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Making nuts/bridges is killing me!!

I am really struggling with making the slots in the nut the right width, right depth, etc. I don't know if I am not using the right tools, or the right technique, or both.

I use a thin backsaw for part of the cut, I also have a coping saw that has a wider blade. I bought a set of needle files, and I have the one that cuts a wedge, but it obviously can't go too deep, or the top of the slot is too wide.

I end up with the strings that are not the same height from the fingerboard, or they buzz or rattle because the slot is too wide, or they don't sit down right because the slot is too thin.

I end up making 2 or three attempts each time just to get one that's right.

What am I doing wrong? There has to be some kind of method that will make them right the first time, every time.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on May 24, 2009 at 7:04am

Big Steve said:

If I intend to use brass bolts for nut and bridge won't the threads serve the purpose of slots?

Big Steve

I was wondering the same thing, but I made one with a bolt for a nut and it seems I have a little buzz on one string, not sure if the bolt is the issue or not.

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Permalink Reply by Doug Thorsvik on May 24, 2009 at 1:08pm

Iggy said:

Doug Thorsvik said:

Iggy

I tried making nut slots and found it to be frustrating and time consuming, but not anymore! I use a zero fret and a string guide. Instead of filing slots, I drill holes. Using a simple wood fence on my drill press so the holes line up, I use a 1/16" bit on the guitar, I don't remember the bit for the bass. Here are two pictures below that illustrate. It's clearly unconventional, but I have found it works well for me and no strings jump out of the slots anymore!!! Whatever works for you.

Doug

That is an intriguing and interesting solution. I assume you make sure the holes are below the level of the zero fret? Do you notch the zero fret at all, or just let the strings lay on top?

I don't put any notches on the fret so the "nut" essentially functions as a string guide and a capo before the first fret!

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Permalink Reply by Roger Martin on May 27, 2009 at 4:32pm

I had the idea the other day of making moving capo style slides that are on the necks of some of my DB's and CBG's
I know its been done before but I want to attempt to make up a capo that stays on the neck so I can tune either the DB or CBG to open "E" and then simply slide the capo up the neck to make "G" etc. instead of retuning for a different key.
ANy body done this? and if so can you post a pic of what you did?

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Permalink Reply by Mark Werner on May 28, 2009 at 4:47am

There's a device available called the "third hand" capo:

http://www.thirdhandcapo.com/

It has individual rotating rubber sections for each string, so you can clamp any combination of strings. Don't know how it would work for most CBGs; the string spacing is liable to be different.