First Build - DMF-8 - 8 String Solid Body Electric

[Shadrack]

Hello! Very excited to get this kit going. Got it as a Christmas present for my 16 year old son who is a major metalhead and already a very talented guitarist. We did a basic dry fit this morning and everything seems good.

We do have one big concern right off the bat, though. The nut popped right off of the neck. Looks like the glue job wasn't up to par. What sort of adhesive should we use to reattach it? I would think we should try to remove the old glue first. Any suggestions on how to get this done properly?

Here is the first set of pics from the dry fit. This is gonna be one serious guitar!

[Barry snook]

One thing I would suggest is while you have the nut off try and get a better one as the kit nuts are generally very poor

[McCreed]

Welcome Shadrack.
The nut falling off is not uncommon nor a big deal especially with a Gibson-style nut/nut slot. I would think there have been more than a few temperature and humidity changes in its journey from Australia to BC!

Barry snook makes a good point about upgrading the stock plastic nut to a better quality. Replacement nuts are not expensive and there are a range of materials to choose from. Bone is very common, but there is GraphTech or synthetic bone materials as well. It's all personal preference. If you decide to upgrade, we can offer more specific advice on the process when you're ready.

As for cleaning up the old glue in the nut slot, I recommend using single edge safety razor as a scraper. Hold the blade perpendicular to the area you're working (so you're scraping not slicing IYKWIM).
I recommend this instead of a file or sandpaper because you have more control to remove the just the glue and not wood in the slot.
You don't want to inadvertently widen or deepen the slot or make the bottom uneven.

When you glue in the old or new nut, use a wood glue like Titebond I (sometimes called "carpenter's glue" - do not use super glue!) and only a few strategically placed drops applied with a toothpick. Make sure the nut is seated and centred properly and then lightly clamp it until the glue is set.
You literally only need enough to hold the nut in place when the strings are off for changing or maintenance, and if it needs removal again, it can be knocked out with some gentle taps and not a BFH (Big Freakin' Hammer ).


I will catch hell from some for saying this, but for nuts, I am fine with using a PVA glue. Other jobs, Titebond (Aliphatic Resin Emulsion) is more appropriate.