Someone got a bit too creative here, can you spot the problem?
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| What seems to be the problem with this Jazzmaster? |
It's not at all surprising to see something like this on an inexpensive guitar, but when modifications are made that can effect the value of a collectible or vintage instrument you have to stop and ask if they are absolutely necessary. I don't believe there's any question here. :)
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| Mo' Better! |
In order to "make it work", the original nut slot had been enlarged to accommodate the wider acoustic guitar nut. Performing a nut replacement is not difficult, however, this compromise turned an otherwise simple repair into a costly re-repair.
After removing the nut I cleaned the slot and filled it with a splice of matching rosewood. The fingerboard length (distance between the first fret and the end of the fingerboard) was measured before re-cutting the nut slot.
Fret spacing and the correct positioning of the nut and saddle(s) are all necessary for proper intonation. This is why saddle slots, fret slots and nut placement are all performed using precise measurements.
Tusq (aka Graph Tech) makes a variety of high quality, pre-slotted nuts suitable for replacement on Fender Strat's, Tele's, Jazzmaster's, Basses and many others. Purchasing the correct pre-slotted nut helps insure E to E spacing is correct and the strings are properly spaced. When installing a pre-made nut, slot depth is adjusted after the nut is installed. Special files matching the diameter of the strings are used to cut the depth and width of the pre-slotted nut so they match the strings precisely.
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| Pre-slotted Nut for Fender |
The Finished Repair
Fortunately this repair is difficult to spot and the damage has been un-done. Recently I've seen a couple of Fender Stratocasters that were damaged when someone tried to remove the nut and took large chuncks of fingerboard out with it. As theses are generally not difficult to remove I would have to blame the technique rather than the instruments. For a more detailed look at removing, replacing and adjusting nuts see my website.
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| Fill is barely noticeable and would only be spotted if one knew to look for it. |
