Working on my first build and have learned a lot from this forum, but now have a question. How do you cut the 1/8" slot in the neck for the nut? I have a band saw, if that helps. Thanks!
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I like that. What height of nut should I be looking for?
Height depends on personal preference. Some like it higher, especially if primarily playing slide. More experienced players and fretted playing may make a lower action more desireable.
I would recommend starting high, and not securing the nut in such a way as to make lowering it some later too difficult. I have seen unfretted slide setups at 3/16" or more at the nut. And I have setup fretted instruments at 1/16" or so, or as close as you can get without buzzy results.
As your playing develops, you will become aware of what you want, action wise.
here's one way to do it. add a piece of wood to the top of the headstock, something nice and contrasting perhaps, like this maple and walnut. leave enough space so your nut fits snugly. I tend to not glue the nut (or the bridge) to allow for adjustment and replacement.
Or if I am making lots of them, I get the router table out and do it that way. You just have to be careful to exit the wood slowly so you don't knock a chip out of the exit side of the neck.
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Thank for everyones help. Here's how my slots came out.Al said: Height depends on personal preference. Some like it higher, especially if primarily playing slide. More experienced players and fretted playing may make a lower action more desireable.
I would recommend starting high, and not securing the nut in such a way as to make lowering it some later too difficult. I have seen unfretted slide setups at 3/16" or more at the nut. And I have setup fretted instruments at 1/16" or so, or as close as you can get without buzzy results.
As your playing develops, you will become aware of what you want, action wise.
Or, you can just cut off the end of the fretboard and glue the nut on top of the neck....-
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