Mike's Oud Forums

nut height problem

ameer - 1-2-2010 at 10:14 AM

Hi all. Recently the sixth course on my Sukar started buzzing. In looking at the nut the slot where the sixth string fits has apparently been squashed so that it is lower than the other slots which would cause that particular string to hit the fingerboard. I have two questions. First, the nut is glued in place; what is the best way to remove it? Second, should I just shim it with something or should I get a new nut all together? If I need to get a new nut do they come in standard sizes and spacings or do I need a custom job?
Thanks,

Ameer

Dr. Oud - 1-2-2010 at 10:54 AM

remove the nut with a putty knife or chisel, positioned against the nut at the fingerboard suface, tap it toward the peg box with a small hammer to loosen the nut. Clean the glue joint. Shim the nut higher. There is no "standard" oud nut, a custom nut will cost $35.

SamirCanada - 1-3-2010 at 07:28 AM

Ameer goes into a guitar repair shop....

repair guy: hi, how can i help you.
- Sir, I need a custom nut job... can you help ?

lol... I just thought I would share my laughs with you guys this morning.

But anyways in all seriousness Ameer, follow what the Doc said. By the way some sukar ouds have a cheap wooden nut... that thing is garbage and you should replace it with a harder wood, bone or some other professional nut material.

David.B - 1-3-2010 at 08:36 AM

You're kidding Samir but I did it a few years ago and I came back with a really nice, professional, guitar nut ! Really thick and rectangular with slots as deep as the Grand Canyon :D

saddas - 1-7-2010 at 06:56 AM

I have a similar problem. What material should I use to shim the nut higher?

Also, if one wanted to make a new nut (for Oud, mind you) how do we go about doing that?

suz_i_dil - 1-11-2010 at 09:56 AM

there is this shop which is selling accessories for oud.
I got a new bridge from them some time ago, the order was quite long but good prices and very kind person.
Then you will have to fit it to your oud, if you want to do yourself ebony shall be more easier to work on than bone:

http://www.mediterranean-musicshop.com/advanced_search_result.php?k...

oudmaker - 1-17-2010 at 10:03 PM

Just put a piece of string across the fingerboard under the strings next to the nut. It will solve your problem

Luttgutt - 1-22-2010 at 01:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by oudmaker  
Just put a piece of string across the fingerboard under the strings next to the nut. It will solve your problem


Thanks for the tip oudmaker. It worked like magic :-)