Note: With proper use, the MusicNomad diamond-coated saddle file will last a very long time. Originally known from industrial applications, diamond is considered one of the most durable abrasives available. Only use these files for nuts made of bone, graphite, plastic or TUSQ materials, or for brass or zinc tailpieces. The files are not suitable for grinding steel. Clean the files regularly with a brush to remove grinding residues from the gaps in the diamond coating. If the grinding effect on the front part of the file wears off, the file can be turned in the handle to bring the less-used rear part to the front.
Filing the nut slots after fret levelling is one of the most important and most critical jobs during a guitar setup. There are quite a few things that can go wrong, since every single slot must be precisely filed to an exact depth, width, angle, and distance to the next one – and, of course, the bottom of the nut slot must have the correct radius for the string type used. A wide range of nut files from various manufacturers are available on the market, but hardly any of these can boast the same sophisticated features as the Diamond Nut File Set from MusicNomad.
The MN 676 Diamond Nut File Set (further variants of this series are also available) comprises 16 individual nut files that are suitable for string gauges ranging from .010" to .130". Everyone who has ever held any type of file in their hands will immediately notice the unique design of the MusicNomad premium tools: The fine blade is securely integrated into an ergonomic handle that provides an extremely high level of comfort and optimum control for highly precise, smooth cutting, while the high-quality diamond coating ensures particularly fast and efficient nut filing as well as a long tool life. The scope of delivery of the MN 676 Diamond Nut File Set also includes a robust aluminium case.
The MusicNomad Diamond Nut File Set is primarily aimed at users with skilled hands and a good eye for detail, such as professional guitar techs and seasoned hobby techs who know exactly what they are doing, but also ambitious beginners who will not be easily discouraged by a flat learning curve and a few overfiled nut blanks – after all, nut filing is one of the most challenging jobs in guitar making. To this end, users will find various helpful video tutorials with detailed descriptions on nut filing on the MusicNomad website. This premium nut file set is eminently suitable for guitar manufacturers and service technicians who frequently work on a wide range of electric and acoustic guitars or basses, mandolins, ukuleles, or banjos.
MusicNomad was founded by Rand Rognlien, a specialist for automotive paint care products and a passionate hobby musician. When he launched the MusicNomad web portal in 2008 to build a network for himself and his fellow musicians along the lines of Facebook, he needed a strategy to raise the necessary funds. That was when Rand's extensive professional expertise came into play and he started to develop professional instrument care products for all kinds of materials and surfaces, from lacquer and metal to bare wood, which he soon complemented by a selection of special tools. Since then, MusicNomad has become a household name in music communities in over 50 countries worldwide and is the preferred choice of numerous renowned guitar manufacturers, such as Taylor Guitars and Martin Guitars.
The MusicNomad premium nut files are usually kept within easy reach in their natural habitat – the drawers and tool boards of stationary workbenches. Before starting work, the instrument should be placed on a piece of cloth and a neck support such as the innovative MusicNomad Cradle Cube Neck Support (available separately). When filing a nut, utmost care must be taken to ensure that the file is slightly angled down towards the headstock in order to prevent issues such as string buzz. Measuring the nut slot depth after filing is child's play thanks to the MusicNomad Precision Setup Gauge Set, which can be purchased separately. Last but not least, their ergonomically optimised design allows the MusicNomad nut files to be used over extended periods of time without causing hand fatigue.