Graphite nut

A nut made of graphite or graphite-loaded plastic, chosen for lubricity rather than for tone.

Graphite nuts are made either from solid graphite or, far more commonly, from a plastic loaded with graphite or a similar lubricant, and their whole purpose is to let the string slide rather than catch. That makes them a practical cure for the tuning problems of a tremolo-equipped guitar, where a string binding in its slot comes back sharp after the bar is released. It is commonly described as sounding slightly softer and less bright than bone, and as worth the trade for the tuning stability. Cheaper versions are simply black moulded plastic under an impressive name, and a badly cut graphite nut is no better than any other badly cut nut.

Example: Fitting a graphite nut is the first thing many players try when a tremolo refuses to return to pitch after a dive.

typical use: Nuts on tremolo-equipped electrics, and on instruments with stubborn tuning.

Graphite nut

See also