Replacing MIM tele nut

Hi guys-

I am looking to replace the nut on my new MIM tele (I believe they are plastic). I was leaning to tusq, but would appreciate opinions. What is a good pre-slotted nut that will just drop right in, no sanding, etc. on my part? Or is this something that changes per individual guitar, i.e. are the nut slot depths and widths consistent on MIM teles.

Thanks

Even a tusq nut will require some fitting to your particular guitar, but I think it would be well worth the effort.

It'll take a little bit of work, and if you feel like doing it - then go for it. Keep the old nut just in case. You can always go back to it.

The nut slots are curved - the same radius as the fretboard. You'll need to take material off the bottom of the nut until the strings are the right height off the first fret. Sand a little ... check a LOT!

Or, since the nut only effects the sound of open strings, you could apply the "if it ain't broke..." rule.

Hi guys-

I am looking to replace the nut on my new MIM tele (I believe they are plastic). I was leaning to tusq, but would appreciate opinions. What is a good pre-slotted nut that will just drop right in, no sanding, etc. on my part? Or is this something that changes per individual guitar, i.e. are the nut slot depths and widths consistent on MIM teles.

Thanks

The Factory Nut material on Fenders (not Squiers) is a fine product, it probably needs the slots filed (as any nut will)...why change it ?...(cutting my own throat here, as I make and install a lot of Bone Nuts : )

I found the nuts on both my new MIM Tele and Strat to be garbage. The strings hang up like crazy. Sure I probably could have filed the slots, but for $10 and a little of my time I prefer the Tusq nuts. Also when I removed both stock nuts they were very brittle and would break with just slight pressure from a small pair of needlenose pliers.

tusq nuts are great. as said though it will require a little sanding to fit - but it is an easy job if you take your time.

The Factory Nut material on Fenders (not Squiers) is a fine product, it probably needs the slots filed (as any nut will)...why change it ?...(cutting my own throat here, as I make and install a lot of Bone Nuts : )


I'm kinda relieved to hear this.

I have replaced EVERY single stock Squier nut I've owned; but I keep finding reasons to accept the factory MIA and MIM nuts in the vast majority of instances (although I've been known to pull the entire neck and when installing the aftermarket neck I have never went back to the cyclovac).

The basic cyclovac material they use is not a bad material. I understand, if you like the neck but feel the spacing of the slots is not your bag, it has to go, but it appears they almost always can be saved, for me.

I'm kinda relieved to hear this.

I have replaced EVERY single stock Squier nut I've owned; but I keep finding reasons to accept the factory MIA and MIM nuts in the vast majority of instances (although I've been known to pull the entire neck and when installing the aftermarket neck I have never went back to the cyclovac).

The basic cyclovac material they use is not a bad material. I understand, if you like the neck but feel the spacing of the slots is not your bag, it has to go, but it appears they almost always can be saved, for me.

I tend to agree Boris...as one who makes many Bone nuts (and I like Tusq also btw)...the Cyclovac material files and shapes like Bone, and is quite acceptable IMO...there I go cutting my own throat again...:wink:
The soft PVC crap on Squiers and others...Not so much

+1 'Real' Bone.