Where can I get a nut blank cheap, or anyone have one to spare?

[kvk]

I'm thinking of converting my Kentucky beater to lefty. I could flip the bridge but I'll need a nut blank. Even cheap plastic one would be okay.

Anyone know where I can get one for a few bucks? I would guess that most luthier supplies are going to have a minimum shipping cost even though it could be throw in an envelope for $0.43.

If anyone knows where I could get one for a few $ including shipping?

Alternatively, if anyone has one lying around they'd part with for a few $ paypal, lemme know.

[LKN2MYIS]

Check your PM.

I have one to spare. One piece, should be enough to make 2 nuts.

[toddjoles]

You need a lefty cut bridge also! The bridge is compensated for each string, flipping the bridge will not help with intonation it only puts the bridge on backwards! If I remember correctly, Cumberland Acoustics makes lefty bridges.

[Folkmusician.com]

Yep, New Bridge, or at least the saddle is in order. If you look closely at the bridge, flipping it will not reverse the compensation. If you can get a piece of rosewood, you should be able to make left saddle.

[Bill Snyder]

Bone nut blanks are $2 at Int. Violin, but shipping is $8.00. You could check and see if there is anything else they have that you need that would make the shipping cost average out to an acceptable amount. For example you could throw in a few sets of strings and the shipping stays $8.00.

[mandolinplucker]

Go to a pet store and get bleached cow bone. I get mine at Roses for $1 for a 6 inch piece. A hack saw or coping saw will cut it and sand paper will shape it. You still will have to cut the correct size string slots.

[man dough nollij]

I've seen threads here that strongly advise against using bone that hasn't been thoroughly degreased. The degreasing process is pretty serious, including soaking in gasoline, among other things. The reason un-degreased bone is so dangerous is that the grease will leach out over time, screwing up the finish and making the glue let go. Not good.

Edited to add: Degreasing link (http://www.bearmeadow.com/build/materials/html/bone-clean.html) (with explanation of the dangers of residual grease).

[Ivan Kelsall]

Re.the bridge,if it's an adjustable one which i assume it is,then simply sand off the existing slots & re-slot it. It should only remove 1/16" max. from the saddle,if that.The bridge adjustment will cope with that simply by raising it. I did that on a previously owned Mandolin for a different reason - the string spacing was all over the place - i re-slotted it & re-fitted it with no adverse effect at all,
Ivan;)

[D.E.Williams]

If you're looking for someone to help you, take it to the Music Emporium in Lexington, and let Bob Stubblebine the repair guru have at it. He can make a new nut and probably even a new bridge saddle, or get a new one for you easily enough. He's very good at what he does.