The Steel Guitar Forum

Does the material ---(bone/aluminium /brass/ wood etc.)--- used for the nut/bridge of a lap steel have any effect on tone? Have any members preferences? experienced differences?

Nut and bridge / saddle material does have a subtle effect on tone. My personal favorites are bone, aluminum, and stainless.

I believe the nut material can make a pretty audible difference in tone.

My Rogue came with a weird cast platic nut. I think at one time they were wood. Anyway, it was actually hollow and painted over heavily. I replaced it with a steel one I got from EBay that came from a Gretsch steel. Nice cast, heavy, chromed piece. Instant improvement.

Another cheapy lap steel I have, I replaced the nut and bridge with aluminim angle. Again, improvement, but I find Aluminum to be a bit more "brittle" in tone. I also put in lipstick pickups in it, which were bright. Sooo..maybe the aluminum would work better on another steel. IMO: aluminum=bright.

On my Morrell 6 string, I replaced the plastic nut with a steel one. Sustain and tone improved. (Noticebly more Sustain).

I think there's no ONE best nut material, it depends on the rest of the steels' components. Different materials for different results/improvements.

I'm thinking of trying brass on my Morrell 8 string.

It can range from virtually no difference to major, good or bad.