Replacement Nut for Artisan Lap Steel

[Brettus Maximus]

Hello one, hello all.

So my old Artisan 6 string has recently found itself promoted into my live and recording rig. Sadly, the wooden nut piece has become uneven in the string slots and the strings are no longer on the level.

Although I could re-cut, I was wondering if there was anything I could find to replace and UPGRADE this piece. I'd be particularly keen on a brass nut, if such a thing exists.
I did all the usual googling to no avail, so I thought I'd come and ask the real experts - you guys!

Thanks,
B.

[Tony Russell Davis]

I've googled these guitars but am not sure what you have as the nut in the pictures looks like a piece of angle material screwed onto the guitar (like the aluminium suggested below). If the following doesn't seem right let's have a picture of the nut to work from (I might even have something in the off-cuts box).
Other than that, try these ideas - you can source brass on line, just measure the height, thickness and length you need (from the old piece) and file it to size. Tools required are only a hacksaw (junior ones are fine and cheap) and a, or some, file(s). Or a similar search for some aluminium angle of about the right size - maybe 2mm or 3mm thick - and hacksaw to size. The angle can be screwed to the headstock side of the nut placement.

[Brettus Maximus]

Many thanks, Mr Tony!

Not sure if the image is inserting correctly, so here's a link to a picture of the beast:-
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xjTYpBoAe9f4yh9t7

[Tony Russell Davis]

I see what's needed. I can only guess at the dimensions but reckon the height be 15mm (maybe 5/8in depending on the units used where it's made). The stuff you need is brass angle or aluminium angle of 3mm (approx. 1/8in) thickness. I think 15mm x 15mm brass or alu. angle would suit.
Are you handy with tools? The angle can be bought off eBay - I found 1/2in x 1/2in x 1/8in for £4.29 post free for 100mm length (inches x inches x inches x millimetres; what's that about!!!
Or Aluminium with more size choices, most being too big or too little!
If you measure the height (from the guitar, not the fretboard) and the width and let me know I may have some bits if ali that will do, or I can cut to size. In fact, give me the length and the exact position of the screw-holes too and I'll see if I can make what you need ready to screw on (it'll only cost the postage). The easiest way to measure that last bit is to loose off the strings, unscrew the nut and draw around the base onto some paper with a sharp pencil, also marking the screw-holes on the plan; pop on the measurements and scan it to me - if you like this idea I'll PM you my email.

[Jimmy Gibson]

This is for the member looking for a nut for his lap steel.

Jimmy

[Arcada]

This is for the member looking for a nut for his lap steel.

A link would be more helpful than a screenshot?

Topics merged.

[Jimmy Gibson]

Cheers Mark,sorry but I tried to send it as a link,but I couldn’t get it to work.Please delete if not allowed.


Cheers Jimmy.

[Arcada]

Cheers Mark,sorry but I tried to send it as a link,but I couldn’t get it to work.Please delete if not allowed.

Posting links is always allowed in posts, so not sure what the issue is... I found: -

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Grover-Perfe ... 1854771100

[michael murray]

I have one of the Grover 'Perfect' Nuts which I bought last year for a conversion project for a friend. It was slightly too wide.

It may not be as perfect a solution as TRD is suggesting but it may get you back in the saddle again.

It's approx. 48mm wide. String spacing around 8mm.

PM me your address and I'll get it into the post to you on Tuesday.

Cheers

Michael

[Brettus Maximus]

Tony, Jimmy and Buddy - you guys are so helpful, I'm humbled.
I never expected to have so many options!


I think the option of brass angle sounds like the perfect solution for me - I'll have a look at that stuff you mention on ebay, Tony.

I
Are you handy with tools? The angle can be bought off eBay - I found 1/2in x 1/2in x 1/8in for £4.29 post free for 100mm length (inches x inches x inches x millimetres; what's that about!!!

I actually love the idea of getting my hands on this little building project, I think you've given me something very rewarding to do over the next bank holiday!

Cheers one and all.

ps: in x in x mm =