Replacing a nut- too "short"

[TelZilla]

So I bought a cheapo epi Les Paul off of ebay with a broken headstock. I've got the headstock repaired but I figured while I was at it, I'd replace the nut with a good bone one. I got a replacement bone nut from Stewmac- pre slotted.

The string spacing matches the old one, but the new one is "shorter" by about 1/16". Like, if you put both nuts in the slot, the string slots are about 1/16" closer to the fretboard on the new one.

So a couple of questions:

• How far off of the fretboard do I need the nut slots to be?
• If I need to somehow "raise" the new nut, any advice on how to do it?

Thanks

[crazydave911]

Originally Posted by TelZilla

So a couple of questions:

• How far off of the fretboard do I need the nut slots to be?
• If I need to somehow "raise" the new nut, any advice on how to do it?

Thanks

A snipped up credit card comes to mind........................

[Nick JD]

I've raised a nut before using a slice of hardwood veneer glued to the underside of the nut.

[TelZilla]

Originally Posted by Nick JD

I've raised a nut before using a slice of hardwood veneer glued to the underside of the nut.

I'm a total woodworking noob. So that means an exterior slice of plywood?

[Rich Rice]

He means glue a skinny piece of wood to the bottom of the new nut, trim it flush all around, and glue it into place.

Just a drop of Titebond to attach it, you may need to get it off someday.

[TelZilla]

Originally Posted by Rich Rice

He means glue a skinny piece of wood to the bottom of the new nut, trim it flush all around, and glue it into place.

Just a drop of Titebond to attach it, you may need to get it off someday.

So what's a good source for a little slice of wood that's 1/16" thick?

[Rich Rice]

Try Hobby Lobby if you can't slice one yourself. Or someplace that carries radio control airplanes- someplace like that which carries stuff for arts and crafts. To be honest, a popsicle stick would work pretty good.

As an aside, I'd either make a new nut or make a bone block to extend the height.

[TelZilla]

Originally Posted by Rich Rice

Try Hobby Lobby if you can't slice one yourself. Or someplace that carries radio control airplanes- someplace like that which carries stuff for arts and crafts. To be honest, a popsicle stick would work pretty good.

As an aside, I'd either make a new nut or make a bone block to extend the height.

Thanks for the help.

[Rich Rice]

Good luck! ;)

[I_build_my_own]

Originally Posted by Rich Rice

...... To be honest, a popsicle stick would work pretty good.

As an aside, I'd either make a new nut or make a bone block to extend the height.

as an alternative to popsticle you can alse keep an eye out for wooden coffee stires. I have seen birch and maple ones.

[guitar2005]

The strings are closer to the fretboard... but is it a problem? The strings should be as close as possible to the fretboard without buzzing.