I talk about the three main types of file used to make guitar nuts and do a comparison cut in bone. guitardoctoruk.com / guitardoctoruk / guitardoctoruk
The reason I use Hosco files over stewmac is because they leave a much rounder profile in my experience. They've always cut flawlessly for me. I use a different set than the ones you have here. Mine have a long blade with a little red tang on the end. I reckon they'll last quite a long while.
Great video! Truth- I don't think anyone has a nut file comparison video, at least that I'm familiar with. I'm almost 70, and have been repairing and occasionally building guitars, basses, mandolins, and upright basses for nearly 50 years. I bought a set of Japanese nut and fret crowning files in 1979, when I went to work repairing for Sam Ash in Brooklyn, N.Y. They cost 60 bucks for the set. In 1979, that was a substantial amount for a set of six files, if you adjust for time and inflation, that would likely be about 250 bucks today. I STILL have them, and still use them, weekly. After nearly 43 years of regular use- they are still sharp- except for the largest file's forward area, and that is not a big deal... it actually helps me be more cautious in cutting for those large 'E' strings on acoustics. I highly recommend sharpening your files using the vinegar bath method- just place them in a cup that is deep enough, and cover the cutting areas with vinegar. Let sit- and the next day, clean off the surface stuff- and they'll cut like new files. Just always keep this in mind.. whatever you pay for quality Luthier's tools, it's worth it.
Wow what a great comment and great advice thank you very much Dave 😁 I’m going to give it a try in the next few weeks my .010” file is already getting a little dull. I might even film it you can let me know how I do. Sincerely thank you again for taking the time to comment and pass on your knowledge I certainly appreciate it and I’m sure many other will too. Thanks Andy
@@GuitarDoctorUK Hi Andy.. You Tube is an amazing place. I've LEARNED, a lot from watching the videos of other repair people and Luthiers... on how they approach and carry out the procedure to do the same things I do. Some are, ah, a bit strange, others are pure innovative genius. I love the Thomas Martin UK bass makers' videos.. They are incredible luthiers, and have inspired me greatly. I do a fair amount of upright bass repairs. from the simple, to major rebuilds. It's an admirable thing to share information with others, I see this work as not just an occupation, or trade.. to me, it is a musical art form, combined with the same mechanical skills one would use in building high performance cars, or even airplanes. As my London born friend Mick says- Carry, on, Mate!
@@bigbass421 I’ll check out Thomas Martian when I get a chance 😁 thank you for the comments I’ll keep at it, look out for a video on file sharpening using vinegar in the near future. Have a good rest of the week. Andy
Před 2 lety+2
It's great that someone does the comparison videos. I have to say there seems to be quite a range of quality issues in all of the files. I just had my set of Hosco TL-NF3E files yesterday and they are frankly put awful garbage. Not even close to the shape you got with your .036, my files were all basically totally flat and would need a second tool to actually shape the bottom of the slot for the string. There is no easy way to describe this in words but if you think shape \____/ that is pretty much what they do. The bottom flat is the width of the string so it seems as if they have some serious quality issues and the whole side of the cutting edge was overlooked, and there is no feasible way to for a working slot with just these files. Were as with StewMac set I have yet to have any complaint, the way the curve on the StewMac is established only need slight angling of the file to perfect. So I think making these comparisons also heavily relies on that the set you have doesn't have any quality issues. Considering they are a precision tools, the quality control on these has to be very precise to ensure that customer doesn't get a defect product. Anyways, I think the StewMac might be well worth the money considering this. Also I have my eye on the Crimson Guitars files, if anyone has any experience of these I would love to hear what you think.
I just got a set of the hoscos, same as yours. I just got a new fender 51 Tele neck, with a pre slotted nut. I am hoping to be able to get it done correctly, but it’s my first time so I know I must be extra careful. If it was a blank nut I would take it to the local shop, but I thought since it already has the rough cut slots, I should be able to do it, if I take the time to go slow. Really good video. I don’t have any of the stew mac stuff, but the Hosco files look well made and as long as I don’t go too deep, and make the angle ramp to the tuners, I ought to be okay. Thanks for posting this one. Hoscos seems to be the right ones for me.
Thanks for your kind words 😁 I think the hosco are by far the best value, I have since used the stew Mac ones to make a nut for a J45 and they do cut a nice slot easily but they’re not worth the extra you pay for them. You should be fine cut slowly and keep checking your work. You do this by fretting the string at the 3rd fret and checking the space at the 1st fret. There should be a hair of space between the bottom of the string and the top of the 1st fret when the string is fretted at the 3rd. I hope that makes sense good luck and have fun 😁👍
I've just got a set of diamond coated files from Music Nomad the other day. I've done just one nut with them so far, but it worked really well. They're not traditional files. More like metal blades with an abrasive coating. I debated for a week getting the more expensive StewMac files, but I'm not at all unhappy with my decision.
I’m planning on getting a set my self. Ive just become a uk dealer for Music Nomad I really like their oil and fret polish. The stew Mac files are very good I’m interested to see how the music nomad ones stack up. I still use both Hossco and Stewmac regularly so I’m sure I’ll find a use for the music nomad ones.
I bought a set of the japanese nut slotting files, similar to the Stew Macs. After cutting about 10 nuts, they were totally worn out. They no longer cut. $100 for 10 nuts.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.I haven’t tried those ones myself but a maker friend of mine warned me of them he said they bound up whilst cutting. That why I went for the set of three I’ve been using them most days for the last five years and they’re still good but just a bit fiddly. That’s why I went for the stew Mac ones which are a lot better, to be honest and I use them instead now. But it did cost me close to $100 just on import tax alone, so for the guitarist doing their own setups they’re not that cost effective. But yes they are a better tool for the Job.
if youre using a trem i would recommend hosco. this is because the slot is tapered (like a V) and the sides of the slot wont bind the strings when using the trem
This was a very interesting and helpful video. I am presently needing to cut a nut for a vintage Gibson EB-O bass. The nut has worn very low over time and needs replacing. While I have 5 or 6 basses needing setting up, my priority is electric guitars. While the £75 for Hosco's is a lot, as you state and prove the Japanese tools are definitely worth a punt. Many thanks.
My pleasure I regularly use both set these days for different parts of the process they compliment each other very well. But if I was only looking after my own guitars and being UK based I’d 100% go for the Hossco files
I've used them all. I absolutely regret buying Hiroshima nut files as the .016 and .024 in the set would not cut at all, so they sent me replacements, but had the same problem. I still have and use my old StewMac gauged files and a few of their their double-edged files which are like Hosco files. They cut longer before wearing out and are a bit more aggressive. Music Nomad now has affordable short diamond nut files with handles, but I can't get them to commit to a guarantee of any kind. Who can afford to find out they suck and a few reviews say they do. Someday I spring for the StewMac diamond nut files. Thanks for your video.
Awesome!.your literally the only video on yt talking about the hoscos... Can you use them to widen slots? Maybe use them to even make bass string slotss usong the regular guitar set?
Hello thanks for the comment 😊 you can certainly use them to widen guitars slots you gently rock them left to right (or vice versa) as you cut the slot not to much though just enough for the slot. I’m not sure about making bass slots O have the bass set but I give it a go and let you know. Maybe film it.
A few months ago I bought a Hosco set that looks like your stu Mac files. They don’t have a handle like the Hosco ones you have. Shoot they were a good value. It was a kit that had like 10 files in it. Enough sizes to do most stringed instruments, I don’t know if they’d do a bass but everything else. And I think I paid like 120/140 American for them. I used to use the cheap needle files and it would work but it took a really long time to figure out what ones would work. And they weren’t that accurate. The Hosco files was money well spent even if I’m just doing my own guitars.
I’ve seen those files on a few of the supply houses over here in the uk. How are the edges? Curved or flat? They seem pretty good value. It defiantly worth spending on the right tools for the job it’s half the battle. I hope they serve you well. Thanks for your comment.
@@GuitarDoctorUK the edges are rounded. They were advertised as that and I remember before I ordered them, wondering if it was better to be rounded or flat.
@@GuitarDoctorUK oh okay 👌 For some reason I heard the round is better because the strings are round. Shoot I’m just happy to finally have a set of real nut files. For years I used cheap ass needle files and even used welding torch, tip cleaners. It is so nice to just match the file to a string gauge and file it.
I just wrote a comment but it disappeared. Well, I want to tell you that you made a very good video explaining the various types of nut files. I just got a packet of three Hosco files for electric guitar in the post about an hour ago. The reason is that I bought a fender replacement neck, new from the factory for my Squier classic vibe Tele. It’s a’51 fat U shape with the new “tall” frets. They really are tall, but I think I’ll be fine. Anyway, the nut has pilot slots, but they need to be filed for.11-.48 strings. The Hoscos seem to be a bit smaller but I think they will still work fine. I’ve read a bunch of stuff on luthier sites about filing the slots; they all basically have the same idea. Make the slot facing the tuners slope down so the string goes directly to the tuners. Do you have any opinion about what I’ve said? This is the first time I’ve ever done this, but I’m 67, and have played since 1965, so I know if it’s right, by the way it plays, or wrong, by the way it plays. Thanks for posting this one. It’s good to hear your opinion of the files I just spent eighty dollars on, instead of taking it to the local shop.
Is there an issue with having a string sit a V groove? I'm working on ukuleles. Good and informative video. BTW, Stewmac is also overpriced in the US and Hosco seems like the way to go.
Ideally you want a u shape so that the string is in contact with nut for the entire bottom radius. If you have a v the string will sit only on two edges floating above the bottom of the slot. The v shape doesn’t mater at the top it’s underneath the string that we’re concerned with. I like to leave around 50-55% of the thicker strings proud of the slot so you have a nice semi circle for the string to sit in. Thanks very much I’m happy with both sets to be honest but The Stewmac files are very expensive.
I've got both the Hoscos and the Stewmacs. i seldom use the Hoscos because of the V-shape, I don't like that, though they are good quality. I use the Stewmacs but shy away from the thinnest one, I have and old Rockinger nut sawblade that works better ;-)
Thanks for input 😊 I generally start with the Hossco and finish with the Stew Mac now it seems to work well. I hadn’t heard of Rockinger until you mentioned them I’ll look them up 😁 always looking to improve the job
@@GuitarDoctorUK That particular sawblade they don't offer anymore, they have a newer one that has coarser teeth that are too rough = cuts too fast. But the old one was really good ;-) However check out Rockinger if you are not familiar, they are an interesting supplier I have used for many years :-) Cheers
What is the problem with V-shape? I'm looking for ukulele. The only issue I might see is that it may cause the strings to bind more. What do you think?
@@zozoart The V-shape makes the slope or angle of the string slot too drastic giving the string too much room to move, it may not matter for a uke because of the shorter neck=higher tension at the nut, also thicker strings. I have very litlle experience with ukes.
Hosco makes three different types of nut files. First : the three double edged nuts files to a set with the colored handles; Second: the longer files with the red tang; and third: the compact, black nut files which require the holder. Which set would you recommend to a non-professional who only works on his own guitars? I've read that the double-edged three files to a set files cut the slots too wide. Is that true or were they probably talking about the cheap amazon/ebay knock-offs? How are the files with the red tangs used? It seems they don't require a holder, but what about the thin files for the high "E", "B" and "G" strings? How do you use those? ?
they cut a v shaped slot, but the bottom of the slot is round. after cuting the slots you'll need to re-shape the nut anyway. you dont want the string too low in the nut they will bind on the sides> half the hight of the string or a little more is perfect.
Stewmac have been getting away with it for years. Why don't they sell all their stuff in the UK and at a reasonable price instead of folk having to buy from America? It's ridiculous.
The reason I use Hosco files over stewmac is because they leave a much rounder profile in my experience. They've always cut flawlessly for me. I use a different set than the ones you have here. Mine have a long blade with a little red tang on the end. I reckon they'll last quite a long while.
Great video! Truth- I don't think anyone has a nut file comparison video, at least that I'm familiar with. I'm almost 70, and have been repairing and occasionally building guitars, basses, mandolins, and upright basses for nearly 50 years. I bought a set of Japanese nut and fret crowning files in 1979, when I went to work repairing for Sam Ash in Brooklyn, N.Y. They cost 60 bucks for the set. In 1979, that was a substantial amount for a set of six files, if you adjust for time and inflation, that would likely be about 250 bucks today. I STILL have them, and still use them, weekly. After nearly 43 years of regular use- they are still sharp- except for the largest file's forward area, and that is not a big deal... it actually helps me be more cautious in cutting for those large 'E' strings on acoustics.
I highly recommend sharpening your files using the vinegar bath method- just place them in a cup that is deep enough, and cover the cutting areas with vinegar. Let sit- and the next day, clean off the surface stuff- and they'll cut like new files.
Just always keep this in mind.. whatever you pay for quality Luthier's tools, it's worth it.
Wow what a great comment and great advice thank you very much Dave 😁 I’m going to give it a try in the next few weeks my .010” file is already getting a little dull. I might even film it you can let me know how I do. Sincerely thank you again for taking the time to comment and pass on your knowledge I certainly appreciate it and I’m sure many other will too. Thanks Andy
@@GuitarDoctorUK Hi Andy.. You Tube is an amazing place. I've LEARNED, a lot from watching the videos of other repair people and Luthiers... on how they approach and carry out the procedure to do the same things I do. Some are, ah, a bit strange, others are pure innovative genius. I love the Thomas Martin UK bass makers' videos.. They are incredible luthiers, and have inspired me greatly. I do a fair amount of upright bass repairs. from the simple, to major rebuilds. It's an admirable thing to share information with others, I see this work as not just an occupation, or trade.. to me, it is a musical art form, combined with the same mechanical skills one would use in building high performance cars, or even airplanes. As my London born friend Mick says- Carry, on, Mate!
@@bigbass421 I’ll check out Thomas Martian when I get a chance 😁 thank you for the comments I’ll keep at it, look out for a video on file sharpening using vinegar in the near future. Have a good rest of the week. Andy
It's great that someone does the comparison videos. I have to say there seems to be quite a range of quality issues in all of the files. I just had my set of Hosco TL-NF3E files yesterday and they are frankly put awful garbage. Not even close to the shape you got with your .036, my files were all basically totally flat and would need a second tool to actually shape the bottom of the slot for the string. There is no easy way to describe this in words but if you think shape \____/ that is pretty much what they do. The bottom flat is the width of the string so it seems as if they have some serious quality issues and the whole side of the cutting edge was overlooked, and there is no feasible way to for a working slot with just these files. Were as with StewMac set I have yet to have any complaint, the way the curve on the StewMac is established only need slight angling of the file to perfect. So I think making these comparisons also heavily relies on that the set you have doesn't have any quality issues. Considering they are a precision tools, the quality control on these has to be very precise to ensure that customer doesn't get a defect product. Anyways, I think the StewMac might be well worth the money considering this. Also I have my eye on the Crimson Guitars files, if anyone has any experience of these I would love to hear what you think.
Awesome comparison. Thank you. Saved me so much time and money. I'm in the UK so Hosco won it for me.
Interesting. Enjoyed your video. I prefer the U shape vs. a V Shape.
Thank you for a great video !
My pleasure thanks for taking the time to comment 😊
I just got a set of the hoscos, same as yours. I just got a new fender 51 Tele neck, with a pre slotted nut. I am hoping to be able to get it done correctly, but it’s my first time so I know I must be extra careful. If it was a blank nut I would take it to the local shop, but I thought since it already has the rough cut slots, I should be able to do it, if I take the time to go slow. Really good video. I don’t have any of the stew mac stuff, but the Hosco files look well made and as long as I don’t go too deep, and make the angle ramp to the tuners, I ought to be okay. Thanks for posting this one. Hoscos seems to be the right ones for me.
Oops I didn’t think my first comment posted. Sorry about that.
Thanks for your kind words 😁 I think the hosco are by far the best value, I have since used the stew Mac ones to make a nut for a J45 and they do cut a nice slot easily but they’re not worth the extra you pay for them. You should be fine cut slowly and keep checking your work. You do this by fretting the string at the 3rd fret and checking the space at the 1st fret. There should be a hair of space between the bottom of the string and the top of the 1st fret when the string is fretted at the 3rd. I hope that makes sense good luck and have fun 😁👍
I've just got a set of diamond coated files from Music Nomad the other day. I've done just one nut with them so far, but it worked really well. They're not traditional files. More like metal blades with an abrasive coating. I debated for a week getting the more expensive StewMac files, but I'm not at all unhappy with my decision.
I’m planning on getting a set my self. Ive just become a uk dealer for Music Nomad I really like their oil and fret polish. The stew Mac files are very good I’m interested to see how the music nomad ones stack up. I still use both Hossco and Stewmac regularly so I’m sure I’ll find a use for the music nomad ones.
I bought a set of the japanese nut slotting files, similar to the Stew Macs. After cutting about 10 nuts, they were totally worn out. They no longer cut. $100 for 10 nuts.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.I haven’t tried those ones myself but a maker friend of mine warned me of them he said they bound up whilst cutting. That why I went for the set of three I’ve been using them most days for the last five years and they’re still good but just a bit fiddly. That’s why I went for the stew Mac ones which are a lot better, to be honest and I use them instead now. But it did cost me close to $100 just on import tax alone, so for the guitarist doing their own setups they’re not that cost effective. But yes they are a better tool for the Job.
@@GuitarDoctorUK i'll keep watching to see if they stand up to the work load. Cheers, my friend!
if youre using a trem i would recommend hosco. this is because the slot is tapered (like a V) and the sides of the slot wont bind the strings when using the trem
This was a very interesting and helpful video. I am presently needing to cut a nut for a vintage Gibson EB-O bass. The nut has worn very low over time and needs replacing. While I have 5 or 6 basses needing setting up, my priority is electric guitars. While the £75 for Hosco's is a lot, as you state and prove the Japanese tools are definitely worth a punt. Many thanks.
My pleasure I regularly use both set these days for different parts of the process they compliment each other very well. But if I was only looking after my own guitars and being UK based I’d 100% go for the Hossco files
@@GuitarDoctorUK Thank you.
I've used them all. I absolutely regret buying Hiroshima nut files as the .016 and .024 in the set would not cut at all, so they sent me replacements, but had the same problem. I still have and use my old StewMac gauged files and a few of their their double-edged files which are like Hosco files. They cut longer before wearing out and are a bit more aggressive. Music Nomad now has affordable short diamond nut files with handles, but I can't get them to commit to a guarantee of any kind. Who can afford to find out they suck and a few reviews say they do. Someday I spring for the StewMac diamond nut files. Thanks for your video.
Love your racist comments!
nonsense
I love a good slot with a backwards and forwards action.
🤣🤣🤣
Awesome!.your literally the only video on yt talking about the hoscos... Can you use them to widen slots? Maybe use them to even make bass string slotss usong the regular guitar set?
Hello thanks for the comment 😊 you can certainly use them to widen guitars slots you gently rock them left to right (or vice versa) as you cut the slot not to much though just enough for the slot. I’m not sure about making bass slots O have the bass set but I give it a go and let you know. Maybe film it.
@@GuitarDoctorUK thanks! Have you ever tried them on brass?
@@yaki_font I have used the bass set on brass but not the guitar set they did a good job.
Ty for sharing! Is there a trick to keep the thinner edge cut files from binding while filing? Ty!
Great info.
Would you say the Hosco double edged files are good for saddles, especially Tune-o-Matic metal saddles? Thanks.
Phil
NYC Area
I believe the Stewmac files have a lifetime warranty against wearing out
A few months ago I bought a Hosco set that looks like your stu Mac files.
They don’t have a handle like the Hosco ones you have. Shoot they were a good value. It was a kit that had like 10 files in it. Enough sizes to do most stringed instruments, I don’t know if they’d do a bass but everything else. And I think I paid like 120/140 American for them. I used to use the cheap needle files and it would work but it took a really long time to figure out what ones would work. And they weren’t that accurate. The Hosco files was money well spent even if I’m just doing my own guitars.
I’ve seen those files on a few of the supply houses over here in the uk. How are the edges? Curved or flat? They seem pretty good value. It defiantly worth spending on the right tools for the job it’s half the battle. I hope they serve you well. Thanks for your comment.
@@GuitarDoctorUK the edges are rounded. They were advertised as that and I remember before I ordered them, wondering if it was better to be rounded or flat.
@@wyattsdad8561 generally round is better but for a vintage trem flat would be better, there’s less likelihood of the string binding then
@@GuitarDoctorUK oh okay 👌
For some reason I heard the round is better because the strings are round. Shoot I’m just happy to finally have a set of real nut files. For years I used cheap ass needle files and even used welding torch, tip cleaners. It is so nice to just match the file to a string gauge and file it.
I just wrote a comment but it disappeared. Well, I want to tell you that you made a very good video explaining the various types of nut files. I just got a packet of three Hosco files for electric guitar in the post about an hour ago. The reason is that I bought a fender replacement neck, new from the factory for my Squier classic vibe Tele. It’s a’51 fat U shape with the new “tall” frets. They really are tall, but I think I’ll be fine. Anyway, the nut has pilot slots, but they need to be filed for.11-.48 strings. The Hoscos seem to be a bit smaller but I think they will still work fine. I’ve read a bunch of stuff on luthier sites about filing the slots; they all basically have the same idea. Make the slot facing the tuners slope down so the string goes directly to the tuners. Do you have any opinion about what I’ve said? This is the first time I’ve ever done this, but I’m 67, and have played since 1965, so I know if it’s right, by the way it plays, or wrong, by the way it plays. Thanks for posting this one. It’s good to hear your opinion of the files I just spent eighty dollars on, instead of taking it to the local shop.
Great hair😊👍😊
Is there an issue with having a string sit a V groove? I'm working on ukuleles. Good and informative video. BTW, Stewmac is also overpriced in the US and Hosco seems like the way to go.
Ideally you want a u shape so that the string is in contact with nut for the entire bottom radius. If you have a v the string will sit only on two edges floating above the bottom of the slot. The v shape doesn’t mater at the top it’s underneath the string that we’re concerned with. I like to leave around 50-55% of the thicker strings proud of the slot so you have a nice semi circle for the string to sit in. Thanks very much I’m happy with both sets to be honest but The Stewmac files are very expensive.
I've got both the Hoscos and the Stewmacs. i seldom use the Hoscos because of the V-shape, I don't like that, though they are good quality. I use the Stewmacs but shy away from the thinnest one, I have and old Rockinger nut sawblade that works better ;-)
Thanks for input 😊 I generally start with the Hossco and finish with the Stew Mac now it seems to work well. I hadn’t heard of Rockinger until you mentioned them I’ll look them up 😁 always looking to improve the job
@@GuitarDoctorUK That particular sawblade they don't offer anymore, they have a newer one that has coarser teeth that are too rough = cuts too fast. But the old one was really good ;-) However check out Rockinger if you are not familiar, they are an interesting supplier I have used for many years :-) Cheers
What is the problem with V-shape? I'm looking for ukulele. The only issue I might see is that it may cause the strings to bind more. What do you think?
@@zozoart The V-shape makes the slope or angle of the string slot too drastic giving the string too much room to move, it may not matter for a uke because of the shorter neck=higher tension at the nut, also thicker strings. I have very litlle experience with ukes.
Hosco makes three different types of nut files. First : the three double edged nuts files to a set with the colored handles; Second: the longer files with the red tang; and third: the compact, black nut files which require the holder. Which set would you recommend to a non-professional who only works on his own guitars? I've read that the double-edged three files to a set files cut the slots too wide. Is that true or were they probably talking about the cheap amazon/ebay knock-offs? How are the files with the red tangs used? It seems they don't require a holder, but what about the thin files for the high "E", "B" and "G" strings? How do you use those? ?
I have the ones with the red tang and love em. They're so easy to control.
they cut a v shaped slot, but the bottom of the slot is round. after cuting the slots you'll need to re-shape the nut anyway. you dont want the string too low in the nut they will bind on the sides> half the hight of the string or a little more is perfect.
Guess who makes stewmac files, one guess
Stewmac have been getting away with it for years. Why don't they sell all their stuff in the UK and at a reasonable price instead of folk having to buy from America? It's ridiculous.
Can't hear anything your saying,see ya
I could hear everything, so clean out yer ears