Strat Nut Length Question...

[Defcon]

Ok, so I'm keen on upgrading the simple plastic nut in my American Special Strat with a Brass Nut (as seen on the YMJ Strat). I have the option of getting it in either 42mm or 43mm. However according to the specs on the Fender website, my Strat has a nut length of 42.8mm...

Now it's probably a stupid question, but would I opt for the 43mm size brass nut? I mean, an extra 0.2mm couldn't make that much difference could it? Would it fit in nicely, or screw up the string spacing?

Also the brass nut I'm after has a flat bottom; and I've heard that depending on the fretboards radius, it will need to be reshaped (the seller said he'd do it for me for an extra $5) - but yeah, my Strat has a radius of 9.5" - no idea if that's curved or flat or what though...  :tard:

I just thought I'd ask to confirm, so I don't possibly screw my guitar up.

Much love <3
Defcon.

 

[line6man]

You will have to file the width down to fit your neck. Otherwise you will feel bumps on the sides of the neck.

 

[TBurst Std]

And nuts are not normally pre-slotted for strings. So string spacing will be up to you and how you filed them in.

 

[Cagey]

It's also worth considering that any sonic influence you may expect will only be apparent on open strings. Once you fret a note, the nut is out of the equation.

To me, the advantage of a brass nut is mainly if you want to match gold frets/hardware, or you want something that won't wear as fast as a synthetic. If those aren't issues, then a brass nut may prove to be more trouble than it's worth. They're more difficult to set up, and they kinda need to be coated with some sort of clear finish as they'll oxidize and look shabby after a while otherwise.

 

[aarontunes]

It's also worth considering that any sonic influence you may expect will only be apparent on open strings. Once you fret a note, the nut is out of the equation.

To me, the advantage of a brass nut is mainly if you want to match gold frets/hardware, or you want something that won't wear as fast as a synthetic. If those aren't issues, then a brass nut may prove to be more trouble than it's worth. They're more difficult to set up, and they kinda need to be coated with some sort of clear finish as they'll oxidize and look shabby after a while otherwise.

Ya...but a brass nut is necessary to release the fury.

 

[Cagey]

You're thinking of brass balls.

 

[Cagey]

Incidentally, Axemasters sells compensated brass nuts for Gibsons and Fenders. They don't look as accurately cut as what you'd get from Earvana, but it's probably better than nothing if you're sensitive to that sort thing. Compensated nuts mainly make open chords sound better, so combined with the brass you'd get nice ringing chords. I bought one to try, mainly to match the gold frets on a Tele neck I'm doing, but it's not installed yet so I can't say how much improvement there is. But, they're only $16 and can't be any worse than a standard slot nut, so why not?

Speaking of ringing, they do a 12 string version in brass as well.