Pearl nut repair

[uncle ken]

I was wondering if anyone has repaired the string slot in an old pearl nut. If you look at my photo, the slot has flared out on the far E string. This is causing some buzzing and intonation problems. Can this be filled with pearl dust and glue then recut or will it require replacing a small section of pearl under the E strings.

[jim simpson]

uncle ken,
I had this happen to a pearl nut on a mando I used to own. I filed a v-shaped slot into the affected area then glued a squared up scrap of bone (I didn't have any scraps of pearl)into the v-shaped slot. I let it dry good then filed it flat and re-slotted. The coloring was different but functional. It's a great way to extend the life of an otherwise good nut. I did end of making a new nut when I was ready to sell it off (mas). Give it a try!
Jim

[Mando Medic]

Or you can pull the nut, put a small shim under it, reset the same nut and recut the slot just a bit deeper. Kenc

[Michael Lewis]

What Mando Medic said. Otherwise you need to make a new nut.

[Ron C]

Uncle Ken, a new nut would be a smart way to get back to the original setup, will produce better tone too with the new one .. Ron:;):

[Magnus Geijer]

If I remember correctly, Stew-Mac has blanks for about $20.

/Magnus

[uncle ken]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I was hoping to salvage the nut since it is original. I'll try some of these ideas first before replacing it.

[mandoJeremy]

I think First Quality has pearl nut blanks for around $6.00.

[Ken Waltham]

Ken; put a drop of superglue in the slot. You may want to mix it with baking soda, depending on how much you want to fill. Let it harden, then refile to your satisfaction.
Ken