Detail 01
Black TUSQ XL
Impregnated with PTFE, so strings slide through the slots instead of catching. Tuning returns after bends and trem use.
Product detailSKU #1274115045881
Graph TechBlack TUSQ XL 1/4" Epiphone Style Slotted Nut
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Pre-slotted black nut cut to Epiphone dimensions, made from Graph Tech's self-lubricating TUSQ XL material. A drop-in replacement for a worn or binding nut.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Guitars that ping and go sharp at the nut when bending
- Replacing a chipped or over-filed factory nut
- Black hardware guitars where a white nut looks wrong
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Fender-style guitars — the Epiphone slot profile will not fit
- Players needing a custom nut width or unusual string spacing
- Anyone unwilling to sand, fit and glue a nut
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Pre-slotted
String slots are already cut, so the hard work is done. Final depth still usually needs filing per string.
Detail 03
Epiphone style, slotted
Cut to Epiphone nut dimensions. It will not drop into a different brand's nut shelf without reshaping.
Detail 04
1/4 inch reference
Sizing figure for the blank. Measure your old nut's length, height and thickness against it before ordering.
Detail 05
Black color
Cosmetic only. Matches black hardware and dark headstocks; visible as a dark line against a light fingerboard.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Old nut must be removed, usually tapped out after scoring the finish
- 02Nut files and a small amount of glue are not included
- 03Slot depth affects action at the first fret — go slow, you cannot add material back
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Is this a straight drop-in for an Epiphone?
Close, but not guaranteed. It's shaped to Epiphone dimensions, so expect to sand the bottom or ends for a snug fit and to finish the slot depths.
02How is TUSQ XL different from bone?
TUSQ XL is a man-made material with PTFE built in, so it self-lubricates. Bone has no lubrication and can bind in the slots.
03Will this stop my tuning problems?
It helps if the strings are binding at the nut. If the issue is worn tuners, a bad slot angle, or new strings stretching, it will not.
04Can I install it without a luthier?
Possible with patience, but removing the old nut and setting slot depth carries real risk of cracking finish or cutting too low.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Black
