Nut/string guide material with a zero fret

Seziertisch

I have a zero fret Gretsch and the strings to bind on the nut/string guide behind the zero fret. 

Lubrication makes a difference, but has anyone replaced the string guide on a zero fret guitar with a Tusqxl or Teflon one? 

Kittyfrisk

Have you tried dressing the existing nut slots to reduce the binding?

ICBM

Yes, but not with plastic - try brass. With a little lubricant it's far lower friction than any plastic, which is why it's often used for bearings in engineering. If you could make it in phosphor bronze, even better...

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Kittyfrisk said:

Have you tried dressing the existing nut slots to reduce the binding?

They’ve been dressed, it’s just that they need to be kept lubricated, though maybe a bit more dressing would be in order

Seziertisch

ICBM said:

Yes, but not with plastic - try brass. With a little lubricant it's far lower friction than any plastic, which is why it's often used for bearings in engineering. If you could make it in phosphor bronze, even better...

Any particular makers you’d recommend?

ICBM

Sorry, no idea, I would make one from brass stock.

Sassafras

Seziertisch said:

ICBM said:

Yes, but not with plastic - try brass. With a little lubricant it's far lower friction than any plastic, which is why it's often used for bearings in engineering. If you could make it in phosphor bronze, even better...

Any particular makers you’d recommend?

I bought one off ebay ages ago.
Can't remember which supplier though.

stonevibe

You can make a jewellers mop out of a piece of string, just unwrap it to make it all strands. Then use a little Brasso and the mop to 'polish' the nut and it will make it smoother on the nut slots. 

Kittyfrisk

Thomann do Webster adjustable brass nuts for a variety of guitars including a 'single cut'  https://www.thomann.de/gb/abm_6210_webster_nut_lp_style.htm
I have one that came on an acoustic I bought. Possibly not the prettiest nut ever, but works well and is surprisingly adjustable.

Seziertisch

I’ve a friend who has fabricated some bridges and bits for me in the past, I think I’ll reach out to him