Nut Files - Tapered vs Flat?

[JSMac]

I know there are a lot of threads on the nut file topic. Rather than getting into which brand is best I'd like opinions on which shape file you prefer. Hosco offers both tapered and flat files. Some like the tapered set just fine but some complain that they cut the E and B slots to wide. It seems like that would depend on how deep they were cut. What is your preference?

 

[middy]

I've never tried tapered. I like my Hiroshima files just fine.

 

[tubejockey]

A string should only sit halfway into a nut. Use the flat file in the correct gauge, then file down top of the nut. Those tapered files are too inconsistent.

 

[Wallaby]

I have "flat" files and so I use those. The tapered style would probably be more rigid, which I think I would like, actually.

I think the key is to file the slots *after* getting the final height of the nut really close, so the taper becomes a non-issue, since you're only filing a shallow-ish groove.

 

[JSMac]

I’ve read some debate on slot depth. I prefer more shallow so the tapered files might work for me. I left the nut a little tall and intend to sand the bottom after the slots are cut. Maybe that’s backward.

 

[pipthepilot]

I know there are a lot of threads on the nut file topic. Rather than getting into which brand is best I'd like opinions on which shape file you prefer. Hosco offers both tapered and flat files. Some like the tapered set just fine but some complain that they cut the E and B slots to wide. It seems like that would depend on how deep they were cut. What is your preference?

Many years ago, my first set of nut files were tapered one as they were cheap and they turned out to be a waste of money. I now use a set of Japanese flat files and I can't say a bad word against them.

 

[pipthepilot]

I have "flat" files and so I use those. The tapered style would probably be more rigid, which I think I would like, actually.

I think the key is to file the slots *after* getting the final height of the nut really close, so the taper becomes a non-issue, since you're only filing a shallow-ish groove.

I found the tapered files made the slot too wide so I would also use the smaller size down but then the strings never fitted correctly in the slot and you could hear them clicking when bending.

 

[JSMac]

I can see an advantage to both. Flat for a precision, possibly deeper slot and tapered to slightly widen a slot. The problem with the Hosco tapered set is there are only six sizes. With either the Hosco or Uo-Chikyu flat sets there are enough sizes to make acoustic nuts, which is what I'm working on right now.

 

[JSMac]

Maybe I'll save my money and just file down the top of the bone nut that came in this 1930s parlor guitar.

Funny thing is, I shimmed it a tad to get the string height correct and it works just fine. Kinda funky too. Maybe I should leave it.

 

[trapdoor2]

Flat. I tend to cut the nut down close to finished height and then file the slots. I'll play the instrument for a while before finalizing the nut. I like the trebles a little deeper in their slots...full string thickness is OK for me.

I'm gonna scallop one, one of these days. I've got a banjo from 1889 that has a scalloped nut. Looks cool.

 

[TunedupFlat]

I have a set of the Hosco tapered and a flat set from Hiroshima files.

They both work well depending on what it is you want for your slot, be it at the nut or on the bridge slotting a saddle.

Another set that I have and like is the MusicNomad diamond coated set which are more rounded and really neither flat or tapered.

Just like all things in life, I don't believe there is a best. As long as you get the results required, it doesn't really matter.

 

[voskarp]

I have these, I guess they are the tapered ones. Works for me, but I'm not that fancy...

 

[JSMac]

I'm considering the tapered Hoscos shown above.
This flat Hosco set or the Uo-Chikyu set.

 

[Boreas]

I use tapered files, but I don't cut/adjust nuts often. But I do prefer a really low-profile nut.

 

[JSMac]

I use tapered files, but I don't cut/adjust nuts often. But I do prefer a really low-profile nut.

I may be over thinking this. I bought an old parlor guitar that needs a saddle and a nut. No drop in saddle available so I ordered a bone blank and made one. I can't find a drop in nut that would work so since two blanks came with my order I decided to make one. I think it came out pretty well but now I need to cut the slots.

I could just take it downtown to the luthier and have him cut the slots. I usually use Graph Tech nuts but I'm a hobbyist and I found that I like working with bone and just might make my own from now on.

 

[archtop_fjk]

I'm considering the tapered Hoscos shown above.
This flat Hosco set or the Uo-Chikyu set.

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I just got the Uo-Chikyu nut files a few weeks ago as my thin StuMac nut files have been wearing out. They are fabulous! The range of sizes are perfect for the 10-46 string gauges I use.

 

[eallen]

I have several of both styles. I most generally reach for the flat rather than the taper but it is really personal preference.

Regardless of what is said, a quality taper file will not make your slot too wide as they are the width indicated for the depth needed and then taper out from there. The negative of the taper file is the serrations don't go all the way up which means as a result if the groove depth isn't reached by the time the nut top meets the underrated surface the file is unable to cut any further. In this situations too much pressure can result in chipping the top of the nut opening. For experienced nut makers it isn't an issue since you get to know how much extra nut material is needed not to have excess nut height to remove after.

 

[Freeman Keller]

My StewMac double edged files are approximately 0.080 in the center and taper to the gauge size on the edge, which is slightly rounded. I use the next larger file than the biggest string that will ever be put on the guitar. I don't bury the string in the slot - the wound strings stand very slightly proud. My files are 20 years old and have easily made 100 bone nuts and deepened many more. Please don't complain about SM's prices- these have paid for themselves manny times over.