The nut is the small piece at the top of the neck that holds the strings in place. If it’s not cut right, it can make the guitar hard to play, cause buzz on open strings, or make tuning frustrating. TuneUp Guitar in Redding replaces and adjusts nuts on guitars, basses, mandolins, and banjos.
Signs of a nut problem
- Strings ping or stick when tuning. The string binds in the slot and jumps in pitch.
- Hard to play near the first fret. Slots cut too high make chords near the nut tough to press.
- Open strings buzz. Slots worn or cut too low let the string hit the first fret.
- Out of tune chords near the nut. High slots pull notes sharp.
- Cracked or chipped nut.
- Strings pop out of the slots.
- Changing string gauge. Heavier strings may not fit in old slots.
What a nut replacement includes
- Removing the old nut without damaging the finish
- Shaping a new nut to fit the slot and neck
- Cutting string slots to the right width, depth, and spacing
- Lubricating the slots for smooth tuning
- Restringing and checking playability
Nut materials
We install bone, synthetic, and graphite nuts. Bone is a solid all around choice, synthetic materials are consistent and affordable, and graphite is slick for guitars with a tremolo.
Part of a bigger picture
A new nut works best with a well adjusted guitar. Many players pair it with a guitar setup. If your guitar won’t stay in tune, also check tuner replacement. If you only have trouble with string height, an action adjustment might be all you need.
Bring it in
Nut work is done at our shop on Redcliff Drive in Redding and usually takes a day or two. Players come in from all over the Redding area.
Guitar Nut Replacement questions
What's the best nut material?
Bone is a common, reliable choice. Synthetic and graphite nuts work well too, and graphite can help strings slide on guitars with a tremolo. We'll recommend what fits your guitar and budget.
Can you just adjust my current nut instead?
Sometimes. If the slots are only too high, we can lower them. If they're cut too low, cracked, or worn out, a new nut is the fix.
Will a new nut change my tone?
It can slightly, mostly on open strings. The bigger difference is usually better tuning stability and easier playing near the nut.