just get a cheap rhombus file or set of needle files and finish them off with torch tip cleaners.

https://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Rhomb...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...-set-4614.html

[phavriluk]

Does Taylor offer rough-shaped nuts so that the slots start out in the right place?

[DungBeatle]

Originally Posted by Melt in the Sun

I'm about to bite the bullet and get a set of Grizzly T25458 (Uo-Chikyu). You first, let me know how it goes!

https://www.grizzly.com/products/uo-...QaApX6EALw_wcB

$79.97

I can afford that! Thanks!
~Bob

[DungBeatle]

Originally Posted by phavriluk

Does Taylor offer rough-shaped nuts so that the slots start out in the right place?

I purchased two non-slotted but pre-shaped 1 7/8" nuts from Taylor.
~Bob

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by DungBeatle

I have a Taylor steel string acoustic that I brought to a luthier to replace the nut (1 7/8"). The replacement nut was not cut correctly, so I plan to do it myself. I'm no luthier but I have some wood working skills. Can someone point me to the right video or web page that would provide me with this information?
~Bob

A good place to get started on just about any luthiery project is Frank Ford's excellent Frets.com website:

Making A New Nut

Also check Mirwa's "How To" page before diving into just about anything:

Mirwa's "How To" Series

[DungBeatle]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

A good place to get started on just about any luthiery project is Frank Ford's excellent Frets.com website:

Making A New Nut

Also check Mirwa's "How To" page before diving into just about anything:

Mirwa's "How To" Series

Thanks! Checked them out. Looks easy enough to me.
~Bob

[CharlieBman]

Just be very careful filing the nut slots to their "desired" height. Most luthiers can tell you they've learned the hard way. Just an extra file stroke or two can leave you with a buzzing string when played open. Then your options are to fill in the slot with a mixture of superglue and bone dust, or start over from scratch. I prefer the latter. Take your time. Cut, test, cut, test, etc...always cutting a little less than you think you should. Good luck!

[Rudy4]

Here's a guide for setting slot depth that I've posted about a million times...

The MusicNomad diamond string slot files are very nice, available at Sweetwater and many other retailers. I did them for years with a small hobby back saw for initial sizing and refining the slots with 220 sandpaper fitted over the back saw blade.

[DungBeatle]

Originally Posted by CharlieBman

Just be very careful filing the nut slots to their "desired" height. Most luthiers can tell you they've learned the hard way. Just an extra file stroke or two can leave you with a buzzing string when played open. Then your options are to fill in the slot with a mixture of superglue and bone dust, or start over from scratch. I prefer the latter. Take your time. Cut, test, cut, test, etc...always cutting a little less than you think you should. Good luck!

Thanks! I'll be careful. I'll try to save the dust!
~Bob

[Mbroady]

Give Bob Colosi a call and he can cut you a nut for a lot less then the cost of just one good file.

https://www.guitarsaddles.com/