What nut material for my "new" acoustic?

Rizo · June 13th, 2006, 09:16 PM

I applogise if this has been discussed before but the sreach function turned up little so here goes...

I just picked up a Guild D-25. I had been looking for a nice(r) acoustic than what I'm used to and was trying to get rid of my Blues Junior, so I traded it and some cash for a beautiful 1980 D-25 and killed two birds. I really like it too...

I got a decent deal on it because of some changed parts. Upgraded tuners are a plus too me, but the changed nut is not as it's graphite (why do you need this on an acoustic exactly?) and looks out of place. Anyway, I'm going to have the nut replaced. What are the pros and cons of the different common nut matierals? Think of this as tusq vs. bone vs. corion vs. other, etc. Is there are website somewhere that compares and contrasts them as far as tone's concerened? If not does anyone have any recomendations?

Rob DiStefano · June 14th, 2006, 07:45 AM

I prefer 'vintage' (unbleached) cow bone, or Corian or micarta or Tusq. Not at all keen on graphite or horn, and I'd replace PVC and other soft material immediately.

If yer a finger style player, and need those open strings to ring clearly, then choose a nut material wisely and go for the denser types - otherwise, for chunking out chords and general 'closed note' playing pretty much any nut material will do fine, IMO.

What's probably more important than the nut material is how the nut is cut. A poorly cut real ivory nut won't do yer playing/tone much good.

YMMV.

sharkydude50 · June 14th, 2006, 11:18 AM

Gotta get the Bob Colossi bone saddle & nut for your git.
Do the bridge pins too!!!

June 13th, 2006, 09:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rizo Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Athens, OH Posts: 1,144	What nut material for my "new" acoustic? I applogise if this has been discussed before but the sreach function turned up little so here goes... I just picked up a Guild D-25. I had been looking for a nice(r) acoustic than what I'm used to and was trying to get rid of my Blues Junior, so I traded it and some cash for a beautiful 1980 D-25 and killed two birds. I really like it too... I got a decent deal on it because of some changed parts. Upgraded tuners are a plus too me, but the changed nut is not as it's graphite (why do you need this on an acoustic exactly?) and looks out of place. Anyway, I'm going to have the nut replaced. What are the pros and cons of the different common nut matierals? Think of this as tusq vs. bone vs. corion vs. other, etc. Is there are website somewhere that compares and contrasts them as far as tone's concerened? If not does anyone have any recomendations? __________________ "You say you want to play country, but you're in a punk rock band."

June 14th, 2006, 11:18 AM	#3 (permalink)
sharkydude50 Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2006 Location: South Florida Posts: 170 9 Photos	Gotta get the Bob Colossi bone saddle & nut for your git. Do the bridge pins too!!! __________________ Sharkymon- Acoustics Baby Yeah!

June 14th, 2006, 07:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 63 Posts: 4,919	I prefer 'vintage' (unbleached) cow bone, or Corian or micarta or Tusq. Not at all keen on graphite or horn, and I'd replace PVC and other soft material immediately. If yer a finger style player, and need those open strings to ring clearly, then choose a nut material wisely and go for the denser types - otherwise, for chunking out chords and general 'closed note' playing pretty much any nut material will do fine, IMO. What's probably more important than the nut material is how the nut is cut. A poorly cut real ivory nut won't do yer playing/tone much good. YMMV.