TUSQ by Graph Tech Nut 42mm Flat B0ttom Strat Nut PQ-5042-00

I have a Squier Affinity Strat (2014 model) and while I have been using the same gauge of strings that originally came with it (9s), I have been wanting to try heavier gauges for lower tunings. But the original nut had very narrow slots, just big enough for the 9s or maybe 10s. Rather than filing the original nut and risking damaging it, I decided to buy a Tusq for experimenting. I used the Graph Tech website's measurement guide and found that this Strat model is almost exactly the same size as the original. A lot of discussions on the internet are wrong about that. Take the measurements and see for yourself!I received this Tusq nut and not only was it a drop-in replacement for the original, the slots were much wider as well! I tried a set of D'Addario EJ21 Nickel Wound 12-52 strings and they fit nicely with no adjustments needed. I suspect that for even heavier gauge strings, say 13s, I would need to widen a few of the slots. This setup brought me C# standard tuning with good string tension, and even down to B standard.The Tusq nut does sit lower than the original. In my case, that is a good thing. The original nut was too high, thus the action was too high. Being new to guitar playing, that was never a change I felt comfortable making. Now it's right where it needs to be for my taste. The other difference is it's slightly thinner than the original, and I mean slightly, it should be possible to slip something in the gap. Lengthwise, it sticks out a tiny amount at the edges, I might sand it flush with the fretboard at some point but it's barely noticeable.In terms of sound, I don't know how much difference the nut makes on an electric guitar, but it sounds good to me. As good as this cheap guitar can sound anyway. With the lowered action, corrected intonation, new strings, and possibly this nut, there has been an overall improvement in tone for me, so take that for what it's worth.I'm very pleased with this first Graph Tech / Tusq item and I would say you can trust that it's high quality and works properly, as long as you take the measurements for your guitar to know which model you need.

Bought this for a Bullet Mustang I'm modding. It was a direct fit replacement for the stock plastic nut. Not always the case with other applications I've used TUSQ replacement nuts on. I did lightly sand @ 1mm from each end to match the exact width of the fretboard. You wouldn't absolutely have to, but that's me. Two small drops of super glue, and it's in. String slots were right on..if you don't have appropriate sized nut files and some experience, you can likely do more harm than good. I use 11-50 strings on the Mustang, this TUSQ nut should be great for 10's.

I was given a Reverend Buckshot by a family member. It had a great graphite nut that was just a little too low on the treble side. Reverend makes GREAT quality mid-priced guitars, so I wanted to get this guitar back in good working order. When I went to remove the factory nut to shim it up a little bit, it broke in pieces, because it was apparently super glued in at the factory (really, only some light carpenter's/wood glue is all that's necessary)....The Buckshot actually has a 12" radius neck, as opposed to 9.5" or 7.25", which is standard on many Fenders. The "42" designation with the TUSQ nut pretty much signifies that it has a 12" radius. Long story short, this nut basically dropped in w/o any need for filing or sanding. the other cool part is that it has the bone/ivory look to it, instead of the black graphite nut that was in the Buckshot. With the amber tinted maple neck, this nut looks a LOT better.The overall bottom line is that this nut has the Buckshot playing like butter - it really feels like a factory part! This isn't my first TUSQ nut, but the experience was so good that I just ordered another one for one of my other Fender'ish guitars. These nuts make it VERY easy to install a pre-slotted nut with relative ease, and the thing performs well, AND it will probably last a good long time, compared to plastic or bone (I have a TUSQ nut in another guitar that's seen over a decade of steady use now, and it's holding up really well).

Thank God, this experience is over..Shopping for nuts stresses me out, there's no like, nut data base... graphtechs website system for finding your nut is confusing.. and nut manufacturers don't include vital info on the parts to guarantee it's what's needed.. I swear every product listing was missing some element of information, string spacing, dimensions etc..And most customer reviews say "I have always used graphtech, they're the best..", no mention of what guitar they've fitted the nut onto.Okay, rant complete, but it literally took hours..This nut dropped right in, the string height was perfect..💯 string spacing was dead nuts.I am giving 4 stars because on their website it says they try to make it where you might need to sand a little "because too much material better than not enough material" and that was not the case for me. There actually is a very small gap behind the nut, head stock side. You can't actually wiggle the nut around, but I just would have preferred a little more of a snug fit front to back which is what they say the aim to deliver on.All in all, having a vibrato guitar I'm so glad to have the "2nd slickest material in the world" to keep my strings from binding and superior tuning stability.

Perfect fit for a Fesley Telecaster.100% recommend Tusq.

Resolved a buzzing with original nut. Doesn't need lube to stay in tune since it is cut so well. My 2020 70s Classic Vibe plays great with this nut and it dropped in with no sanding required! Update: I figured out I needed to raise this nut about .005" the thickness of a piece of paper due to buzzing that wasn't action related. I added a strip of paper under the nut and it plays perfectly, trying to figure what I can use that's more solid than the paper though.