Bone v. Tusq

RVA

RVA

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I am under the impression that most will take a Tusq nut where they can get it, but I am learning that prefer bone. Of course, I do not use a trem, so nut binding has never been an issue for me, which I am led to believe is a major advantage of Tusq. I think they are both good and I could live with either, but bone seems crisper to me.

What do you prefer? How much difference do you think it makes?
 
I haven't got any guitars with a bone nut, but my G400 (or should I say my Sons G400 now!) has a Tusq nut, and it is awesome.
After fitting that, I didn't see the need to change to a bone one.
 
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Alex_SG said:
I haven't got any guitars with a bone nut, but my G400 (or should I say my Sons G400 now!) has a Tusq nut, and it is awesome.
After fitting that, I didn't see the need to change to a bone one.
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I do not think I would ever swap an installed Tusq for bone, but if given a choice when I was in need, or if swapping out the plastic, I would chose bone.
 
I swapped plastic (the original nut) for Tusq as suggested by numerous people at ETSG. Haven't regretted it!
I believe bone can be a bit more fickle. If the slots aren't exactly the correct depth and width, I hear you can get some pretty bad string binding issues.
The Tusq is "lubricated" and doesn't seem to have that issue.
 
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Alex_SG said:
I swapped plastic (the original nut) for Tusq as suggested by numerous people at ETSG. Haven't regretted it!
I believe bone can be a bit more fickle. If the slots aren't exactly the correct depth and width, I hear you can get some pretty bad string binding issues.
The Tusq is "lubricated" and doesn't seem to have that issue.
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So I heard. I just cut my first electric nut tonight to fit a G400. Wish me luck!
 
I like the Tusq.......however 90% of my guitars have WTF ever came on them......not obsessed over the nuts......if it plays and works --Im good....I think I have a couple with metal nuts.....Peaveys.....oh and the Danelectro ............all good
 
Bone is cheaper and to me, easier to work with. Here is a picture of the GUITAR nut I cut this evening

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JohnnyGoo said:
thats a nice job you did RVA.
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Thanks! I notice that I need to train my hand to stay perpendicular. It is slightly bias to the left since I am a righty, but really just the back part - I think I got the "shelf" where the string sits nice, flat and even. I wasted 2 blanks before I got this!
 
I have bone, Tusq and plastic nuts on various guitars. They are all the same once they have been slotted properly. But plastic doesn't stay that way. The string slowly saws its way into the material and ends up being too tight a fit in the slot it makes. The dreaded "ting" during tuning signals the need for more attention.
 
DonP said:
I have bone, Tusq and plastic nuts on various guitars. They are all the same once they have been slotted properly. But plastic doesn't stay that way. The string slowly saws its way into the material and ends up being too tight a fit in the slot it makes. The dreaded "ting" during tuning signals the need for more attention.
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That is great insight. Thank you Sir Don!
 
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