Opinion on Nubone nut material

[RalphH]

Hey all, I'm planning on making a new nut for my MMB 5 bass, and would be grateful for any advice, tips or opinions on making it from a blank of GraphTech's Nubone.
Cheers!
Ralph

[Simon Barden]

According to Graphtec's website, they don't sell Nubone blanks:

"Why is NuBone only available in pre-slotted and compensated models?

The reason we only make per-shaped NuBone nuts and saddles is that if you are going to spend the money on a custom shaped nut or saddle you might as well use one of our premium TUSQ product because most of the cost is in the labor."

So in theory if you want a Graphtech blank nut, you'll need to use TUSQ nut which is harder and a bit brighter sounding than Nubone.

Contrary to their statement, Graphtec do sell unslotted Nubone nut blanks to suit various guitar/bass types, but only in packs of 10.

As a nut material, I don't know enough to make comments. I think I've got some guitars with Tusq XL nuts, but I never like them that much as the graphite in them makes them hard to clean and polish, the slots always look dark and messy. So I've often replaced them with standard bone nuts.

[RalphH]

According to Graphtec's website, they don't sell Nubone blanks:

"Why is NuBone only available in pre-slotted and compensated models?

The reason we only make per-shaped NuBone nuts and saddles is that if you are going to spend the money on a custom shaped nut or saddle you might as well use one of our premium TUSQ product because most of the cost is in the labor."

So in theory if you want a Graphtech blank nut, you'll need to use TUSQ nut which is harder and a bit brighter sounding than Nubone.

Contrary to their statement, Graphtec do sell unslotted Nubone nut blanks to suit various guitar/bass types, but only in packs of 10.

As a nut material, I don't know enough to make comments. I think I've got some guitars with Tusq XL nuts, but I never like them that much as the graphite in them makes them hard to clean and polish, the slots always look dark and messy. So I've often replaced them with standard bone nuts.

Thanks for your input Simon. The reason I asked is because the local instrument retailer has them on sale for just $5.50 each.. (£3.00) and I thought I would get a few to upgrade the MMB5 under construction and some of the other older instruments in my collection that would benefit. Although it's simpler to spend another $15 and buy a Tusq ready-to-go one, I'm feeling adventurous enough to make my own.

[Simon Barden]

You can't really go wrong at that price. It's certainly going to be a lot better than the standard kit plastic nut.

[dingobass]

In all reality, it is just another plastic type material.
IMHO, it is rubbish. Over the many years I have been at this craft I have tried just about every new and alledgedly greatest thing since sliced bread material that has been offered up as a suitable bone replacement.
I always seem to go back to bone.
As the old saying goes, Bone for tone.

[Andy40]

I agree with the artist formerly known as DB....oh wait it is the original DB! haven't seen you in a while.

Bone is awesome.

[dingobass]

I have been lurking quietly in the background, Andy...

[Rabbitz]

Bone is awesome.

I hope no-one quotes that out of context...

[Simon Barden]

What about wood?

[Andy40]

This went downhill quickly.......