How to Replace a Nut on a Nylon String Guitar
Replacing the nut on a nylon string guitar is the same as any guitar. The nut suspends the strings over the fretboard at the top of the guitar, and works in tandem with the bridge in determining string height and playability, called "action." The notches in the nut must be wide enough to hold and set the strings without binding them, but not so loose that they move around and cause a rattling sound. Plastic pre-formed replacement nuts are available in most music stores and can be easily installed.
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Things You'll Need
- Stiff putty knife, 2 inches wide
- Small hammer or mallet
- White glue
- Replacement nut
Instructions
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1
Remove all the strings from the guitar's tuning keys. The strings may be left on the bridge for re-installation later.
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2
Center the putty knife against the edge of the nut that faces the guitar fingerboard. Tap the handle lightly with a small hammer or mallet. The nut will pop off the guitar in most every case.
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3
Bring the old nut to your local music store, and have the salesperson locate an exact match. The nut must match in height, width, and string spacing.
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4
Place a dab of white glue on the guitar in the nut slot area, install the nut, and allow it to dry for several hours. The glue is simply to hold the nut in place while restringing, and is not a critical part of the repair.
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5
Restring the guitar and tune.
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Tips & Warnings
If an exact replacement nut is not available, try another store or repair shop. The nut is an important part of the guitar, and one that is "close" will probably not suffice. If all resources are exhausted, a custom nut may have to be made by a guitar repair shop.
Don't clamp the nut in place while the glue is drying. Guitar necks are very delicate, and improper clamping can cause serious damage.
Don't apply too much glue. It could affect nut height.
Don't file the nut slots. It could cause irreversible damage to the new nut. Nut filing requires specialized gauged files and meticulous technique, but is usually not a major expense. Even with an exact fit, string slots and overall nut height may need adjusting due to minor differences inherent in any stringed instrument.
