Guitar Nut Replacement Service - Custom Bone Nut Melbourne
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Free pickup from our Melbourne Store at 4 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Your order will typically be ready by the next business day. We recommend calling us on (03) 8360 7799 beforehand to check it's ready for collection.
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Guitar Nut Replacement Service - Custom Bone Nut Melbourne
Quick Answer
Custom bone nut replacement at Angkor Music Melbourne costs $140 (genuine bone nut + expert custom cutting), setup recommended separately at $155, strings $18-30 additional. Nut replacement alone $140. Combined nut + setup package $295 + strings ($18-30), total typically $313-325. Why replace: worn nut slots (strings sinking below nut surface causing buzzing on open strings), cracked/broken nuts (impact damage or age degradation), cheap plastic nuts (limiting tone transfer and sustain), tuning instability (binding slots creating "pinging" during tuning), action problems (incorrect nut height). Bone vs plastic: bone density 1.7-1.9 g/cm³ vs plastic 1.0-1.2 g/cm³ = superior vibration transfer improving sustain/clarity, bone hardness maintains slot geometry indefinitely vs plastic wears requiring replacement every 2-3 years, bone self-lubricating reduces friction preventing binding, warm natural tone vs sterile plastic character. Custom cutting process: bone blank fitting to fretboard slot, slot spacing measured from bridge saddles (ensuring parallel strings), slot depth cut to 0.010-0.020" above first fret (precision within thousandths), slot widths match string gauge, slot angles follow fretboard radius, nut height shaped for proper break angle, final polishing for smooth surfaces. Setup recommended: nut height affects overall action requiring bridge adjustment, intonation verification at first position, neck relief relationship checked. Never pre-slotted: every guitar unique requiring custom work. TUSQ synthetic available same price. Mail-in service Australia-wide. Location: 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Turnaround: 3-6 days. Call (03) 8360 7799 for assessment and booking.
At Angkor Music Melbourne, our professional nut replacement at $140 addresses critical playability and tuning problems from worn nut slots, cracked or broken nuts, cheap plastic nuts limiting tone transfer, tuning instability from binding slots, and action problems from incorrect nut height. Located at 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona, we custom-cut genuine bone nuts (never pre-slotted) ensuring proper fit matching your guitar's specific string spacing, fretboard radius, nut width, and string gauge. The $140 service includes genuine bone nut blank providing superior tone transfer versus plastic, complete custom cutting using precision nut files, proper slot spacing matching bridge saddles, slot depth within thousandths of inch, and final polishing creating smooth surfaces. Setup strongly recommended separately at $155 addressing neck relief, action optimization, and intonation affected by new nut height. Strings $18-30 additional. Combined nut + setup package $295 + strings. 3-6 day turnaround. Call (03) 8360 7799 to discuss requirements or book online.
[PHOTO: Side-by-side worn nut with deep slots vs new bone nut with proper slots]
When You Need Nut Replacement
Understanding symptoms requiring nut replacement versus simpler solutions helps determine appropriate service.
Signs You Need Replacement ($140)
- Strings sinking below nut surface (severe wear)
- Buzzing only on open strings (slots too deep)
- Cracked or chipped nut (damage)
- Tuning instability with "pinging" (binding slots)
- Action too high/low at first fret (incorrect height)
- Cheap plastic nut on mid-range guitar
Simpler Solutions May Work ($40 or Free)
- Slot polishing for minor binding ($40)
- Nut height shim for slight depth issues ($40)
- Free assessment determines actual needs
- Honest diagnosis avoids unnecessary replacement
- Bring guitar for professional evaluation
Bone vs Plastic vs TUSQ - Material Comparison
Nut material dramatically affects tone, sustain, tuning stability, and longevity despite the nut's small size.
Material Comparison Table
| Property | Plastic (Budget) | TUSQ (Synthetic) | Bone (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.0-1.2 g/cm³ | ~1.5 g/cm³ | 1.7-1.9 g/cm³ |
| Tone Transfer | Poor (absorbs vibration) | Good (consistent) | Excellent (warm, natural) |
| Durability | 2-3 years (wears/compresses) | Lifetime (synthetic stability) | Lifetime (hardness resists wear) |
| Lubrication | None (grabby, binding) | Synthetic (consistent) | Natural oils (self-lubricating) |
| Cost | $2-3 (manufacturer cost) | $140 installed | $140 installed |
| Best For | Budget guitars only | Players wanting consistency | Most players (our default) |
Our Recommendation: Genuine bone provides superior performance based on luthier tradition spanning centuries and proven player satisfaction. TUSQ available same $140 price upon request for players preferring synthetic consistency.
The Custom Nut Cutting Process
Custom nut cutting requires specialized tools, technical knowledge, and years of experience achieving proper slot geometry - not a simple DIY task.
7-Step Custom Cutting Process
Shape bone blank to exact nut slot width, height, and length using calipers and files
Measure bridge saddle positions, calculate nut spacing ensuring parallel strings
Cut slots to 0.010-0.020" above first fret (precision within 0.001")
File slots using gauge-specific nut files matching your string sizes
Cut angles following fretboard radius, slight backward tilt toward headstock
Establish proper string break angle preventing tuning problems or breakage
Smooth all slots eliminating file marks for effortless string movement
Why Custom vs Pre-Slotted: Pre-slotted nuts use generic spacing rarely matching specific guitars exactly. Custom cutting ensures proper fit matching YOUR guitar's unique string spacing, fretboard radius, nut width, and string gauge requirements.
[PHOTO: Bone blank vs plastic nut - visible density and quality difference]
Why Setup is Strongly Recommended (Separate Service)
While nut replacement at $140 addresses nut problems comprehensively, we strongly recommend adding professional setup at $155 as nut height changes affect overall action, intonation, and neck relief relationship. Combined nut + setup package $295 plus strings ($18-30) ensures optimal playability.
Why We Recommend Adding Setup ($155):
- Nut height affects overall action: Bridge may require adjustment to maintain proper action gradient from nut to bridge
- Neck relief relationship changes: Different nut height may require truss rod adjustment preventing buzzing or high action
- Intonation verification beneficial: Slot depth affects string length at first position - verification ensures accuracy
- String replacement necessary: Old nut removal requires loosening strings - fresh strings needed, setup optimizes with new strings
- Combined timing efficient: Performing setup simultaneously with nut replacement eliminates duplicate string changes
Package Pricing: Nut replacement alone $140. Combined nut + setup package $295 (saves scheduling separate appointments). Strings $18-30 additional. Many players choose combined service ensuring guitar plays optimally after nut replacement rather than addressing only nut without complete playability optimization.
[PHOTO: Close-up measuring slot depth - calipers or feeler gauge showing precision]
Common Nut Problems We Fix
Worn Slots
Symptom: Strings sinking below nut surface
Cause: Years of playing wear grooves in plastic nuts
Solution: Custom bone nut replacement maintaining geometry indefinitely
Cracked/Broken Nuts
Symptom: Visible cracks or chips, nut failure
Cause: Impact damage, age degradation, stress concentration
Solution: Immediate replacement preventing catastrophic failure
Binding Slots
Symptom: "Pinging" during tuning, strings catching
Cause: Rough or tight slots, plastic's grabby surface
Solution: Polished bone slots or slot polishing service ($40)
Incorrect Height
Symptom: Action too high/low at first fret only
Cause: Factory errors, previous poor replacement
Solution: Custom cutting establishes correct height relationship
Poor Tone Transfer
Symptom: Reduced sustain, weak acoustic tone
Cause: Low-density plastic absorbs string vibration
Solution: Bone upgrade dramatically improves sustain/clarity
Incorrect Spacing
Symptom: Strings appear misaligned, uneven wear
Cause: Factory errors, pre-slotted generic spacing
Solution: Custom spacing measured from bridge saddles
Complete Nut Replacement Packages
Nut Replacement Only - $140
Nut Replacement Service:
• Genuine bone nut blank
• Complete custom cutting
• Proper slot spacing, depth, width
• Final polishing
• Strings: +$18-30
Total: $158-170 with strings. Superior tone, lifetime durability. Setup strongly recommended separately (+$155). 3-6 days turnaround.
⭐ Nut + Setup Package - $295
Recommended Package:
• Nut replacement: $140
• Complete setup: $155
• Addresses action, relief, intonation changes
• Strings: +$18-30
Total: $313-325 with strings. Most popular choice ensuring optimal playability after nut replacement. 3-6 days turnaround.
Nut + Fret Dress + Setup - $580
Comprehensive Package:
• Nut replacement: $140
• Fret dress: $285 (includes setup)
• Setup already included in fret dress
• Strings: +$18-30
Total: $598-610 with strings. Nut wear typically corresponds with fret wear on well-used guitars. Combined turnaround 3-6 days.
TUSQ Synthetic Nut - $140
Synthetic Alternative:
• TUSQ synthetic bone
• Same custom cutting process
• Consistent properties
• Same $140 all-inclusive price
• Complete setup included
Available upon request. We default to genuine bone based on luthier tradition.
Assessment & Simple Repairs - Free-$40
Honest Diagnosis:
• Free nut assessment
• Slot polishing: $40 (if sufficient)
• Nut height shim: $40 (for minor issues)
• Replacement: $140 (if necessary)
Sometimes simpler solutions work. Walk-ins welcome or call (03) 8360 7799.
$140 Nut Replacement
Nut replacement $140 includes genuine bone nut, complete custom cutting. Setup strongly recommended separately at $155. Superior tone and sustain versus plastic. Lifetime durability.
Custom Cut - Never Pre-Slotted
Every nut custom-cut ensuring proper fit matching YOUR guitar's specifications. Precision work using specialized nut files and years of experience.
Genuine Bone - Superior Material
Bone density 1.7-1.9 g/cm³ efficiently transmits vibration improving sustain. Hardness maintains geometry indefinitely. Self-lubricating prevents binding.
Expert Precision Cutting
Precision within thousandths of inch. Experienced technicians achieve correct geometry on first attempt. Visit 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona or call (03) 8360 7799.
Australia-Wide Mail-In Nut Replacement Service
Can't Visit Melbourne? We Offer Mail-In Service
Located outside Melbourne? Our professional mail-in guitar repair service accepts guitars from anywhere in Australia. We provide detailed packing instructions ensuring your guitar arrives safely, complete the same professional custom bone nut replacement ($140, setup recommended separately at $155, strings $18-30), and ship your guitar back with comprehensive insurance coverage. Popular with interstate players needing expert nut cutting unavailable locally.
Step-by-step guide for safe shipping
Identical custom cutting quality as in-person
Full coverage during return shipping
Accept guitars from all states
Interstate players trust our mail-in service when local techs lack precision nut cutting expertise
[PHOTO: Completed installation - new bone nut on guitar showing professional cutting]
Frequently Asked Questions - Nut Replacement Melbourne
How much does nut replacement cost?
Professional nut replacement costs $140 including genuine bone nut blank and complete custom cutting. Setup strongly recommended separately at $155. Strings $18-30 additional. Nut only: $158-170 total. Nut + setup package: $295 + strings = $313-325 total. Includes slot spacing matched to bridge saddles, proper slot depth, final polishing. Turnaround 3-6 days. TUSQ synthetic available same price upon request. Call (03) 8360 7799.
Why replace plastic nut with bone?
Bone provides superior tone transfer through greater density (1.7-1.9 g/cm³ vs plastic 1.0-1.2 g/cm³) efficiently transmitting string vibration improving sustain and clarity. Bone hardness resists wear maintaining slot geometry indefinitely while plastic compresses requiring replacement every 2-3 years. Bone's self-lubricating properties reduce friction preventing binding. Warm natural tone versus plastic's sterile character. The $140 investment delivers noticeable improvement particularly on mid-range guitars. Call (03) 8360 7799.
How do I know if my nut needs replacing?
Signs requiring replacement: strings sinking below nut surface (severe wear), buzzing only on open strings (slots too deep), cracked/chipped nut (damage), tuning instability with "pinging" during tuning (binding slots), action too high/low at first fret (incorrect height). Bring guitar for free assessment determining whether replacement necessary or simpler solutions like slot polishing ($40) or height shim ($40) suffice. Call (03) 8360 7799 or visit 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona.
What is custom nut cutting?
Custom nut cutting involves fitting bone blank to fretboard slot, marking slot positions matching bridge saddle spacing, cutting slots to precise depth (0.010-0.020" above first fret, within 0.001" precision), filing slot widths matching string gauge, cutting slot angles following fretboard radius, shaping nut height for proper break angle, final polishing. Every guitar unique requiring custom work. Pre-slotted nuts use generic spacing creating compromises. Custom cutting delivers optimal fit. Call (03) 8360 7799.
Why is setup recommended with nut replacement?
Setup strongly recommended separately at $155 as nut height change affects overall action requiring bridge adjustment, intonation at first position may shift from new slot depths, neck relief relationship requires verification. Nut work requires string removal making setup timing optimal as fresh strings needed anyway. Combined nut + setup package $295 plus strings ($18-30). While nut replacement alone $140 addresses nut problems, setup ensures optimal playability. Most players choose combined service. Call (03) 8360 7799.
Can I replace guitar nut myself?
DIY nut replacement possible though requires specialized tools (nut files, calipers, radius gauge), technical knowledge (proper slot depth, spacing calculation), and skill achieving precision within thousandths. Common DIY mistakes: slots cut too deep (buzzing) or shallow (high action), incorrect spacing, wrong slot angles, damaged nut from aggressive filing. Mistakes require professional correction potentially costing more than initial professional installation wasting bone blank. For $140 all-inclusive most players find professional service worthwhile. Call (03) 8360 7799.
How long does nut replacement take?
Nut replacement with setup requires 3-6 days turnaround allowing old nut removal, bone blank fitting and shaping, precise slot cutting and spacing, complete setup, quality verification. Actual cutting work takes 2-3 hours though multi-day timeframe ensures proper scheduling and setup procedures. Rushing creates problems from improper slot depth, incorrect spacing, inadequate setup. Priority servicing available adding 50% rush fee. Combined with fret dress allows 3-6 day combined turnaround. Call (03) 8360 7799.
What's the difference between bone and TUSQ?
Bone provides natural organic material with proven track record over centuries delivering warm tone and excellent vibration transfer. TUSQ synthetic bone developed by GraphTech provides consistent alternative addressing bone's variable properties using proprietary polymer formulation. Both perform substantially better than cheap plastic. We default to genuine bone based on traditional preference though TUSQ available same $140 price upon request. Material choice somewhat subjective - both deliver professional performance. Call (03) 8360 7799.
Is nut replacement worth it for cheap guitars?
Nut replacement at $140 worthwhile for guitars worth keeping long-term regardless of original price. Budget guitars under $300 may not justify $140 investment approaching guitar replacement cost though players attached to specific guitars benefit substantially. Mid-range guitars ($500-1,500) using decent pickups and electronics though compromised by cheap plastic nuts benefit dramatically - many players report $140 nut replacement improves guitar more than expected. Honest assessment considers guitar value and player attachment. Call (03) 8360 7799 for upgrade suitability discussion.
Do you offer mail-in nut replacement service?
Yes, our mail-in guitar repair service accepts guitars from anywhere in Australia. We provide detailed packing instructions ensuring safe shipping, complete same professional custom bone nut replacement ($140, setup recommended separately at $155, strings $18-30), ship guitar back with comprehensive insurance coverage. Popular with interstate players needing expert nut cutting unavailable locally. Same pricing and turnaround (3-6 days once received). View packing instructions online or call (03) 8360 7799.
Where can I get nut replacement in Melbourne?
Book professional nut replacement at Angkor Music Melbourne, 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018. Nut replacement $140, setup recommended separately at $155, strings $18-30. Combined package $295 + strings. Walk-ins welcome for free assessment determining whether replacement necessary or simpler solutions suffice. Standard turnaround 3-6 days. Book online or call (03) 8360 7799.
Schedule Your Nut Replacement Service
Custom Bone Nut Replacement $140 - Setup Recommended Separately
Genuine bone. Custom cut to your guitar. Setup recommended at $155. Lifetime durability. 3-6 day turnaround.
Angkor Music Melbourne | 4-6 Drake Boulevard, Altona VIC 3018 | Professional Nut Replacement
| SKU | NUT-REPLACEMENT-001 |
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