Although I have been noodling about with guitars for most of my adult life, I must confess that since I came to this forum I had never heard of a particular term. I have seen post after post concerning the importance of the "nut". Graphite, etc. I can't figure out what you guys are talking about. Please help this confused old soul! Also, if there is a source on the net that gives a complete breakdown on guitar parts and terms, that would be especially useful. Thanks!

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September 18th, 1970
There were none better before him.
There have been none better since.

The ususally-white-piece where the fret board stops and the headstock begins.

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-Classic 50's Strat.
-Std. Telecaster.
-Mike Dirnt P-bass.
-Custody of SE Strat.
-Peavey Predator/Dean Evo/Epiphone DR150/Gibson Slide (much older than me).

Rellik Productions Inc.

Hi FarRider: the nut is the bone, plastic or metal piece with shallow grooves in it that the strings pass across at the top of the fingerboard, beneath the peghead / headstock. It occupies the position of fret number 0 - which is why when an actual fret is used for that purpose rather than the nut it will be called a "zero fret".

The sounding length of the string runs between the nut at the top and the saddles at the bridge.

For "guitar terminology" type that phrase into Google and see what you get. At a glance I'm seeing nothing so wonderful that it's worth posting here, but there's stuff available.

Cheers - C

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It's a mix between Jazz and Funk, it's called "Junk"

That was a much better definition.

_________________
-Classic 50's Strat.
-Std. Telecaster.
-Mike Dirnt P-bass.
-Custody of SE Strat.
-Peavey Predator/Dean Evo/Epiphone DR150/Gibson Slide (much older than me).

Rellik Productions Inc.

I knew I would get great replies. What is the difference when you are using the different types of nuts. Is it tonality, tuning, or some other reason?

_________________
September 18th, 1970
There were none better before him.
There have been none better since.

It's mainly tuning because sometimes the string can get caught in the nut causing it to go out of tune. I've heard that it can affect your tone to. From what I've heard, bone has a brighter tone while something like graphtec produces a darker tone, however I have no way to confirm this since I've never played a guitar with a graphite nut.

Tonally a lot of people will tell you the nut's tonal influence only affects open strings. Trust me on this...it affects fretted too, and bone will make your guitar sound it's best. Better resonance to be sure.

Sometimes its hard to tell the difference between the tones from different nuts if they are acting upon the strings as they should. That said when you put a brass nut on a Strat you will notice that the material can make a difference.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson