MusicNomad's Nut Files Make it Easy to Lower Your Guitar's Nut Height

MusicNomad and Geoff Luttrell team up to show you with easy to follow instructions how to measure your string height at the nut and use nut files to lower your nut height. Being able to measure your string height at the nut is a critical step in the setup process. This explains the entire process and logic behind it. MusicNomad’s precision Nut Height Gauge will help you do it quickly & accurately. The gauge comes equipped with the 3 most common nut height sizes (.016”, .018”, .020”) plus 3 additional sizes (.012”, .014”, .022”) to accommodate a desire for lower action or a heavier pick attack. Instructions printed right on the handle makes it extremely easy to dial in your nut height. It’s perfect for electric, acoustic, classical & bass guitars & features laser etched markings that take the guesswork out of which gauge to use for each instrument. It’s made of premium stainless steel construction without the annoying, messy oil found on traditional feeler gauge sets. Use our Diamond Coated Nut Files to lower your nut height. That's MusicNomad quality - raising the bar in equipment care.
To learn more about our products and where to buy them visit: www.musicnomadcare.com/Produc...
In collaboration with Master Guitar Tech Geoff Luttrell of SF & Sonoma County Guitarworks sfguitarworks.com/, MusicNomad has developed the KEEP IT SIMPLE, SETUP (KISS)™. We demystified the process by developing innovative, precision gauges and tools combined with step-by-step general guidelines anybody can follow and setup their guitar to play and sound great. With our KEEP IT SIMPLE, SETUP (KISS)™ method and our gauges you can check the vital areas of your guitar and use our tools to perform your own setup. Not only is it fun, but a properly setup guitar takes your playing and sound to a whole new level. Make sure to check out all of our precision gauges and tools.

[@MarkVNash]

Excellent gauge and video

[@mikegayda715]

Great info quick and easy

[@scottsmith4145]

This was an outstanding video!! Thank you!!

[@kevon217]

Very helpful and informative. Thanks!

[@ustinkdave3405]

Bought n tried the Nut Height Gauge, now all my guitars play perfectly... thanks~

[@MusicNomadCare]

Great to hear!

[@drfonta]

I just got some of your tools from Sweetwater. (6 piece setup gauge set, light nut file et, and FRINE polishing kit). I completely re-setup 4 of my electric guitars from the first step using your KISS method and WOW what a difference! Intonation is spot on and the guitars all play in perfect tune all the way up and down the neck. Getting the nut filed/set correctly was huge and even the truss rod was off on all of them! Knowledge is power so thank you for putting these easy to understand videos and a great set of tools to do this with.

[@MusicNomadCare]

Great to hear !!

[@wyattsdad8561]

I just ordered one. I’m tired of guessing. Thanks guys

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Love these videos & your products. Well thought-out . . . and most importantly: They Work Great. Stay Safe.

[@MusicNomadCare]

Glad you like them!

[@FF-so3su]

Interesting stuff

[@morganghetti]

Just bought some nut files from you guys. Excellent product.

[@michaellubrecht7224]

Other than some slight relief adjustments, I'd never really worked on any of my guitars that much. I've just purchased Music Nomad truss rod gauge, truss rod wrench set, action gauge, nut height gauge, and fret files. Quite the investment! Last night I grabbed my Harley Benton HBO-850, an Ovation clone with the action so high it actually hurt my fingers to play! After adjusting the truss rod, it turns out the bridge height was just fine, but the nut height was stratospheric. About 10 minutes of careful filing with the nut file set and this guitar has become an absolute joy to play. With the confidence of seeing how straightforward the setup can be (on a cheap guitar that I wasn't afraid to mess up!) I'll be adjusting the setup on my Washburn Koa Grand Auditorium next - my cat could chase mice under the strings on that one. And I have several other acoustic and electric guitars in need of better setup - that investment will have paid for itself several times over in this first round of setups, not to mention minor tweaks and tune-ups into the future!

[@mr.mushroom3695]

Thank you😊you Show the secret that nobody shows me, now i can do it. Thank you for this Video. My guitars can stay at home👍👍👍

[@MusicNomadCare]

Rock on!

[@billsmith3042]

you guys are fucking brilliant and awesome....had a B and Low E string on my acoustic that were really flat open and sharp on first few frets...used a nut file on the slots gently to bring the string down and now the intonation is spot on!!! Literally only took a few seconds each.

[@chebrneck]

I bought them all. Good quality middle of the road tools. not really sure about "pro" level but excellent for everyone else.

[@marcohermans3207]

I finally got the fret files today (MN668) and I immidiatly started working on some guitars with TUSK & Bone nuts which needed adjustments. My first impression: Awesome, spot on, very good equipment. They work very fast so don't push on the files with too much pressure. Let the files do the work. I'm not a proffesional Luthier by any means so I don't have much comparison but for adjusting my own guitars and some guitars from my friends and guitar colleagues they are more then sufficient. They are not cheap in the Netherlands but I think they are worth it ! Thanks for your advice!

[@MusicNomadCare]

Thanks for checking out our Nut FIles!!

[@jturquoise]

How much do you pay for these in the Netherlands ? Just curious

[@marcohermans3207]

@@jturquoise, between €140 and €170. Sometimes there is a sale somewhere and then you pay €140 for the MN668 set

[@thisguy2973]

First off, I’m glad you guys make these simple, affordable tools. I have the relief gauge set with the action card and I’ve been setting up all of my old guitars using them. They’re excellent and simple to use! Question about the nut height gauge: When using it on the strings in the middle, would the radius of the fret have an impact on the accuracy of the tool? Further, could that radius potentially give the gauge a slight bend?

[@MusicNomadCare]

It is important that you are measuring properly between the top of the fret and the bottom of the string. Geoff does a great job showing how to properly use the feeler gauge in this video.

[@generalawareness101]

I am replacing the nut, and I am unsure what height to set it so I can then go through the proper steps. Tusq XL for the nut on a 2004 Squier Stratocaster.

[@jamestonini2967]

My only question is, do you make a “Precision Nut Height Gauge” for UKULELES… i.e. for soprano, concert, tenor , and baritones????? Please forgive me if this question has already been asked… As always, your videos are very informative! Bravo!!!

[@adam4944]

Geoff Luttrel for president

[@jacksonknight6884]

in the case of putting together a guitar, where does this come in the order of operations? before or after truss rod adjustments, and/or before adjusting at the bridge?

[@MusicNomadCare]

The Keep It Simple Setup is a linear process you will want to follow. See the link below that gives the proper flow. You address the nut height after the truss rod and adjusting the bridge. www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/The-Setup-Flow/

[@Zedekuk]

Very interesting video! Do these gauge heights also apply to heavily drop tuned guitars, Drop D to Drop A# etc.... or only to be used for standard E tuning? Thanks

[@dmanstarr]

I don’t know 100%, but considering that you use the same heights for a bass, I would think it would still work. To be sure, I would err on the side of a couple thousandths higher. If no buzz, very slowly file lower (once you start buzzing, you have a harder problem to fix). Not every guitar has to play like s shred guitar. Many people prefer a little less give as it can influence tone and technique in a positive way.

[@mikegayda715]

Is a general rule about .20 on the Low E? Love the videos

[@MusicNomadCare]

For a guitar Low E string the most common measurement is .020. www.musicnomadcare.com/Products/Nut-Height-Gauge/

[@empiredreamsinc.4298]

How do you set the action prior to adjusting the nut height?

[@MusicNomadCare]

You need to follow the KISS method flow of steps. Nut height is the final step of playability. You can find the flow to the KISS method here www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/The-Setup-Flow/

[@belo1971]

Is it possible to put a new nut on a 42mm width guitar nut...from 35 mm to 36 mm from E string to E string ? Thanks a lot for your answer and help. Regards from France

[@MusicNomadCare]

Thanks for reaching out, due to the complexity of starting a new nut we recommend to take it to a qualified repair shop to proper start or give you the proper knowledge on string spacing for your nut.

[@TroyCarroll509]

When using your gauge you say one of the gauges is for a standard guitar. Is this an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar or are they basically the same when it comes to measuring nut height?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Yes the guitar specific gauges are for both electric and acoustic, you will need to make sure you use the proper gauge for each string.

[@travelingman9763]

Should nut hgt differ for 12gauge flat wounds vs 12 gauge roundwounds? I played GBs stage guitar ..played like butter..13 Dadarrio Chromes..no relief or the slightest.

[@MusicNomadCare]

Our measurements are a starting point and the most common setup measurements for a great sounding and playing guitar. We realize there are many different opinions plus these can dialed in more for the type of player and playing style and string type. When it comes to your nut slot you will want to use the recommended measurements and then you can dial it in from there if you need too.

[@scottpetrie6179]

Do these tools work equally well to check and correct Ukulele string actions as well?

[@MusicNomadCare]

These tools will work for your Ukulele, you will need to know your setup specs for your ukulele. Once you have the proper specs these tools will work great for you.

[@tomfoolery2082]

Iv got some of these u have any problems with the dust coming off ? One i have did completely bare , .010" tht is . The others are great .O well ,live n learn .

[@wyattsdad8561]

Hi I’ve got a quick question, I bought the nut height gauge and I want to set the nut height on my martin acoustic. But the saddle needs to be lowered too. Does it matter if I lower the saddle then the nut or vise verse?

[@MusicNomadCare]

The KISS method is linear process. It is very important to go through to the proper flow in the right order during the KEEP IT SIMPLE SETUP method. Addressing the nut height is the last action step in the process, you will need to adjust your saddle before the nut. check out this link that will show you the proper steps of the flow. www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/The-Setup-Flow/

[@wyattsdad8561]

@@MusicNomadCare thank you so much

[@wyattsdad8561]

@@MusicNomadCare thank you! I’ll check out that link now

[@barankaypakoglu7643]

What if we have a low B. A guitar in baritone tuning that is. A 0.64 let's say. Would the low E measurement on this still work ?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Our measurements are a starting point and the most common setup measurements for a great sounding and playing guitar. Email [e-mail] to get more information and advice for your specific needs.

[@hamricmike8]

So is this supposed to be done at the end after adjusting relief and string action?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Great question, yes after adjusting relief and string action. We will be releasing videos on the entire set up process in the coming weeks. The process is slightly different for a Fixed Bridge vs. Individually Adjusted Saddles. Subscribe to our channel so you don't miss them.

[@bassyey]

Go neck relief, action via bridge, then action nut. I always make sure I'm intonated between each step.

[@travelingman9763]

How to straighten under the nut slot. I can't get any nut go fit one. I have no problem changing nuts on the straight slot under the nut. Thanks

[@MusicNomadCare]

For more info on how to measure your nut height & use the diamond coated nut files, email our guitar tech at [e-mail].

[@jeeeeev]

Can I also use this on the bridge?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Our files will cut metal saddles, but it is only recommended to do light cleanup (polishing, deburring) due to the fact that metal will reduce the life of your files. You can do it but just be aware of the possible consequences to file life.

[@SawdustAndShavings]

Doesn't changing the nut height cause you to redo the action? Would have thought you would correct the nut height pressing the 3rd fret so it would be independent of action. Once the nut is set, then set the action. What am I missing here?

[@MusicNomadCare]

This is just a short video on 1 step of the KEEP IT SIMPLE SETUP. The KISS method is based off the fixed-point reference of the first fret. Holding down the string at the first fret with the Pick Capo allows you to make an accurate adjustment following the KISS methods linear flow. Adjusting the nut slot height is the last step in the playability part of the setup. Following the KISS linear flow allows you to setup your guitar to play and sound great without having to go back and repeat steps.

[@mrcards169]

Do the strings need to be half in half out the nut when all finished . I mean if you take the slot down do you then need a bit off the top ? . Cheers

[@MusicNomadCare]

No you do not need to take any material off the top. You just need to make sure your nut slot height is at the proper measurement using our Nut Height Gauge.

[@mrcards169]

@@MusicNomadCare so if your string height is good but they end up flush with the top of the nut that is ok ? I read half the sting had to be proud above the nut . Thanks for reply .

[@MusicNomadCare]

We realize there are many different opinions but in the KISS method, you do not need to take any material off the top. You just need to make sure your nut slot height is at the proper measurement on the 1st fret using our Nut Height Gauge

[@mrcards169]

@@MusicNomadCare thanks for your help .

[@1fisiu]

What order to you recommend to do this on a TOM bridge? Set relief, then bridge radius, then action and lastly fix the nut? Should you have a straight neck when doings these measurments or at prefered relief and action?

[@MusicNomadCare]

For a fixed bridge setup, we recommend the following: Truss Rod, Radius of Strings, Action of Strings, Nut Height, Intonation, Pickup Height. You can check it out here to learn more about the step order we recommend: www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/The-Setup-Flow/ You do not need to flatten the neck when doing these measurements.

[@1fisiu]

@@MusicNomadCare Thank you for the reply. That's customer service I expect when I own several of your products with everything from gauges, care equipment to humidifers 😂

[@rodsmolter5046]

OK, .020 at the low E, what are the measurements for the rest of the strings?

[@MusicNomadCare]

The Nut Height Gauge features laser etched markings that take the guesswork out of which gauge to use for each string and instrument.

[@erichfrederick9229]

I play ernie ball 52-10 guage strings. Your set has 42-10. Would it be best for me to get 50 or 56 file for the 52? I noticed you didn't have 52.

[@MusicNomadCare]

Thank you for reaching out. Please email [e-mail] to help you pick your nut files sizes.

[@yetigoosecreature8682]

Why do some people put a capo between the 2nd and 3rd fret and then set the 1st fret string / fret gap to 0.2 - 0.3 mm?

[@MusicNomadCare]

We respect the different ways manufacturers and repair techs approach setups. Our collaboration with Master Guitar Tech Geoff Luttrell and his 20+ years, two high volume guitar shops setting up 10,000 plus guitars, teaching 100’s of students in his setup workshops, in house Plek experience, plus we asked a handful of other top repair shops the most common setup measurements and this was the unanimous measurements for a great sounding and playing guitar. The KISS method is a linear flow, so you do not need to go back and redo steps. The first fret is used as a fixed reference point when adjusting neck relief and string height. Nut height comes last in the playability part of the setup. These measurements are taken between the string and first fret without using any type of capo. Email [e-mail] for more information.

[@yetigoosecreature8682]

@@MusicNomadCare Thanks for your reply. Love your products. :)

[@pemberwick]

What can we use the .012 for?

[@MusicNomadCare]

we give those 3 additional feeler gauges so you can dial it in more for your playing styling

[@marcohermans3207]

I need some honest info here. I want to buy a set of your nut files, 10-13-17-26-36-46. I've read some reviews that the thinner filles are getting dull very easily especially the 10 and the 13. After a few strokes they say that they become dull and cleaning the is not helping. That holds me back a little because in Europe they cost €135,- per set and that's not cheap. I'm a hobbyist who wants to maintain his own guitars with pre-cut saddles which are made of bone,graphite, tusk, and plastic. I want to finetune them and not use them for making a new bone nut with new incisions.Can you a assure me that these tools will do the job for al long time? Thanks in advance.

[@MusicNomadCare]

Marco, thanks for reaching out! For the jobs you are describing they should last a long time! We have repair shops, guitar markers, and lots of hobbyists relying on them to get the job done. We have increased to a lower grit on our small files so they cut faster too. If you run into a problem with any MusicNomad product just email us. We stand behind our product and our MusicNomad community of users. Hope that helps.

[@marcohermans3207]

@@MusicNomadCare , thanks for taking the time to answering my question. Today I finally ordered the MN668 set after 25 years of thinking about purchasing a expensive file set.... Tuesday it will arrive and then hopefully I'll be more satisfied after years of using welding tip cleaners , serrated feeler gauges...They worked but it's a pain in the ass to archieve reasonable results. I'll let you know my experience with them.

[@kristanbenson803]

So if the nut is too high you’d adjust the bridge?

[@MusicNomadCare]

The KISS Setup is all based off the proper linear flow, make sure you follow the proper flow. You will address the bridge before the nut slots. To check out the enitre KISS setup method click on the link below www.musicnomadcare.com/How-To-Advice/Setup-Hub/Setup-Manual/

[@rodrich1644]

Why not fret at the 3rd to take the bridge height out of the equation?

[@MusicNomadCare]

The Kiss method is designed to use the linear flow when setting up your guitar. Nut slots are the last part of playability. By doing the proper flow, your neck relief, string action height, and radius adjustments are complete. The gauge and measurements for nut slot height are based on the previous steps being performed and not fretting strings when measuring and adjusting nut slots. Feel free to email [e-mail] and we can discuss your specific instrument needs and questions in more detail.

[@dimitrisloufakis916]

Aren't you supposed to capo your guitar at the third fret before using the filler gauge to check the height?

[@MusicNomadCare]

We know there are a lot of different methods and opinions that people have on how they do their setups and we respect that. But after collaborating with Master Guitar Tech Geoff Luttrell who has done 1000's of setups over 20 years and talking with some of the most respected repair shops who see 100s of guitar a week, this is how they measure and the most common measurements they use this which will make a guitar sound and play great.

[@bozosmith3506]

@@MusicNomadCare I suppose that using the other method would mean to aim at a lower gap value that what you actually do without pressing down at third fret.

[@TroyCarroll509]

You are absolutely 100% correct! That is the most accurate way.

[@user-fy6cj8mn2r]

@@TroyCarroll509it’s correct only if you choose to set your nut slot heights before saddle heights. The Music Nomad method involves setting the saddle heights first using a capo on the first.

[@TroyCarroll509]

@@user-fy6cj8mn2r we take extremely precise laser measurements with our Plek machine and the order makes absolutely zero difference.

[@SimonsBand1]

wish you offered 9 gauge for these seeing as some of us use 8s and 8.5s

[@dmanstarr]

In fact, you want the slot very slightly larger than the string so it doesn’t hang up.

[@dmanstarr]

He says in the video that you can use up to 3 thousandths (0.003) larger files without issue. So a “9 gauge” or even “10” sized file would be fine for a 0.008 string slot.

[@user-fy6cj8mn2r]

You’re meant to use 10 files even for 8s and 9s

[@Obscurity202]

Can you make a stainless feeler gauge set that also includes extra thick ones for measuring action at the bridge? Then I might be interested. Make sure you include sizes for bass 😊

[@MusicNomadCare]

We make stainless steel feeler gauges for truss rod measurement and nut height like you see this video. For measuring action at the 12th fret we have our amazing string action gauge that is a black gauge with white etching making it easy to read and we give all the common measurement right on the gauge including bass, once you get the proper measurement using the string action you would then make your adjustments at the bridge www.musicnomadcare.com/Products/String-Action-Gauge/

[@dmanstarr]

Steel mechanics rule for that is what most people use. Or their gauge to make it even more idiot proof.

[@PaoloC.]

I see the measures for electric and acoustic are the same... ain't that too low for an acoustic?

[@MusicNomadCare]

Our Collaboration with Master Guitar Tech Geoff Luttrell and his 20+ years, two high volume guitar shops setting up 10,000 plus guitars, teaching 100's of students in his setup workshops, in house Plek experience, plus we asked a handful of other top repair shops the most common setup measurements and this was the unanimous measurements for a a great sounding and playing guitar. We realize there are many different opinions plus these can dialed in more for the type of player and playing style.

[@dmanstarr]

On an acoustic, the nut height can be just as low. This is because you usually make the action measured at the 12th fret higher than an electric (and possibly add a touch more relief if needed/wanted) to prevent buzz.

[@dmanstarr]

Of course it also depends on how hard your attack is. If you bang the shit out of it, err on the higher side and carefully work down.

[@gabedestellano]

.020 on the 5th and 6th string? That's high. .010 is more accurate of a distance. Down to .006 at the 1st string.

[@MusicNomadCare]

Our Collaboration with Master Guitar Tech Geoff Luttrell and his 20+ years, two high volume guitar shops setting up 10,000 plus guitars, teaching 100's of students in his setup workshops, in house Plek experience, plus we asked a handful of other top repair shops the most common setup measurements and this was the unanimous measurements for a a great sounding and playing guitar. We realize there are many different opinions plus these can dialed in more for the type of player and playing style.

[@NathanSink]

That’s Graph Tech’s recommendation. BUT that’s with pressing the string down at the third fret. Key difference!

[@tfejulienewmar]

Capo on third fret, my Gibson Custom measures .005 (0.13mm) and it plays like a shredder guitar with no issues. But I guess it's different for each guitar

[@dougboal7425]

Only if you are measuring at the first fret while fretting the third. I don't like the method of measuring used in this video because if your action isn't perfectly adjusted at the bridge, you aren't getting an accurate measurement.

[@markheiliger9825]

@@NathanSinkGraph Tech did not press the string down at the second fret. Not sure what you mean.

[@captainamerica9353]

Starts at 3:36 , ya'll are welcome.

[@gregcameron5079]

All you really need to do is use the feeler gauges to match the height of the first fret, then take that measurement, add .002 thousandth more to the feeler gauges and set it against the nut. The nut is really just a zero fret, so it really doesn’t need to be complicated by all these so called scientific methods. As long as you don’t cut the slot any deeper than the height of the fret plus’s .002 your action should be closer to perfect than by all the complicated methods I’ve seen. I know it works, I’ve done it to my guitars.

[@gregcameron5079]

The various fret types are what makes the difference. Different fret types have different heights . Filing the slot without putting feeler gauges against the nut encourages filing too low. The stew Mac gauge works similarly to what I just said but it’s expensive.

[@jaezryl]

.002 even at low e? That is quite low already

[@user-fy6cj8mn2r]

That ludicrously low and will buzz on the first fret very soon if not already

[@robinleebraun7739]

I would be happier if a set of those nut files cost $40 rather than $80. Too much.

[@user-fy6cj8mn2r]

Buy cheap, buy twice. Buy once, cry once