Rexel Matador Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 What do people here use for cutting nut slots? The Hosco double sided file set appears to be the only available option - I was just wondering if there's anything else out there to consider because it's quite an expense and I want to get it right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiOgon Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 I use StewMac's, https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Nuts_and_Saddles/Gauged_Nut_Slotting_Files.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rexel Matador Posted January 13, 2020 Author Share Posted January 13, 2020 58 minutes ago, KiOgon said: I use StewMac's, https://www.stewmac.com/Luthier_Tools/Tools_by_Job/Tools_for_Nuts_and_Saddles/Gauged_Nut_Slotting_Files.html Thanks! I didn't actually know they did them in bass sizes. I've never actually bought anything from them, having been put off by the idea of shipping stuff from the US, but they seem like a great option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 Crimson Guitars in the UK do them too. But only in guitar sizes AFAICS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songofthewind Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 I got a set of Hosco ones off eBay couple years ago. Much cheaper than elsewhere. They seem to have jumped in price recently. Try Tonetech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellzero Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 I'm using the Ibanez set, because I have too many strings : https://www.thomann.de/gb/ibanez_4449eb6x_nut_file_set.htm?ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6IjIiLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6ImVuIn0%3D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassalarky Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 You could try starting off with a needle file and use old strings (as files) to get the final fit and finish. Works surprisingly well if you take it slow with the needle file and just use the pointy bit at the end for the smaller slots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rexel Matador Posted January 13, 2020 Author Share Posted January 13, 2020 14 minutes ago, Bassalarky said: You could try starting off with a needle file and use old strings (as files) to get the final fit and finish. Works surprisingly well if you take it slow with the needle file and just use the pointy bit at the end for the smaller slots. That's pretty much my current method, but as I've done a few now I think it's probably time to make the investment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nilebodgers Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 I use these: http://www.japarts.ca/Uo-Chikyu/Uo-Chikyu-Products-Nut-Files.asp I haven't got a 0.130 yet, but I have the rest for normal bass and guitar setups. I have tried the Hosco double-sided files, but I found that the slots they cut are so inaccurate and oversized as to be pretty much useless. (at least for guitar, the larger bass sizes may be better) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stub Mandrel Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 Scalpel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rexel Matador Posted January 13, 2020 Author Share Posted January 13, 2020 46 minutes ago, Stub Mandrel said: Scalpel. I don't understand how you'd cut a round bottomed slot with a scalpel - what am I missing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedVee Posted January 13, 2020 Share Posted January 13, 2020 I purchased a Rickenbacker but the strings didn't lie fully in the nut slot, so I just used the string as a file........Perfect fit all round! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stub Mandrel Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 13 hours ago, Rexel Matador said: I don't understand how you'd cut a round bottomed slot with a scalpel - what am I missing? You scrape, rather than cut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rexel Matador Posted January 14, 2020 Author Share Posted January 14, 2020 12 minutes ago, Stub Mandrel said: You scrape, rather than cut. Interesting! I'll give it a try Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stub Mandrel Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 1 hour ago, Rexel Matador said: Interesting! I'll give it a try A rounded blade is best, takes off very small amounts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueMoon Posted January 15, 2020 Share Posted January 15, 2020 On 13/01/2020 at 18:21, Hellzero said: I'm using the Ibanez set Me too. Six files from 0.032" up to 0.130" Very pleased with their quality 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellzero Posted January 15, 2020 Share Posted January 15, 2020 So am I. Mine have little blue "handles". 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueMoon Posted January 15, 2020 Share Posted January 15, 2020 Yeah.....they're the ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted January 16, 2020 Share Posted January 16, 2020 I got a set of these..... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gas-Welding-Tip-Cleaner-Needle-file-set-Jet-cleaner-Nozzle/220417704077?hash=item3351eb408d:g:ohoAAMXQ71xRYR0i 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom1946 Posted January 17, 2020 Share Posted January 17, 2020 260 quid for a set of nut files? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted January 17, 2020 Share Posted January 17, 2020 21 hours ago, yorks5stringer said: I got a set of these..... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gas-Welding-Tip-Cleaner-Needle-file-set-Jet-cleaner-Nozzle/220417704077?hash=item3351eb408d:g:ohoAAMXQ71xRYR0i This. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Dare Posted January 17, 2020 Share Posted January 17, 2020 I got a set of fine files - round and knife edged - from an engineers' supplier that used to be near to me (now sadly closed down). They work well. Worth checking that option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lownote Posted January 17, 2020 Share Posted January 17, 2020 On 13/01/2020 at 19:28, Bassalarky said: You could try starting off with a needle file and use old strings (as files) to get the final fit and finish. Works surprisingly well if you take it slow with the needle file and just use the pointy bit at the end for the smaller slots. Been there done that successfully. Not ideal but a bit of wiggle room actually improves the sound IMHO, if you're looking for double bass cloning. I guess not ideal if you're going for crisp light clearly defined tonality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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