The Steel Guitar Forum

A close non-computer friend of mine bought a mint condition 1935 Ricky (single vol ctl) and discovered the grooves in the Bakelite moulded nut have been filed down burying the strings. The thought is, in it's life somewhere, somebody thought they could play it "Spanish guitar" style. While it's quite playable, the tone has obviously been compromised for such a nice instrument.

What are, if any, suggested possible options? I.e., is there any suitable material which could be filled into the grooves and filed out??? A big box of tissues for the tears?

Looking forward to hearing from folks.
Geo

Check out this previous thread about Devcon Steel Epoxy as recommended by Rick Aiello to fill and refile Bakelite:

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtop ... e0b5fc31ab

Hopefully the experts can jump in on this one.

I would try bakelite filings (probably carcinogenic in California) saturated with cyanoacrylate (super glue). Stewmac has a black version of the glue. Cruise the garage sales for an old pot with a bakelite handle. It might take several layers to build it up. Or a little tape dam on each side to hold the powder in place.

This technique has worked very well for me rebuilding bone nut slots, using bone dust. I don't remember who I stole the idea from. But it ain't mine.

I used some stuff that was designed for gun stocks, to make the receiver/barrel assembly fit tighter. Don't remember the name it that just now...maybe someone else here will remember...

Bill, are you talking about Acraglas? It's a Brownell's product.

I have also used the Acraglass. Two parts like epoxy and it comes with a dye to make it black. I was told to buy the red box. I used it to repair a prewar B6 neck that had completely broken off where it joined the body. Worked great. Not sure how it would work for filling the slots.

Hi George,

If you go the Devcon route and if it's not available to you locally, here's a Canadian online supplier that ships Devcon Plastic Steel. They're Toronto based.

https://www.gessweincanada.com/product-p/811-2655m.htm

I couldn't resist a bad pun here. Depending on the severity of the repair required these can be rated either as:
DEVCON 5 (minor)
to
DEVCON 1 (requires major restoration)

G'day George, if it's a model with the removable screw-on nut, then George Piburn of Georgeboards fame can make you a 3D printed blank replacement, & you file your own new grooves.

Thank all you folks for the fine help. I'm passing this info on to my friend who is in Nova Scotia, I'm in Ontario. I'm sure e will be pleased with your kind suggestions.
George