TUSQ XL Nut Review: Make Your Guitar Sing Like A Canary!

TUSQ XL Nut is a manufactured ivory material that enhances sound and resonance over traditional nuts and saddles. This review will tell you all you need to know about this fantastic material and how it can improve the sound of your guitar. Check out what TUSQ XL nuts offer to improve your instrument’s sound. These nuts are made from high-quality materials, and they’re designed to improve the tone and sound of your guitar. They’re also a good choice if you need a replacement part that will last. You can use the table of contents below to take you to the area that interests you.

What is the TUSQ XL Nut?

The TUSQ XL nut is a revolutionary material that replaces the traditional bone or plastic nuts on guitars. This manufactured ivory material has been impregnated with Teflon-type material (PTFE), which makes it an ideal choice for any musician looking to take their playing experience to the next level. It’s made from 100% organic polymers and is designed to be consistent. This consistency means that there are no areas of soft spots or weak points in the nut.

It gives the nut the ability to transfer vibrational string energy to the neck that is acoustically consistent and harmonically rich, which improves your tone in every way. They also come in various pre-shaped and slotted sizes to fit almost every instrument. One of the great features of TUSQ XL Nuts is that they can be custom-shaped and slotted to fit any guitar make or model.

Graph Tech Company Profile

Graph Tech is a Canadian company that has been making headlines in the music industry for its innovative approach to guitar technology. Formed in the early 1980s by Dave Dunwoodie, president. Graph Tech’s TUSQ, TUSQ XL, and Black TUSQ XL manufactured ivory guitar nuts are just a few examples of their cutting-edge designs. The brand is well-known for its innovative products, such as saddle and bridge pins, string-saver saddles, the ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System, and Ghost Modular Pickup Systems.

One of Graph Tech’s most popular products is the string-saver saddle. This unique design helps to prolong the life of guitar strings by reducing wear and tear caused by friction between strings and traditional metal saddles. The result is a more consistent tone that lasts longer than traditional saddles. Graph Tech’s ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System has also been designed to improve sustain, intonation, and overall tonal response on electric guitars.

Their products are manufactured in three different countries: The USA, Japan, and Mexico. Over the years, Graph Tech has partnered with over 180 guitar manufacturers to install their products. This collaboration between Graph Tech and these companies has resulted in some of the market’s most innovative and successful guitars.

Who is the TUSQ XL Nut For?

The TUSQ XL nut is a revolutionary product in guitar parts. It’s for players who want better tone, enhanced tuning stability, and improved playability. A nut is made from a synthetic Teflon (PTFE) material. It gives it the properties of a manufactured ivory nut, enhancing sustain and tone. Plus, its low-friction surface prevents strings from binding inside the nut slots. It makes it an excellent choice for guitarists who want a high-quality nut to improve their tone and performance.

TUSQ XL Nut – Slotted Configurations

One of their most popular offerings is the TUSQ XL nut, available in both slotted and slotted configurations. The TUSQ XL PQL-2200-00 blank offers an excellent option for those with Fender-style necks. This slotted nut can be custom-fit to any individual guitar and provides improved sustain and clarity over traditional materials. Similarly, Gibson-style necks can benefit from the TUSQ XL PQL-6060-00 blank, offering superior tone and tuning stability. See the explanation of abbreviations at the bottom of the chart.

Nut	Guitar	Bottom	L x W x H ( E-E)
PQL-6041-00	Yamaha Pacifica	Flat	1.61″ x 0.18″ x 0.31″ (1.33″)
PQL-504	Ibanez Strat-style	Flat	1.62″ x 0.128″ x 0.225″ (1.370″)
PQL-6110-00	Gibson Zero Fret	Flat	1.638″ x 0.240″ x 0.215″ (1.394″)
PQL-6642-00	Generic 6-String	Flat	1.656″ x 0.236″ x 0.303″ (1.349″)
PQ-5000-00	All Fender 6-String	Curved	1.687″ x .128″ x .198″ (1.363″)
PQL-5000-L0	All Fender Lefty 6-String	Curved	1.687″ x .128″ x .198″ (1.363″)
PQL-6643-00	Ibanez & PRS	Flat	1.691″ x 0.235″ x 0.313″ (1.387)
PQL-6143-00	Epiphone/Fender/Schecter acoustic	Flat	1.693″ x 0.236″ x 0.350″
PQL-5072-00	Fender 1950s/60s/70’s vintage & reissue	Curved	1.700″ x 0.130″ x 0.213″. (1.390″)
PQL-6010-00	Gibson made before 2014	Flat	1.714″ x 0.185″ x 0.369″ (1.412″)
PQL-6010-AG	Gibson made before 2014 (aged)	Flat	1.714″ x 0.185″ x 0.369″
PQL-1728	6-string electrics with 15′ radius	Flat	1.715″ x 0.202″ x 0.336″ (1.386″)
PQL-6011-00	Gibson made after the 2014	Flat	1.725′ x 0.185″ x 0.405″ (1.408″)
PQL-6061-00	Epiphone was made in 2014, and after	Flat	1.727″ x 0.241″ x 0.377″ (1.362″)
PQL-6060-00	Epiphone guitars with 15″ radius	Flat	1.730″ x 0.243″ x 0.357″ (1.344″)
PQL-6060-AG	Epiphone guitars with 15″ radius (aged)	Flat	1.730″ x 0.243″ x 0.357″ (1.344″)
PQL-6060-L0	Epiphone Lefty before 2014 with 15″ radius (aged)	Flat	1.730″ x 0.244″ x 0.353″ (1.343″)
PQL-6400-00	Gibson acoustic	Flat	1.756″ x 0.194″ x 0.319″ (1.467″)
PQL-5010-00	Fender-style electrics	Flat	1.764″ x 0.129″ x 0.255″ (1.361″)

Curved = Curved Bottom With middle Tab, E-E = Distance From The Low E To High E strings.

Curved Nuts With a Middle Tab – Consider This:

The nuts on your instrument play a crucial role in keeping each string in place and maintaining the correct tension for optimal sound quality. That’s why finding high-quality nuts that accommodate flat and curved radii is essential. However, if you plan on using these nuts on a flat surface or need them flush with your material for aesthetic purposes, you will need to know how to remove this tab.

Curved nuts with a middle tab are becoming more popular in the guitar world, but I prefer not to use them for flat guitar slots – especially when the tab is still. The problem with leaving the tab intact is that it creates an uneven surface on both sides of the nut. This means that there will be significant areas where the nut doesn’t sit flat against the neck of your guitar.

As a result, this can cause buzzing sounds when playing specific notes or chords. Enter the curved nut with a middle tab – a minor but game-changing modification that could affect your instrument’s sustain, harmonics, and tone. One advantage of using a TUSQ XL PQL-2200-00 blank is that it can be shaped and slotted precisely to fit your guitar’s unique specifications. If you are not experienced with making guitar nuts, it’s best to take it to a professional luthier.

What are TUSQ XL String Trees?

TUSQ XL string trees are replacements installed on your guitar to hold the strings in place, ensuring they stay in tune and sustain longer. Nut string trees are made from the same high-quality material as TUSQ XL nuts, which means they have a similar tonal quality that improves your guitar’s overall sound. This self-lubricating material significantly reduces the friction of your high E and B strings as they slide under the string trees when you bend a string.

One of the great things about TUSQ XL string trees is that they are versatile enough to be used with any guitar that has a pre-installed nut. They can easily install a set of two long and one short string tree with chrome mounting screws on any headstock configuration. The long trees are used for the higher strings (E, B, G), while the short tree is used for the lower strings (D, A, E). However, if you have staggered locking tuners, they already provide enough tension to keep the strings in place.

TUSQ XL Nut Versus Bone and Ivory Nuts

The TUSQ XL nut is a synthetic material that provides optimal acoustic performance for guitars. Unlike bone and ivory nuts, which are natural materials, It is manufactured and specifically formulated to meet the needs of guitar players. It has self-lubricating properties that enable smooth string movement, resulting in better tone and sustain. TUSQ XL is a revolutionary nut material that has overtaken the guitar industry.

It offers a cleaner and brighter tone than the warmer tones you typically hear from bone and ivory nuts. This unique blend of materials provides an unparalleled consistency, durability, and tonal clarity that traditional nut materials cannot match. You can hear the difference in sound if you drop each of these nuts on a hard surface. The TUSQ XL nut, this synthetic material, is becoming famous for guitarists who want a clear bell-like sound.

The TUSQ XL nut has been gaining popularity among guitar players due to its ability to enhance sustain and produce a sharper, more precise tone than traditional bone and ivory nuts. Traditionally, bone and ivory have been popular due to their natural tonal qualities and durability. However, due to their inherent inconsistencies, these materials can often pose challenges for luthiers during the shaping and slotting process. But using non-uniform materials such as plastic or low-quality bone can lead to poor sound quality and intonation issues.

Features and Benefits

If you’re a guitar player looking to upgrade your instrument’s sound, look at the TUSQ XL nut. This particular nut has several features that can significantly improve your playing experience. Here are some of the great features and benefits that come with the TUSQ XL nut:

Consistent Quality Control

TUSQ XL nuts are a revolutionary product that has changed the game for guitarists looking for consistent and great-sounding tones. These manufactured nuts are created to exact specifications, ensuring every nut that leaves the factory is of the highest quality possible. The result is a reliable, long-lasting product that enhances your guitar’s performance. While many manufacturers opt for synthetic materials, there is something to be said about using natural materials like bone and ivory. These materials may seem unconventional, but they can provide unexpected results regarding tone and resonance.

No Grainy or Soft Spots

A quality guitar nut is essential to achieving the perfect tone and sustain. And when it comes to guitar nuts, nothing beats TUSQ XL. With its no grainy or soft spots features, TUSQ XL offers unparalleled consistency in tone and sustain across all strings. If you are a guitar player who frequently uses an aggressive tremolo style, you must have experienced the wear and tear of your nut over time. Slotting a nut and hitting a soft spot will wear faster than other areas, leading to tuning stability and intonation issues.

Material Can be Filed, Sanded, and Polished

TUSQ XL is an excellent material for creating a custom guitar nut, saddle, or bridge. The great thing about this is that it can quickly be filed, sanded, and polished to give you a perfect fit and finish. Unlike other materials that become brittle and break when worked on, TUSQ XL remains solid and stable.

Flake and Chip Resistant

The TUSQ XL nut material is a game-changer for guitar players who are looking for an instrument that can withstand the rigors of everyday use. One of its most impressive features is its flake and chip resistance, which sets it apart from other materials in the market. This means that despite being exposed to intense pressure and friction during installation and regular use, the TUSQ XL nut remains intact. That’s where TUSQ XL Nut features come in, offering flake and chip resistance while still having enough give to perform well over time.

Environmentally Friendly Material

TUSQ XL nuts are made from an organic, environmentally friendly, sustainable material that ensures optimal tone transfer. The use of Tusq in guitar parts has become increasingly popular among musicians who want to achieve a high-quality sound while being kind to the environment. With TUSQ XL nuts, you don’t have to choose between quality and sustainability – you get both!

What i Like About TUSQ XL

When it comes to building a new guitar neck or replacing an old one, the choice of material for the nut can significantly impact the instrument’s overall sound and playability. TUSQ XL has become popular among guitar builders and repair technicians. Here are a few things I like about this nut for a new neck build, replacement, or repair.

Keeps Strings in Tune

TUSQ XL is a revolutionary material that has been impregnated with Teflon (PTFE) to keep your strings from binding in the slots and putting your guitar out of tune, mainly if you use your whammy bar frequently. This innovative technology ensures that your guitar stays in tune regardless of how aggressively you play it. Two popular materials used for nuts and saddles are TUSQ and TUSQ XL. While both materials offer durability and stability and improve overall tone, they differ significantly. TUSQ XL has proven more effective at keeping strings in tune than TUSQ.

Improves Guitar Tone

Your guitar nut and bridge are two crucial components that significantly impact the overall tone of your instrument. These parts help to transfer vibrations from your strings to the body of your guitar, allowing it to resonate and produce sound. TUSQ XL is a revolutionary material used in guitar string nuts and saddles that improves guitar tone by transferring each string’s vibrational energy to the neck and body. When it comes to playing the guitar, the tone is everything. Even if you have an expensive guitar, it can sound dull and lifeless if the nut is not designed or installed correctly. The nut of a guitar is a small component that plays a significant role in determining the quality of its tone.

Brings out the Hidden Harmonics of Your Notes

If your guitar needs something specific, it might be harmonics. Harmonics can give a guitar its characteristic sound and sparkle. They result from the strings’ vibration and interaction with the guitar’s other parts, such as the bridge and nut. By bringing out the hidden harmonics of your notes, you can elevate your playing to a new level. Designed with this concept in mind, TUSQ XL is known for enhancing the tone, sustain, and clarity of any instrument it uses.

What you Might Nnt Like About TUSQ XL Nuts

TUSQ XL nuts have become increasingly popular among guitarists looking for an upgrade; there are some things you might not like about them.

Does Not Work ss Well as a Double-Locking Tremolo

When playing the guitar with a whammy bar, keeping it in tune can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, an option reigns supreme above all others: a double-locking tremolo. This device has been designed to keep guitars in tune, even when using the whammy bar for excessive bending and vibrato techniques. No other device can compare. If you’re a guitar player who loves using the whammy bar, you know how frustrating it can be when your guitar constantly goes out of tune.

The TUSQ XL nut is an excellent solution to this problem. By replacing your traditional plastic or bone nut with a TUSQ XL nut, you’ll notice a significant improvement in tuning stability. If you love playing guitar with divebombs and other whammy bar tricks, your guitar isn’t performing as you want. While traditional tremolo systems are great for immediate vibrato effects, they can’t handle the extreme bending and twisting of notes that come with divebombs.

You’ve probably heard of the whammy bar. If you’re a guitar player is a device that allows players to bend and manipulate notes by altering the tension on the strings. However, even with this tool, there can be issues with tuning stability. Even if the strings don’t get bound up in the nut slots, they can slip on the tuning machine post if they are loosened too much with the whammy bar. Another option also works – using a TUSQ XL nut and locking string tuners. I have used both Sperzel and Fender locking tuners with graphite nuts, and I can confidently say that the results were excellent.

Material can Darken

However, one thing that some players might need to be made aware of is the fact that this material can darken over time. While some may appreciate the vintage look that comes with this change, others prefer to keep their instruments looking as new as possible. If you don’t like the look of your guitar’s nut, there’s a simple solution: replace it with a fresh one. Over time, guitar nuts can become discolored or even darken due to exposure to oils from the player’s hands or other environmental factors. It can affect your instrument’s appearance, playability, and sound quality.

Tonal Difference can be Hard to Hear

When you first start playing guitar, you may not be able to notice the tonal difference between different guitars or even different strings. The improvement in tone and sustain can be difficult to appreciate when you first pick up the guitar, especially with fretted notes or if your guitar needs to be set up correctly. However, once you become more experienced and start paying attention to these details, you will begin to hear the nuances that make each instrument unique. There is an easy way to evaluate the tonal difference – by listening carefully to notes played on the open strings.

To know more about strings, go there: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ELECTRIC GUITAR STRINGS.

Modify Only When Necessary!

If your guitar already sounds fantastic the way you bought it, it’s best to leave it alone. Many guitarists need to consider the consequences before modifying or upgrading their instruments. You might not like the sound as much as you begin changing things unnecessarily. Modifying your guitar can be a thrilling experience for any musician. However, it’s essential to remember that not all modifications are necessary or beneficial in the long run. Many players have found themselves in a predicament after making irreversible changes to their beloved instruments.

That’s why it’s crucial to modify only when necessary and with careful consideration. If you own a vintage guitar, you know how valuable it can be. It’s not just the sound that makes it unique, but its history and originality. However, if you’re thinking of changing any part of your instrument, such as the nut or saddle, it’s essential to consider its impact on the value. Modifying any part of a vintage guitar could permanently lower its value, even if you keep the original parts.

Are You Qualified To Make Guitar Adjustments Or Modifications?

As a guitar player, it’s essential to understand the importance of maintaining your guitars. Adjustments or modifications to your guitar can enhance its sound and playability, but it requires some knowledge and expertise. Are you qualified to make guitar adjustments or modifications? Before attempting any alterations, this question should always be in your mind. One of the most common adjustments is altering the string height or action.

This adjustment involves changing the distance between the fretboard and the strings. It may sound unsafe, but it’s relatively straightforward if done correctly. All you need is a set of Allen wrenches and a ruler, found in most guitar toolkits. Making adjustments to a guitar can be a challenging task, especially for those who need more training and experience. While some guitar adjustments require only basic knowledge and skills, others are more complex and require the expertise of a professional.

One of the most challenging adjustments many guitarists encounter is adjusting the truss rod. If you doubt your ability to handle such tasks, bringing your guitar to a competent guitar technician or luthier is always best. A competent guitar technician or luthier has years of experience and training in handling various guitars. They have the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose issues with your instrument and provide the appropriate solutions.

Attempting to make changes without the proper knowledge and experience can result in permanent damage that can affect the playability and sound of your guitar. Any changes made by an unqualified individual can permanently damage the instrument, which may void its manufacturer’s warranty.
It’s important to remember that certain modifications are irreversible, meaning you may be stuck with them even if you change your mind later. This is why it’s critical to ask yourself if you’re qualified to make guitar adjustments or modifications in the first place.

I learned this lesson hard before beginning my three-year apprenticeship in a guitar repair shop. As an aspiring musician, I could handle all aspects of guitar maintenance independently. But after attempting several repairs myself and causing more harm than good, I realized there was much more to it than just owning a few screwdrivers and wrenches. However, with the proper training and equipment, you can safely and confidently make these adjustments yourself. It’s important to ask yourself if you are qualified before attempting any repairs or modifications on your guitar or other musical instruments.

Is The TUSQ XL Nut Legit?

The TUSQ XL Nut might be the answer to all your tuning problems. , this nut is designed to enhance the tone and sustain of your guitar while also providing exceptional tuning stability. So, is the TUSQ XL Nut legit? Absolutely! When it comes to improving the tone and sustain of your guitar, most people think that changing the nut only applies to guitars with tremolo systems.

However, even if you don’t use a bar or have a fixed-bridge guitar, upgrading your nut can still significantly improve your instrument’s sound quality. Graph Tech has been in the industry for over 30 years, providing guitar players with high-quality products that enhance their playing experience. The chances are high that your guitar already has a Graph Tech product pre-installed – including their popular TUSQ XL nut.

CONCLUSION

TUSQ XL Nut is an excellent addition to any guitar player’s gear. It provides improved string tension, which results in a boost in sound quality and overall performance. If you want to make your guitar sing like a canary, the TUSQ XL Nut is the perfect solution.

Frequently Asked Questions