Five Tips to Customize Acoustic Guitars

Smooth Nut Slots

Customers often tell us that their instrument’s playability is difficult and ‘stiff’, yet when we measure the action and relief, we find that the levels are appropriate for their playing style. Upon further inspection, we often find that the problem is a lack of string flexibility at the nut, but this is easy to fix and something you can do yourself. Remove one string at a time, and place painter’s tape on either side of the nut slot. Start with 220 grit sandpaper. You only need a very small piece. Fold the piece in half for the two treble strings, and then in half again for the thicker wound strings. Make about five passes, and then use 400 grit sandpaper for another five passes. Your goal is to smooth the bottom and sides of the slot, not to lower the action. Second, add a lubricant. Pencil lead works well. Simply use a sharpened pencil tip and ‘color in’ the nut slots. Big Bends Nut Sauce is a popular commercial option via Amazon.

Reduce Surrounding Nut Height

Having the strings low in the nut and pinched on the sides often produces a more subdued tone. With the wound strings about half in/half out at the nut and moving freely, but not loosely, you’ll get more sustain and “oomph”. We’ve reduced the surrounding nut height numerous times to very pleased customers. No need to get the unwound strings half in/half out, but they should be moving freely. Another factor to consider is the player’s style. With the wound strings half in/half out, this allows for the player to be aggressive without the nut edges breaking off because the strings are strained. Please see Dan Erlewine’s Guitar Player Repair Guide for more information. Below are the basic steps.

• Remove strings and tape off all sides of the nut.
• Draw a line for the area to be removed.
• Use a sanding block with 100 grit sandpaper to lower and reshape the nut’s top.
• Use a progression of 220, 320, 400 grit sandpaper to smooth the nut. For a polished look, progress to 600, 800, 1000 grit sandpaper.

Upgraded Tuning Machines

You can upgrade your tuning machines, and a popular option is Gotoh 510 tuners, the Cadillac of tuning machines, many of which have a 21:1 gear ratio. Be sure to check your current tuners first to ensure that the various dimensions will work with your guitar, including the post hole and screw angle.

Another option is to change your tuning buttons, such as changing from white to ebony.

Bone Saddle

A bone saddle is a relatively easy and inexpensive change that you can do on your own – check out our How To Replace a Bone Saddle Video for tips. You will notice a significant difference in sound if your guitar has an inexpensive plastic saddle. Please view our bone saddle options for different sizes and contact us with any questions.