Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

I was doing some intonation.
I tapped on the Low E close to the nut.
I hear a clink clink.
I look at the nut.
It is broken.
I think.
Okay.
The string is still holding.
I go to play.
BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ.
Is there a quick fix?
Or will I need to have it fixed?

This is my only guitar. It is a nice stratocaster

-LaVoy

Hi LaVoy. I think The new heavier gauge bottom strings might be binding because your nut slots are set for the lighter gauge.
You just need to probably file a bit wider on low E since you are using 52 on the E now for example.

Dont think you need to worry about your guitar it will be fine you just need to reset it w the new string gauges you’re using now

Sorry to hear that LaVoy, draga. Jeff is on to something about the string gauges. Totally agree with Tomo if it holds it is OK. The buzz is not fun, if it is cracked and no action or fretboard flatness adjustments can bring it out, then yeah have it replaced. Cutting a nut can be tricky, it only 3-5 swipes with a specific gauge nut file. May want to visit a guitar tech and your desired string set and stick with it. I have purchased non-name brand strings for old guitars just to prevent what you have experienced only looking at the string gauge and that was it, didn't really care as long as I don't break the guitar.. Depends on the instrument quality, use, and age. Don't worry, the guitar is a machine and it can be fixed!!
-johno

My thoughts too.
I tried to a nut replacement on an acoustic and it was a little more than I could handle.
The nut actually did crack.
Google says I could make a quick repair with baking soda and super glue.

like you said , replacing a cracked nut can be expensive . I just had one replaced on my SG pro . wasn't cheap .

Sounds like a good trick :) little Arm & Hammer action, I like it. I have used an old string in a jam to lightly file it back to slot after a small amount of glue applied, toothpick. Try to keep it level. I bet it works for the short term fix, hopefully longer than that.
-johno

Hi Lavoy, did you manage to fix your nut using the Baking soda & super glue method?
I am no luthier but I did manage to change the nuts on two guitars. Pre-filed nuts are easy to find on Amazon or Thomann (I'm sure Sweetwater also has a few). Just make sure to not buy cheap plastic nuts, the strings will cut through them with time and you will loose lots of sustain or have more buzz. Bone nut is better, Graphite (Graph Tech) is the best.

Then the only thing you'd need to do is sand it so that your action is not too high on the first fret. To do so you can use your current broken nut as a reference and sand the bottom part of the new nut (the side that does not touch the strings) until the height is the same has the broken nut.

I hope that helps.