Hosco Black Nut Files

[Simon Barden]

Hosco now have much more affordable sets of nut files that I believe are fairly new out on the market. A set of 6 files that come with a magnetic holder for making holding the files at the correct angle easier.

https://www.hosco.co.jp/en/products/...lack-nut-files

Different sets availble, for electrics there are sets for 9s and 10s (though the 10s will happily do for 9s). Also an acoustic set (13s) classical guitar and bass guitar. Here's the one for 10s:

https://www.hosco.co.jp/en/luthier-t...-nf-eg010.html

No idea how availble they are worldwide, but here in the UK a set will cost just over £55.

https://www.northwestguitars.co.uk/nut-shaping/

So cheaper still than the 3 x double edged file sets, which will leave a wider v-shaped notch, and less than 1/2 the price of the 10 or 11 piece sets.

At last, a decent set of nut files at a reasonable cost. Still expensive for a one-off build, but it does enable you to set your nut slots up to perfection. There are very few guitars that couldn't benefit form a bit of work on their nut slot heights.

[PJSprog]

Looks like you guys are getting quite the bargain over there. Every place I've found them here in the US is selling them for US$98.99.

I like the design of that holder, but that's fairly pricey.

[Simon Barden]

Wow, for once something is much cheaper in the UK!

But presumably that's still cheaper than the other Hosco files?

[PJSprog]

Same price from Philadelphia Luthier Tools & Supplies as the 10 file set.

Their 3 file tapered set is $54.

Individually, the magnetic holder is $20, and the black files are $15/each ... so the set is a better deal, but still high.

[Simon Barden]

Wonder why there's such a price difference?

[DrNomis_44]

As a person who has gone through quite a few bone nut blanks, I know from first-hand experience just how difficult it can be to accurately cut the string-slots in a nut, might look at buying a set of these one day.