Making a Guitar Nut - 3 Tips for Proper Slotting

Making a new guitar nut? In this video Dan shows 3 tips for getting the job done right. Getting the proper shape of the nut; ramping (or backfiling) the nut the proper way to ensure proper intonation, without buzz or excessive wear), and opening the back of the nut slots to ensure an easy, unobstructed path for the strings.
Check it out.
Products used or mentioned in this trade secret video.
DiamondCut™ Nut Slotting Files
www.stewmac.com/item/1320
Gauged Nut Slotting Files
www.stewmac.com/item/0821
Bone Nut Blanks
www.stewmac.com/item/6020-V
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StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
Everything is 100% guaranteed. Fast worldwide shipping.
Shop StewMac: www.stewmac.com
Facebook: / stewmac
Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar

[@goodear1540]

Hearing Dan say "Killer" has made my day.

[@bluesguy62]

"It's all the little things that add up" --- how true!

[@johnverhines9511]

Zig Ziglar “It's the little things that make a big difference.”

[@KPSoutside]

I love the fact that a master like Dan is willing to share his knowledge. Dan is the man.

[@jonesybones13]

The best details (and in 5 minutes) about how the nut slot should be shaped and reducing friction (especially on the 3rd and 4th string) for intonation. Thanks, Dan Erlewine!

[@XavierTheNeonTiger]

Hand filing my own nut and saddle made my $50 instrument feel like a $200 instrument and I firmly consider it worth learning how to do.

[@antares4975]

because you spent 150$ for the nut files

[@paxchristi2014]

​@@antares4975 😂😂😂

[@Downtown_Andy]

I could listen to Dan talk about guitars all day. So relaxing

[@chipsterb4946]

That drawing at 1:50 is worth more than the price of admission! Seriously - great presentation.

[@demian113]

Dan is the Bob Ross of guitar lutherie. Could listen to him drop knowledge all day!

[@ramencurry6672]

Huh?

[@guitartec]

I am a pro repair tech of 45 years. I do not call myself a luthier, even though I do plenty of lutherie. I save the term for Master Luthiers such as Dan, as so many garage guitar builders call themselves a luthier, it diminishes the title imho. I am one of the only shops that asks the customer if they'd like to to stay and learn as I set-up or repair their guitar. I enjoy teaching the basics, but cutting nuts I don't teach b/c people are not usually set up with the correct files or understanding to fit and cut them properly. It took me years of trial and error and understanding to really get nutwork down pat, and I'm still learning. A video like this will get you more than you bargained for unless you are a highly gifted or methodical craftsman whose worked with different materials and understands the task at hand. Again, jmo so take it for what it's worth.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

Luthier - If someone says they are a luthier, ask them "Are you a builder or and assembler?" If you work on stringed instruments you are a luthier according the dictionary but I know what you mean! Most of the job is understanding mechanical physics and going back to base principles, not assuming - electronics is totally that and when playing with valves that approach will keep you alive too.

[@stewmac]

It's funny... the word luthier is much discussed and debated here as well. Some think of it as a lofty word to be held in reserve for the highest masters, others think it's a descriptive word like carpenter which doesn't necessarily imply a level of experience or quality... just says I work on fretting instruments. I'm sure the discussion/debate will rage on forever. :)

[@guitartec]

@@stewmac We need a new title for those that fix and build guitars, but can't play them at all. That's always blown me away : D

[@nicholasbstone]

@@guitartec It comes from a desire to be able to do more with the instrument than a person is able to do when limited by their own lack of skill, talent, or natural ability. Not so hard to understand at all.

[@guitartec]

@@nicholasbstone Not sure why you take "blows me away" to mean I don't understand it. I am in awe of it.

[@disco4535]

Dan's videos are pure gold

[@noisybarinavalon]

Thanks for sharing Dan, always a pleasure to watch a master at their craft,

[@trzesnk]

Dan rocks! Happy to see you healthy!

[@onlyusernameleft2]

Dan is a national treasure and the Bob Ross of lutherie.

[@ronnieremark3355]

Thanks Dan for your years of hands on experience. I hope to be there one day!

[@stephenbarton2625]

Each time I watch your videos I always learn at least one more thing I just didn’t quite grasp before. You are really helping us. Thank you so much!!!

[@tony.guitarplayer]

He is such a good teacher for me! I learned a lots of things from him.

[@shannonthomas8894]

Dan is the greatest! Plus his videos are always short and direct to the point!

[@nathanrichard4357]

I never really thought of it as supporting the stray and trying to let it speak. Very inspiring to see people who think like this

[@mccloysong]

Your lessons are always so detailed yet concise, right to the point. So enjoyable and informative to watch. You answered all of the questions that I had almost immediately. Thank you so much always

[@dekrev]

Thanks Dan! I try to buy all my parts and pieces from y’all for this simple reason - all the time and effort you put in to make sure I have the info to do it right - appreciate that!

[@amosjr4]

Thank you,Dan

[@mmediaaudio]

Thank you Dan!

[@chrismichael8501]

Great demo, Dan, thanks!

[@LennieDean]

It is the little things like this that I've learned from these vids that add up! You're a national treasure Dan!🤓

[@whiskybravo4648]

Thanks Dan, appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us.

[@drewgormley6933]

Dan, as an illustrator and educator, your new graphics are the perfect way to help the viewer visualize the correct way to make a nut.

[@400_billion_suns]

These videos are so enjoyable and helpful. Thanks StewMac and Dan! :)

[@mississippimusic]

Thanks, Dan!

[@Stewmade64]

I love the vibe of all these StewMac vids. And I love Uncle Dan’s demeanor. Much better than the 27 minute “off the top of your head” ramblings from some of those other luthier tip videos.

[@TempleGuitars]

Sorry about that.

[@mccloysong]

I almost said the exact same thing. His presentation is tight and you get the info right out of the gate. And his humble delivery belies his vast knowledge

[@TheAngryMushroom]

Your repair book and tips helped me become a better luthier. Thank you Dan!

[@oRcNemesis]

Thanks Stew!

[@andrekley]

I love the way you teach us! Thank you so much!

[@ArturBrzozowski444]

I got myself set of nut files. Dan is my first source of know how Thanks for being here

[@stewmac]

Thanks for watching! Dan's an inspiration to us all!

[@waynzwhirled6181]

This is nuts!

[@jayblow77]

This is the best video I've seen on filing nut slots. A+

[@dereknolin5986]

This was great! Thanks!

[@jeremyjohnson2551]

Thank you for sharing!

[@DjiDo]

Exactly what I needed right now. Those tools look super handy, all of them!👌🏻

[@tonysansom]

Excellent advice, Sir! Thank you for sharing.

[@alancarter4044]

Thanks. You’re a good teacher!

[@bretolson8484]

This is exactly what I woke up wanting to find this morning. Thank you 🙏

[@joem6859]

Dan is the man!! No one can teach guitar building like Dan!!

[@richardlynch5632]

Dan is the man! Thanks

[@gisantos3060]

Awesome info here!

[@sethmcneill5283]

Wow one of the best how to videos on KZbin I’ve ever seen 🎉

[@allfields]

Dan has much knowledge, every 2 or 3 sentences he alludes to a good tip or trick to keep in mind.

[@brianharbut4054]

Such good videos on here. A wealth of experience & perfectly explained. Thankyou

[@thecareyaffair]

Dan your a legend............Much love from Aust.!

[@Jugokazooie]

Very professional

[@roboreilly8151]

Thanks for another great video Dan 👍🏻

[@XSFlanger]

Very informative and do the point as always. Thank you for sharing the knowledge!

[@espiritguitar]

Dan, the master.

[@user-yc6ff4jn2j]

Hi, I always enjoy your how to's. They have been helpful for me over the years. I've always had tuning issues with my Gibsons. I tried a bunch of different approaches; changed tuners, bridges, nuts. Nothing seemed to work. Well one day I got the bright idea to file the nut so that the pass through of each nut slot resembled a Gibson bridge saddle. This was in an effort to keep the string from touching as little nut material/surface as possible. Wow, did that make a difference. I do a lot bends through my several hours of practice, and now have to re-tune very little. Just saying, thought I'd put that out there. Best Wishes to All.

[@Boosty_Boost]

absolutely awesome video!

[@pierheadjump]

⚓️ Thanks Dan 😎

[@hanten10]

Really clean job ♥️

[@egodzilla777]

This Dude is a Master!!!

[@pavure]

Thank you, sir! That's really good to know.

[@rpmblues7018]

Thank you

[@SomeDudeOnline]

Not what I was looking for but very glad I watched this.

[@MLFranklin]

Very nice. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom.

[@nigelalker5386]

GREAT TIP, THANKS

[@paulbates4100]

This vid should be mandatory watching for all those folks fitting string redirection Tom Foolery to their headstocks. Thank you Dan for a fine explanation of nut finishing.

[@robertevans2143]

Excellent video. Finally someone knows what he is talking about.

[@oldguy5381]

Thanks for the tip, you rock

[@stoatystoat174]

Thanks for something explained well with good camera work to see exactly what he is talking about. Love it when KZbin is the worlds Library

[@dimitrisloufakis916]

Just as I thought that nut files can't possibly get any more expensive...

[@davidainilian1106]

Just buy the whole set it's only about $1000

[@oosurf08oo]

@@davidainilian1106 no thanks I’ll just buy an entire diamond mine, hire a few hundred slaves and harvest my own diamonds to grind up and make my own nut files with.

[@oosurf08oo]

@DC_Kamehameha you’re going to miss out on 490$ worth of tone, man! Cmon buy the set.

[@BonafideToolJunkie]

@Nick Smith ...I bought the same set from Amazon. Reasonably good quality.

[@Cognitoman]

@@BonafideToolJunkiecheap material ?

[@scottmulligan3512]

Stu Mac rocks. Their stuff is superior. I bought a tail piece for my used Gibson hollowbody and it solved the rattle problem that I had.

[@polygonalmasonary]

I really learned a lot from your excellent video. It’s great to have someone with such knowledge and experience sharing it freely. Thank you so much 🙏. 🇬🇧♥️🌈

[@stewmac]

Thank you for watching!

[@TheSoulsandRevive]

Great video, very informative!

[@gabibonza]

Awesome! This old man have great skills!

[@formallynamed85]

Thank you Dan I don’t recall seeing a good example or drawing to go with the ramp technique and now to order a couple new nuts 🥜 lol

[@FabianRomano1]

100% Guitar Love. Thanks for sharing !

[@efa666]

As a lefty, this is valuable information, gotta be able to make your own nuts for conversions.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Thanks❤

[@pgilly7783]

Thank you sir building an SG kit and needed to know this because the nut is cut but not finished to the way you described 🖒

[@41663]

Thank you . Getting the nut right is the most difficult thing I've had to do for my guitar.

[@cameronmcknight2092]

this is a badassed video. Top notch

[@cratecruncher6687]

Great lesson with a concise graphic. I'm on the last step of making a nut from scratch. Making the grooves can make or break the whole project.

[@stewmac]

Thanks!

[@dba4292]

Love Dan Erlewine! So much knowledge. I do every single guitar repair possible, on acoustics and electrics. There is one job I don’t do, and that is guitar nuts. Doing nuts is a lost art that is so important and it must be perfect! Pause at 3:47 *that* is perfection. Look at how sexy those strings lay, it all just oozes top quality both from Gibson & Dan.

[@prssix]

For that simple fix you want, get a pocket set of files used for torch tip cleaning. About 6 or 7 dollars..

[@scottmulrooney3130]

30+ years ago I spent a couple weeks with Dan and Bryan Galloup. They covered cutting and fitting nuts, fretwork and Martin neck resets. 2 amazing teachers and craftsman. Thanks for this great explanation Dan!

[@akshaykchawla]

really you are amazing, love from India

[@swamification]

Thanks Dan! Just did this same repair to my new Flying V, which wouldn’t stay in tune at all...D and G strings exit the nut at an even steeper angle than most other guitars. Performed the repair using my old Stew Mac nut files. But I think I need to upgrade to the diamond files :)

[@jonnybeck6723]

Thank you so much Dan... I'd actually been wonderin' 'bout that sideways angle when you have a 3 + 3 setup (a bit of common sense too I'm afraid) Thanx again and Cheers

[@gregmartin1757]

I been watching and Learning from this humble and extremely talented man for many years ! Dan is the man !

[@Shaun.Stephens]

Me too - ever since I got a book of his. I was so happy to find that he was also doing youtube videos.

[@waybackplayback1347]

Good job and good video. Also, a good example of why a straight pull headstock is superior.

[@larrydrozd2740]

Flying V headstock, goes to a point, you get the angle back so no trees and you go straight to the machine head, no angle. I built my guitar with that in mind, which is why I copied it.

[@dogboyy2k12]

thx.

[@fadeskywards1245]

I don't have the slightest clue on luthiery (or whatever the noun of "luthier" is), but this felt useful.

[@andrewwagner6851]

Luthierie

[@fadeskywards1245]

@@andrewwagner6851 Thanks. 👌

[@andrewwagner6851]

FadeSkywards no problem haha. Not a word you see very often.

[@fadeskywards1245]

@Reian Felipe That's true. 👌

[@MostlyTorso]

Thank you, Dr. Erlewine! (Seriously though, you'd make one heck of a surgeon!)

[@kevinvarghese4652]

Nice shirt Dan! 😄

[@Cl3moh]

It's like turning Smirnoff into Grey Goose.👌

[@LightsOut-KP]

Youre awesome

[@arctichare8185]

Nice shirt too!

[@patrickpalmer3374]

I'm doing that now lucky for me because I was going to make it a point and not rounded thank you.

[@sirspencerclarke]

Cool shirt!

[@tonyangelis2786]

Dan, I love you and I respect and admire your work and I have to admit that I've learnt A LOT from you all these years. But, don't get me wrong, in this video I am obliged to make a correction: when you turn your file a little sideways to widen the back of the nut at the same time the front of the nut is filed UNINTENTIONALLY. This is because you cannot tilt the file MORE downwards so that the back of the file won't work on the nut. You have to REMOVE the nut form the guitar for this job to be accomplished properly. I hope I'm not being impolite. By any means you are the best for many of us!

[@davidratliff807]

Anything you say, I’m listening. One of the best if not the best!

[@hectormarkovich2045]

I love Dan's shirt

[@MouldyGuitars]

Great useful video.. I didnt know about the rounded back end ( I was sloping them) and also the widening slot. Will try it with my next build :) Is the widinedning at the back so important if the guitar has straight string pulls ? I assume not so much

[@RandyFricke]

I just received my StewMac nut files. Many people think the StewMac stuff is over-priced. If you want to do a guitar job right don't waste your money on inferior tools that aren't made for guitar. Spend the money, save up if you have to, but get proper, good-quality tools and get the job done right the first time. * * * * * on the nut files.

[@AndrewX66]

When my mans said, “a tooth file can SKID,” I flinched when he jumped forward.