well upon closer examination it looks like the b string slants down more than any other string (after the slot nut ..towards the tuning pegs). The b string stays in tune but is defintely lower in action than before. Its also looser. i dont see anything wierd with the saddle but im not sure. Anyone know approx what a reputable luthier would charge for a new slot nut? also how do i load a pic...i dont see the attach button. thanks everyone for your help!

You're going to have to find one that lives near you. If your in Detroit, I know of a couple of them.

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You can sign up to Fickr or something similar & attach the the pic that way.
BTW you don't necessarily have to change the nut, you can shim it & recut it. But it's worth having somebody who knows what they're doing to do it right. I don't know what they charge, but it might save you $ & hassle in the long run.

Probably more than for a new nut. When i filled in a nut slot with the bone dust and glue mixture, it took longer than if i just made a new bone nut. I'd just replace the nut, it wont drop any value. I cant see how what happens between the tuner and the nut would affect the action, but if its supposed to be under a string tree and isnt, it will have more slack.

Dumb question; but you didnt to happen to change just the B string at some point did you? If you did, and used a lighter gauge, that may account for the looser string.

i took the strat in to a local reputable luthier...he recommended a bone nut replacement. The one i got in there now was a synthetic material (??) and the grooves have worn out from playing. 55 bucks... i dont have right now but I will take it to him when i get the money.

That includes installation? Sounds fair enough.

yes with install . never knew they used cow bone in some guitars.

That's a very reasonable price.

Synthetic (corian) nuts have been used for years now -- there's nothing at all wrong with them. The genuine bone nut may also wear out eventually and need to be replaced but it will be decades henceforth......nothing you need worry about for the foreseeable future.

Arjay

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