Getting a nut...

[Commodore 64]

As long as I'm going to be performing surgery on my epi strat copy. I was thinking that perhaps I should replace the nut. From what little i've been able to glean from the intarweb, it appears that my Epi has a plastic nut. I don't know why this would be bad, but most people say they replace plastic nuts.

How do I know if my nut is bad? How hard is it to replace a nut?

 

[just strum]

There are a number of informative web pages available (I included two, but not necessarily the best).

To do the job right, you need the proper tools. A good set of files is one of the first things you will need. - http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/tools.htm
You can also find sets at Amazon and other web sources.

The first thing I would do is watch some videos so you can determine if you need to replace the nut.

If you decide to replace the nut, then you have to determine material (the great debate begins). I will give you my spin or opinion on material. If the slots and and height are good, material makes little difference as it pertains to tone. This is always debated, but once you fret the strings, the nut is really taken out of the picture. However, the nut also plays a role in wear and that is where plastic tends to lose out when compared to other materials.

Many people prefer bone for what they say is tone and appearance. Although bone will wear over time (tuning and restringing wear), if treated correctly, it will last for many years. Adding a dry lubricant such as a graphite will help wear and also helps maintain tuning. I use a graphite made for door locks, but there are many different types on the market.

Another material that people like to use is tusq. I tried this material on an acoustic saddle and didn't care for it and have since avoided its use. However, many people use it and swear by it.

http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/nuts.htm

http://www.ehow.com/video_2375091_adjusting-guitar-nut-height.html

In the end, you might decide the investment in time and tools isn't worth the hassle and then it's time to visit Woodsy's and have them do it.

 

[ZMAN]

Good advice from JS. I had an Epi Sheraton. I to had heard that it would improve the tone and sustain. It cost me 60 bucks including the bone nut.
I could not hear any difference! Nor could I see any.
I would only replace a nut if the strings are sloppy in the grooves. The nut may not be cut deep enough and the string will sit too high on the nut. This would affect the set up to a certain degree. On a 45 dollar guitar I would not worry about that. The upgrades you are doing on the electronics will make a huge difference.
As a side note, my guitar tech will adjust the nut during a set up. He finds it makes it much easier to get a really good low action, even if it's plastic.

 

[markb]

If the open strings play in tune with no buzzes and no strings hang up when bent, the nut is fine. If there is a little binding some lubrication will usually fix it.