Kick's first build LP-1MQ Red Widow

[Kick]

Hmmm... I just did a quick compare between the nuts and the original nut is 41.5 mm wide while the Graphtech is 43.0 mm. That means I have to take of 0.75 mm of each end. That makes that the slots for the high and low E string are frightingly close to the side of the fretboard. So allthough the package says it is a nut for 'a Les Paul' it doesn't really fit...

I think I'll do a mockup first with both E strings before glueing that nut into the neck.

[Simon Barden]

A shame, Kick, but as they say in woodworking, - measure twice, cut once. If in doubt, I always look up the details data on the manufacturer's web site. Graphtech do a whole range of nuts in different sizes. http://www.graphtech.com/products/br...xl-guitar-nuts.

I'd say either the PT-6225-00 or PT-6642-00 is probably the closest to your needs. I normally buy them a bit oversized and file/sand them down to the right length.

But as you say, test the nut with a couple of E strings. You may be OK.

[Dedman]

I think the PB guitars are more closely modelled on Epiphones or other Japanese copies then actual Gibsons.

[wazkelly]

41mm - 42mm nut width seems to be fairly common on these kits.

[Kick]

But this one I bought is 43mm. Well, I'm just going to make it smaller (41,5mm) and see how the slots of the E-strings will turn out.

[Simon Barden]

If the nut is very tall when fitted, you might have enough height be able to file the top of the nut smooth and cut your own slots in it (if it looks like they will be too wide apart).

[Kick]

If the nut is very tall when fitted, you might have enough height be able to file the top of the nut smooth and cut your own slots in it (if it looks like they will be too wide apart).

I have already been thinking about that option. Only point is that I do not have these special slot files (or viles?)... Could I use different types of metalsaws?

[ozzbike]

Go to this link....download the PDF.....mark the string slots and slowly carefully cut them. The files are the best option....but something to create the initial groove is good....then you can use an old string of the size desired.....the Stew Mac guy glues sections of old strings to paddle pop sticks.

http://www.tdpri.com/threads/compens...t-tool.109915/

[Kick]

Thanks Ozz, that is looking very interesting. But are you saying that you use old strings like a file to cut the slots after making some sort of groove with, let's say, a cutting-tool like a sharp knife or blade?

I think that this may work with the slots for the E, A and D string because those strings are wounded. But how about the other unwounded strings? You can't 'file' with an smooth string...

Or am I completely wrong?

[wazkelly]

Using old strings as a file is slow and painful on a bone nut but eventually gets the job done. For the unwound string slots this method would indicate using the thinnest wound string which should always be thinner than any saw blade you may have been considering.

In today's mail I just received a rather cheap and very tiny set of needle files that could get me by on a few small jobs.
Here is the link... http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/13-Sizes-...53.m1438.l2649