How to cut nut slots to the perfect depth every time.

What's the perfect depth for nut slots? How do you measure it? In this video I share some insight into the time-tested process I use for cutting nut slots to depth - without using any other tools other than the files and strings themselves.

Backstory: Many years ago I tested methods of cutting slot depths. What I found was the ideal depth is not a static measurement: different types of strings and gauges combined with the temperaments of individual instruments, plus the nut material itself meant each job was unique.

After a lot of experimentation, I found that using the gap of light between the bottom of the string and the first fret was the key. Can these measurements be quantified? Yes, they can be generalized, but they are wholly dependent on the rest of the guitar's setup.

Here's some info for reference:

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#guitarniche #tipsandtricks #guitartech #guitarsetup #guitarrepair #guitartone #guitarplayer #guitarrista #guitarrepairhack #guitarsetuphack #sixstringraiser #vintagegear #whatsonyourbench #thatoldguy #guitarist #customguitars #guitargear #sixstringrazor

[ryanstark]

If you have put a new set of strings on, it is very important to go a bit high at first because the string will not have settled into the bend.

[cardmonty]

I cut my nut slots according to whether they are extremely sharp when fretted on the 2nd fret. I always shoot for just a hair sharp.

[venturaVlogger]

.018 ar first fret is nice to follow, not too high not too low

[nik]

unfortunately it works nice for experienced people, but as a beginner+ it really hard to understand :( So for the first years its better to use some static and good method for measurement, instead of getting wrong feeling
But ok, I got a lot of nuts to try everyhing out... :D
I've got only one important question so far - If I trying to adjust: Nut, Truss Rod and Saddle. What is algorithm to check where is the bad point at those 3 points if I pick the string to strong and it start doint buzz or like a "kick", dont know how to explain it, buzz hapens when it hits the Fret multiple times while vibrating, but a string kick happens only once and then the string keeps vibrating, but with much less energy. Which is exactly the issue, which I want to adjust on my plaing style.

[stevenespinoza]

how to explain how i dont know what im doing, just eyeball it and freak it😅