Apply decal
As ever, the first question to answer is; Why do you want to change the nut on your instrument? There are many circumstances where the nut may be perfectly serviceable and if you dont need to spend money changing a part then don’t.
The purpose of nut is both to act as a string guide and to be your ‘zero’ fret, not to be confused with an actual zero fret (3 image of zero fret neck). The strings need just enough clearance over the first fret that they don’t hit the first fret when played open. The slots also need to be cut to allow the strings to move freely through the nut, whilst only pivoting from the front edge of the slot.
If you do decide that you want to change the nut on your instrument there are a number of potential materials you could look at using.
Stickers
Please don’t.
Inlay
The advent of CNC machining has made it possible to keep the cost of high quality, high volume inlay work down to a level achievable without it. If we’re dealing with one off inlays however then we’re still in the realm of one man or woman working by hand. We’re happy to carry out inlay work and can source a fairly bewildering variety of potential materials. The only limitation really is your imagination!*
*And your wallet.
Additional bracing
A big part of the skill of a luthier is in gauging how much strength is required for an instrument in varying degrees and how to balance this against the requirement to leave the instrument free to vibrate. Sometimes the strutting in place on an instrument simply isn’t sufficient to stop unwanted movement. This will usually be the case in regards to the soundboard of an instrument and in such cases, we may need to build in additional bracing. Again, the balance between rigidity and freedom to vibrate has to be weighed up carefully.
This type of procedure would usually be carried out without the need to remove the back of the instrument, avoiding disruption and the potential changes to the sound of the instrument this can cause. As such this can mean a slightly lengthier repair process. However, we believe the extra time spent will pay dividends.
Hidden tuners
Sneaky and functional!
If we can avoid cosmetic changes we will and where possible we’ll always try and maintain the original look of an instrument. This way your favorite six string becomes a 12 string and until you get up close no one is any the wiser. Alternatively, we can entirely hide the mechanism of a 6 string set of tuners.
Headless conversion
Weight lost? Balance issues? A desire to break away from the Roman Catholic church?
Off goes the head!
We jest of course. Headless instruments have always been a slight niche concern, but are nonetheless an interesting little cul-de-sac. Removing the headstock of an instrument significantly alters the balance, removing mass from one end. Headless instruments can also be much more portable than their
Add sympathetic strings
For musicians who find themselves limited by having even 12 strings, we can add as many additional strings as required. Whether in active use or being used as sympathetic drones, sitar cross over or Aeolian wind harp, there is always a solution.
Guitar Making
Hybrid instruments
Here’s one which doesn’t crop up as often as we’d like. Stringed instrument design is constantly evolving and as such experimentation is one of the most exciting parts of our job. Where there is the potential for the best of one instrument to be incorporated into that of another then let’s keep pushing those boundaries! If you have an idea for a crossover you would lie to discuss we’re always open to suggestions and happy to explore ideas. Please get in touch.
Travel guitars
We make a range of both full scale and half size travel instruments. Our aim is to provide both an easily transportable instrument, whilst maintaining the quality of a one of the hand-built instrument.
Perfect harmony guitars
For over 30 years we’ve been carrying out perfect harmony conversions. If you have the patience and the talent to be able to play them then we’ll happily convert your instrument to a perfect harmony fingerboard.
Bespoke creations
If you have an idea for something which you cannot already buy off the shelf then we’re in business. The process of creating something genuinely bespoke can take time, which if you’re going to realise the idea you have in your mind’s eye, it should. The first step is to discuss what it is you’re looking to achieve and work from there to finalise the specifications for the project. If practical and aesthetic considerations can be successfully combined then the only limitation is our imagination.
Payment Methods
We accept all major debit and credit card payments.
