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The baking soda and super glue trick In a fascinating YouTube video titled "The baking soda and super glue trick," Dan Erlewine explores a clever method for guitar repair, specifically addressing the issue of a damaged nut. This video, brought to us by a local singer in Athens, Ohio, named Lou, discusses whether a broken nut can be fixed using baking soda and super glue.
Overview of the Trick
Dan demonstrates how to combine ordinary baking soda with super glue to create a robust adhesive suitable for various repairs. This method produces a solid material, almost as hard as glass, ideal for fixing nut slots that have been cut too deep or damaged over time. The trick lies in mixing baking soda with a drop of thin super glue, allowing it to harden within a couple of minutes.Step-by-Step Process
- Preparation: Dan begins by inspecting an old Washburn guitar with a worn ivory nut, where the string is laying too low. He emphasizes the importance of cleaning the area with acetone to ensure that the glue adheres properly.
- Filling the Nut Slot: Using a special nut slotting file, Dan prepares the slot for application. He notes the significance of using bone dust from a old nut, which he grinds to a powdery consistency.
- Mixing and Application: After applying super glue to the slot, he packs in the bone dust to create a solid fill. Dan highlights that this mixture hardens quickly, making it an efficient solution for guitarists needing immediate repairs.
- Final Touches: Once set, Dan reshapes the nut slot and refines the string's path with precision tools to ensure optimal performance.
Practical Considerations
While this technique is effective for certain materials like bone and ivory, Dan cautions that it may not work on all types of plastic nuts, especially those that are cracked. For such cases, he suggests replacing the entire nut with a pre-made one, showcasing the benefits of having various nut materials on hand for quick fixes.Community Discussion
This insightful video not only offers practical advice for guitar owners but also invites discussions about DIY repairs. Have any forum members tried similar fixes, or do you have your own tips for guitar maintenance? Let's share our experiences and expand our creative repair toolbox! Feel free to check out the video for a thorough visual guide on this handy trick! What interesting repair hacks do you use for your instruments?