Hey there. I have an Ibanez AX-7221 (Japanese made version) that has a damaged nut. I need to replace it, but am financially locked but do have access to a 3d printer.
Are there materials that can be printed which would be ok for this task and stand up to the stresses?
Edit: <3 to everyone that has given advice here. Much better than the 3d printing community’s answers I got.
I have never tried it, but I would think most of the stress would be compression as the strings tighten they press down on the nut since it is a little elevated.
Good thing is that if you print it such that the layers are parallel to the stress then it should be ok (basically the normal way your print it) As far as material, I wouldn’t care too much. Pla is probably fine, abs as well.
I’d be curious if anyone has tried it and has practical experience.
Yeah, I’ve seen nut models on thingiverse and such, but no one really has said anything in the comments of these models if they work or not. There are also no 7 string nut examples so I’ll have to model one for this guitar in particular.
The other issue I’m seeing in making this is that the strings themselves seem to be at different distances from each other. 5.1mm between the B string and the E, 5.5mm between the E and A, 6.3mm between the A and D and so on. (Though I’m sure I’m measuring it wrong as this is something I’ve never done. I’m using digital calipers to measure the actual distance between the strings themselves and I’m assuming I should be measuring dead center?)
Personally, I would measure the gap between strings as well as string with. Calipers work best when you can measure against something - not center to center distances. You’ll need string diameters anyway to make the indentations for them to ride in.
Yeah, I have a new set ready to go. Either 57 or 59. (The B) I’m just hoping that printing can pull off the slot needed for the high E.