How does it work?Other nut materials have a tendency to bind the strings in their slots. When you're tuning your guitar you might hear the tell tale 'ping' of the strings releasing under tension or have difficulty keeping your guitar in tune when using a tremolo or doing string bends. There are many temporary solutions to this problem, but wouldn't you rather a permanent one? BLACK TUSQ XL has Teflon lubrication impregnated all the way throught the material (Teflon is the slipperiest substance on earth...500 times more slippery than graphite.), use this self lubricating nut with a set of locking tuners and you'll never have to worry about going out of tune from string binding at the nut ever again. And, since the lubrication is impregnated right throught the material, it doesn't matter if you sand or file to a different shape...BLACK TUSQ XL will keep on working.  So go ahead and use that trem or do massive string bends with the confidence that you'll stay in tune!

How does it sound?BLACK TUSQ XL will bring out hidden harmonics in your guitar. The highly resonant material couples your strings' vibration to the neck better than anything else. You'll hear more richness from every note, especially on open strings.

How do I fit my guitar?Take some measurements according to the diagram below and match them up to the measurements listed under the part description. Don't be concerned about a little extra length or height as this is easily sanded with fine sandpaper to adjust for a perfect fit. Just be sure that you have enough length and height. The most important measurement for slotted nuts is the E-e spacing followed by the width (or thickness).

FAQ's:

Q: You have so many guitar nuts, how do I figure out which one is right for my guitar?
A: We probably have a nut that either fits perfectly or is close. The best thing to do is measure your nut for length, thickness, height and, E-E spacing. Pay close attention to the E to E spacing, then check your measurements with the ones on our site. The material is easy to shape so if it's a little longer or higher, so it's no big deal to work it down a little.

Q: Will installing a BLACK TUSQ XL nut change my tone?
A: A quality nut will improve the tonal quality of your guitar when playing open strings, but not as significantly as changing your saddle.

Q: What's with the little tab on the bottom of the PT-5000-00 nut?
A: With the spacer tab in, the #5000 fits many Strat and Tele styles guitars that have a flat-bottomed nut slot. By removing the spacer (by filing, grinding or cutting) it will fit original Fender, G&L-style curved bottomed nut slots. We also have a nut with the same specs but a flat bottom: the PT-5010-00.

Q: I have an acoustic guitar, How do I know which nut is right?
A: We probably have a nut that either fits perfectly or is really close, even if the model is not specifically listed on our site. The material is easy to shape using some 600 to 800 grit sandpaper. The best thing to do is measure your nut for length, thickness, height and, E-E spacing. Pay close attention to the E to E spacing, then check your measurements with the ones on our site. The material is easy to shape so if it's a little longer or higher, so it's no big deal to work it down a little.

Q:What is the difference between BLACK TUSQ XL and a regular nut?
A: The basic difference is that regular nuts dont not have any lubricants. Black TUSQ XL is impregnated with Teflon lubrication to prevent strings from binding in the slots; you therefore get better tuning stability especially when using a tremolo.

Q: How deep should I carve the groove for a nut on my guitar neck?
A: On a new Graph Tech nut, it's recommended that you sand the bottom of the nut to compensate for the height rather than carve the guitar. You can then fine tune the height of each string, if necessary, with nut files or, in a pinch, a piece of 400 grit sandpaper folded as sharplly as possible. After restringing, press down each string in turn on the 3rd fret. Now check the clearance of the string above the first. If it's touching the first fret, the nut slot is too low. Proper nut slot height is just a paper thickness between the string and the first fret on the plain strings and about twice that on the wound strings. 

Q:Are Graph Tech products guaranteed?
A: All Graph Tech products carry the Graph Tech Iron-Clad Guarantee. You must be satisfied. When you purchase a product it comes with a full 45 Day Money-Back Guarantee. If, for any reason you are not completely satisfied, you may return your purchase, in good condition, within 45 days for a complete refund of your purchase price. No reason is necessary. Shipping charges, if applicable, are not included.