Hosco Guitar Nut Slotting Files Review

In this video, I will review the Hosco brand guitar nut slotting files. Help support this channel! Visit my store and buy a t-shirt or a guitar plan: / highlineguitars
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Hosco Double-Edge Nut Files For Bass Guitars: amzn.to/3laRsXc

[@MichaelMomohara]

Loving the tongue-in-cheek intros and how the questions they pose are answered so eloquently in the video!

[@anthonycoraggio]

I’m looking to buy my first set of files and this was a super helpful perspective, thanks!

[@renoysrobert]

Absolutely true. A nut is the most influential part of the guitar towards both tone and playability. I bit the bullet and bought a set from stew Mac years ago. Still going strong but like yours, the thinner ones have a bit of a wear now. Greetings from Kerala.

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

Great advice!

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Good video! I have the Hosco double sided files. They work really well. I’m still working on my own skills though. I find it difficult to get the slots at the correct angle even though I’m getting the depth right, mostly. You’re right that it is a skill that takes time to develop. I’ve ruined the last three on my fender telecaster! Now I’m working on the 4th, a bone nut. I’ll get it right one day I’m sure. Enjoy your videos a lot!

[@rauschguitars]

I have the Hosco files and I really can't complain about the quality or the price. Considering what we spend on tools, hardware and wood, I think they're well worth the cost.

[@drapp1477]

I like the Hosco files for the low E, A and D strings but find them to be a little loose on the G, B and high E. I use the StewMac files for those. Both files are high quality. Thanks for the video!

[@kbschulze]

I have the HOSCO double edge files 3 pc. Set and i also have the 10 pc set of HOSCO gauged set. Great files both sets. I am in the Philippines so I have hood access to many HOSCO tools.

[@asterisk606]

My old ultra budget nut slotting setup I used to have consisted of $3 Harbor Freight feeler gauges and old guitar strings. All I did was file small teeth into the edge of every sized feeler gauge I needed using a very thin file in order to create DIY saws. Once the slot was to the right depth and angle from the feeler gauge saws, I would pull the correct sized guitar string back and forth in the slot to round out and smooth the inside of it. For the unwound strings I would rough it up with some sandpaper or a pair of pliers to abrade the surface of the string, otherwise it wouldn't do anything. It sounds crazy, but it actually worked pretty well and I can recommend it as a solid option for the hobbyist who wants to spend as little as possible and might be making a nut once or twice a year. $3 feeler gauges and about an hour of time filing the teeth.

[@HighlineGuitars]

The first dozen nuts I made use the feeler gauge method. Laughable!

[@gstube1]

Me too, I only use them now if I don't have the right file size. If you know what your doing you can make them work!

[@DevilAndSons]

Thanks for this. I've been trying to decide if should get the hosco set or a gauged Japanese set that cost twice the amount, and I feel confident now that the hosco is going to be a good selection.

[@scottakam]

I bit the bullet and the Stew Mac files a while ago and they are definitely worth it. If you only do stuff for yourself and you use the same string gauges, you can save quite a bit of money just buying what you need vs. a set.

[@markseymour8365]

I bought them too but I wouldn't do it again today as StewMac has doubled the price of their files in the last 3-4 years since I made my purchase, which is unconscionable in my opinion. It's always capital before labour when inflation hits and I'm sick of it. I don't know anyone who's salary has doubled with inflation rises alone in the last 4 years.

[@LeviBulger]

I love almost everything Hosco makes, especially their files and nippers. I think in some cases they make better stuff than stewmac. For instance, their fret pullers, which stewmac actually copied the design of, are incredible.

[@cameronbencivenga8075]

This is every true. I have slotted many nuts and In the beginning of my guitar repair/building journey, I would only use a piece of folded in half sandpaper, and I can’t even remember how many nuts I have ruined that way lol. Trust this guy😂

[@bobmills8341]

Thanks!

[@HighlineGuitars]

Ignore the scammers! And thank you for the tip! I would never send my viewers such rubbish.

[@ryanstark2350]

The welding cleaners are excellent for the thicker wound strings but useless for the thinner ones. A good way to go is to get really good files for the E, B and maybe even G but the welder cleaners will do a perfect job for the A and E.

[@lyndelguitars9478]

I use the Stew Mac files and for the thinner gauges, I also bought the metal handles they sell for them. Makes them a bit easier to use.

[@lyndelguitars9478]

Scammers on the prowl Chris. 🤣🤣🤣

[@thijs199]

yes

[@yaki_font]

The video isn't up yet but I can say these Hosco files are awesome. I have the Guitar and the Bass set and ive made tons of nuts.. the slots it makes are pretty nice, you can rocker the files to use them for all string gauges and theyre super durable for a great price. Philadelphia Luthier supply sells these fro the best price around

[@HighlineGuitars]

Cool. You'll like this video.

[@davidreineke1758]

I bought the HOSCO double sided files on eBay about two years ago for $56 which I thought was a pretty fair price. I’ve only cut about 5 nuts with them since I’m just starting to build guitars and have been very happy with the results. BTW, I have the welding files also and they do a good job of cleaning and polishing nut slots.

[@WordupG]

@@davidreineke1758 are the welding files good enough to simply slightly widen or deepen existing slots? I have like three personal guitars to setup, don’t need to rely on these tools for years or productivity. Thanks

[@princepugh7683]

@@WordupG For the thicker slots on your EA&D srtings they are just about usable but the thinner you go, the more difficult it becomes and it's a killer on your fingers.

[@navigator3744]

Hosco makes three different types of nut files. First : the three double edged nuts files to a set with the colored handles; Second: the longer files with the red tang; and third: the compact, black nut files which require the holder. Which set would you recommend to a non-professional who only works on his own guitars? I've read that the double-edged three files to a set files cut the slots too wide. Is that true or were they probably talking about the cheap amazon/ebay knock-offs? How are the files with the red tangs used? It seems they don't require a holder, but what about the thin files for the high "E", "B" and "G" strings? How do you use those? ?

[@Jammoko]

....or buy a set of car mainternance feeler gauges, clamp the gauges tightly together so they are flat (as per a block) and with a dremel fine toothed zip saw cut teeth in the side of the feeler gauges (all at the same time). You only need a very shallow cut (tooth aka like a file). Then you can used each gauge as sized file to cut the nut slots.... I will then just finish off the bottom of the nut with a 'rounded' welding tip file backed with the feeler file to keep it rigid. This normall only takes a few light strokes to smooth/round the bottom of the nut slot. I only cut several nuts a year... so really not worth investing hundreds of dollars in a Stewmack set!

[@tsiggy]

What does a luthier say when confronted with situations that have negative effects as well as positive effects? 4:08

[@lorencing]

Thanks for the video, very useful and informative. But I would ask what kind of files you use for guitar? For example do you use a 008 for 008 string or go with 010 for any string equal or below 010? What size 6 set would you recommend for an overall effectiveness? Is it important that the file has a round cutting edge or how much does the rounded edge effect the overall performance?

[@HighlineGuitars]

I use .010, .013, .016, .024, .032, .042 files for guitar. That's for a set of 10 gauge strings (.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046). The files don't have to exactly match the diameter of the strings. If your file is larger than the corresponding string, it won't matter as long as the difference isn't too extreme. If your file is smaller than the corresponding string, just rock the file side to side.

[@lorencing]

@@HighlineGuitars is it important that the files cut a round edge or are square edge files good enough?

[@HighlineGuitars]

@@lorencing It doesn't matter.

[@hippychipsguitars601]

I have a full set of 15 gauged files from Stew Mac ranging from .010 to .125 as well as the file holder for the thin ones, and the complete Safe Slot Nut Guard set. I have about $350 invested in these tools, but I can turn a nut blank into a perfectly finished nut in about an hour. I charge $50 for a hand-made bone or Tusq nut, so I have already made my money back in the last 6 months, and all of my guitars are better players as well.

[@ourclarioncall]

Just bought hosco files (set of 10) and just about every one was bent in some way . I ordered a couple of stewmac files and some of those file backers to try In my mind , before I even bought files , I thought I may as well just buy the diamond files but opted for the cheaper option . I will see how the regular stewmac files do but I can see myself eventually going for the diamond ones

[@ourclarioncall]

I just bought the safe slot too. I keep blowing my nuts going too low. There a little rectangle of padding that comes with the safe slot , not sure the material but do you know if your supposed to permanently attach it to the safe slot ? I thought it had a sticker on the back but when trying to peel it it seemed like it wasn’t actually a sticker but just stuck on to the material

[@benncarr5464]

What’s the best glue to affix the nut? I’ve seen original titebond. Do you have a fav?

[@HighlineGuitars]

That's what I use.

[@aaronmaiden3606]

I did my first nut set up on really cheap guitar and I had to use the welding torch tip cleaner. Well it was nightmare and I'm sure I won't use them again, but the results were good, I've never had a better intonation

[@stephenhookings1985]

Isn't it so cool when you get that result - Eb is really Eb or F is really F :-). I was so surprised when I got my 1st bass just how rubbish many factory setups are - certainly on budget guitars. Still... cheap bass meant I was happy to experiment

[@aaronmaiden3606]

@@stephenhookings1985 yes, I am playing more than ever!

[@stephenhookings1985]

@@aaronmaiden3606 it also allows lower action / makes the feel more effortless.

[@aaronmaiden3606]

@@stephenhookings1985 exactly, I also set up the saddles and neck relief and I'm enjoying myself more than ever, enjoy your playing ✌️

[@greenysguitars]

I use the gauged set of 10 from Hosco, very decent files. I keep them in their little plastic sleeves to protect them and I can see them lasting for many years to come.

[@ourclarioncall]

I got a set from eBay and just about every one of them was bent in some way . Really disappointing . Even the 0.056” was bent . Where did you get yours ?

[@unskilled_worker]

don't these cut \_/ slots though, not square, not round? Does anyone know ones that cut round holes?

[@HighlineGuitars]

These cut slots with rounded bottoms.

[@deandee8082]

whatever file you use it must have a semi circle radius edge so it doesn't cut a square slot, it wants to be a semi circle for perfect fit

[@HighlineGuitars]

The Hosco files are rounded.

[@justinpaquette224]

I think I got a fake set of "Hosco" files from eBay, because the cutting edge was flat not rounded. Returned them after trying them once after cutting a nut that was all "pling" "pling" when bending or tuning

[@ourclarioncall]

I just got a set of 10 individual hosco files from eBay and just about every one of them was bent in some way . Really disappointing . Even the 0.056” was bent. I appreciate they are not sold as straight edges but I’m sure these are not within reasonable tolerances . I can understand a 0.010” or similar thinner file being a bit off but not the thicker ones. There’s no way I could bend the 0.056” with my hand . Perhaps if I was skilled enough I could put it in a vice and bend it straight but should I have too ?

[@HighlineGuitars]

Buy directly from the manufacturers, never from eBay.

[@ourclarioncall]

@@HighlineGuitars a safer bet

[@captainfruitbatify]

I've used the Hosco files for years and probably over 100 guitars. They work well. However, they are VERY prone to rust if not looked after. I also have a set of the knock-off Hosco files. They are NOT as good. But they haven't rusted yet.

[@hijmestoffels5171]

I do have the Hosco files, but unfortunately not the skills. I’ve ruined the nut of my guitar and needed to bring it to a real luthier. I don’t blame the files.

[@shanefoster2861]

Review?

[@iRevolVeR21]

Making of the nut is an art form. You can make a 100$ guitar sound expensive and 2000$ sound awful. I can't make a proper nut with my current skill set.

[@stephenhookings1985]

True story. Never bought a bass yet thar is setup for low action. I have enough of them that some Hosco type solution could pay for itself. However in recent experiments I was able to find a ceramic tile saw blade happened to fit B bass string. A normal hacksaw blade cuts half a G string. A few other tools (some old files my father in law gave me 20 years ago) seemed to fit - sure I was very lucky and would not recommend this approach over Highlight guitars recommendations - but the fretless and now all my other basses play well. I recall now I DO have one decent bass from store - zero fret on the Gibson Steinberger Spirit XT25. Kind of wish more basses had zero fret.

[@ourclarioncall]

Your totally right , it’s not easy, Even with good tools . I kind of like that it’s not easy , because it makes it valuable and appreciated because a good nut set at the right height can radically change a guitar.

[@slidersson]

An artform? Reeeeally???

[@ranman58635]

Not everyone can do this. The pre fab ones I like. I have never been able to afford a real set.

[@hi-ccowboy7983]

I’ve never ever understood why people who can afford the right tool will go out of their way to use the incorrect one. Same goes with using fabric store dye.

[@esmeraldo7887]

glad i got past the unpleasant intro. thanks for the well done review.

[@HighlineGuitars]

Glad you liked it!

[@benncarr5464]

1st, I’ve seen nuts that say “bone” only to find its bone meal. So now I try to find “real bone” if I can trust them. Am I right to assume bone meal isn’t gonna give the same desired tonal quality? 2nd, what is your opinion of metal nuts? I’ve seen brass and stainless for example. Let the jokes flow, once we get the business covered… 😁

[@HighlineGuitars]

I've never heard of this. But then I buy cow femur bones and process them myself. That's the only way I know of to be 100% sure it's bone and not bone meal. I slot my own nuts since it's the only way to setup a guitar properly. Since cutting slots in metal is a pain, I never use metal.

[@benncarr5464]

@@HighlineGuitars commendable. I’m not surprised given you artisanry. I’m alway enthralled with your presentations. Thanks! I was looking for a way to donate. No offense but I don’t need any swag. I saw the “super thanks” button on YT but after following instructions I ended up at a dead end.

[@ryanstark2350]

I bought a set of those double sided Hosco files a while ago. They were garbage. Some weren't straight and they don't cut rounded holes but squared off holes. They were not fakes but real Hosco. Not worth the money AT ALL.

[@thijs199]

lol you got spam bots that sucks. But on video topic, probably anyone who seeks to benefit as a guitar builder from this channel, should probably make the investment for sure. And probably seek some pro to teach them how to do it

[@HighlineGuitars]

Before you seek instruction, ask yourself, "Who taught the pro?"

[@hijmestoffels5171]

Criminals are misusing this channel with fake giveaway actions. Don’t fall for it!

[@hippychipsguitars601]

I think someone is running a scam using your name---I have a hard time believing that you are giving away a D45 to a random subscriber!

[@HighlineGuitars]

They aren't using my name, they're using my profile pic. KZbin has been notified.

I had really hideous experience with “Hosco”-set I bought from Amazon. Supposedly the set was to be real Hosco WS038 set and by the looks and price of 129€ I was under the impression they ought to have been. I had the set for less than couple minutes when I realized that either they were not authentic or Hosco has really major quality issues in their products. Making first inspection I noticed the files were not round from the edge, but couldn’t be sure before I tested them… And boy did I test them; None of the slots came out rounded or even close tho the spec of the correct size and were completely flat basically giving slots that would not hold the strings centered no matter what (to illustrate they were basically all \__/ where the string would bounce from side to side, and I have couple pictures still from a nut that I made slots side to side with StewMac and the Hosco). So there is a lesson here and I don’t doubt Hosco doesn’t make good files but make sure your tools you get are thoroughly inspected once you receive them; there is nothing more frustrating than realizing weeks after that you got a hundreds worth of garbage or scam. Now on the positive side this really got me so mad that I got the files luckily returned and my money back and decided to try Music Nomad file set. And I absolutely love them, they are a bit different from the typical files like StewMacs but boy are they accurate and easy to use. If you haven’t yet I would recommend to do a review of them, a 6 set of the files is around 160€, best money I have spent to tools so far. But not to sound like a salesman too much, I’m a hobbyist luthier and done nuts for my Bass and Guitars for multiple years so from the needle files and eyeballing correct sizes it was a huge improvement and sped up what I do. And might I add, I absolutely love your content, have learned so much that I can’t thank enough for this well of knowledge existing. Keep up the awesome work! Cheers!

[@HighlineGuitars]

WS038 isn't listed in the Hosco catalogue or their website. A quick internet search shows it as a saddle slot file set sold by some company named Göldo. Sounds suspicious to me.

@@HighlineGuitars yes exactly, the files were very much made to look Hosco files, but I doubt they were authentic. To my eye they looked Hosco files and from the way they were, I doubt you could tell without close examination that they were not as promised. I’m wondering if this is indeed a quality issue or if the exact set of files has had a bad batch at some point that they are selling, there are literally hundreds of options selling the same set so someone has to have the same experience but I couldn’t find this same issue commented anywhere.. If you checked the link I posted they do seem to be authentic by looks, but then again Hosco files are technically fairly easy to counter feit due to the simplicity of the branding design.

[@ourclarioncall]

Yes, I’ve learned that lesson recently Inspect your tools closely before use .