Pre-cut nuts: why isn't it more straightforward?

The nut on my 52RI was replaced at some point by a bozo who installed it such that there's nowhere near enough nut relief.

I'm pretty inexperienced with this stuff, but from what I've read on this and other boards, a pre-cut nut is only a starting point and they often need additional tweaking. Furthermore, you need to specify the type of nut slot, width, etc., etc.

Why isn't this easier? Why can't I just go to a website and order a nut for a '94 52RI and have it be to spec? It would come in the mail, I'd pop it in with a drop of Elmers, and off to the races I go. How come it isn't this easy?

Because there are too many variables.

The nut on my 52RI was replaced at some point by a bozo who installed it such that there's nowhere near enough nut relief.

I'm pretty inexperienced with this stuff, but from what I've read on this and other boards, a pre-cut nut is only a starting point and they often need additional tweaking. Furthermore, you need to specify the type of nut slot, width, etc., etc.

Why isn't this easier? Why can't I just go to a website and order a nut for a '94 52RI and have it be to spec? It would come in the mail, I'd pop it in with a drop of Elmers, and off to the races I go. How come it isn't this easy?


For the same reason that a new 52RI doesn't play well. The nut needs to be properly regulated to the first fret...meaning that the 'nut relief' as you call is not properly done on a new nut. ACtion at the first fret is paramount. Without the proper action at the first fret, you will have fret out as you do; or the tension will be too high with high action and the notes will be sharp in the lower frets due to this high tension.
To compound the problem, your guitar probably exhibits fret wear. You might want to consider a level and dress. If that is done and if the 'custom' nut on the guitar is well-spaced, then a nut regulation will put the guitar right...at that end, at least. IF you do not have much wear and if the nut spacing is good, then a good tech can fill and recut the slots to achieve proper regulation to the first fret.