nut questions

[Skip Kelley]

I am going to have to replace the nut on my mandolin; it has a crack. I have a question about the nut shape and nut slots. I have seen them done several different ways. From a flat top, rounded top and some angled. Does this make a difference? Wouldn't a flat top give more string contact in the slot there by making a more solid contact and possibly improve tone and sustain? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[MANDOLINMYSTER]

It is my understanding that the strings should angle toward the tuning posts, and on the fingerboard side should make clean contact right to the edge of nut. Also you don't want the string slots to deep. The most important thing is to have the base of the nut make good contact with the neck/nut slot. And there you have it "jack of all trades, master of none"!

[sunburst]

Now that I've learned to do this...Nuts link...This is how Frank Ford does it. I agree with him on this.

[Skip Kelley]

Thanks for the input! I will check out Frank Ford's site.