Replacement locking nut for Axis

Replacement locking nut for Axis

Hi,

I have a Music Man Axis guitar from the late 2000’s with the older Gotoh locking trem system. I’d like to replace the nut to address a first fret string buzz issue, but unfortunately the UK distributor for (who handle customer care in the UK) are currently closed due to the whole coronavirus situation. I’ve been having a look around for anywhere else in the UK that sells the official EBMM replacement part, but as expected, I couldn’t find anywhere, so I’ve been looking at what other locking nuts would fit the bill.

I’ve seen at least one post on here saying they’ve had good success with the Gotoh FGR-1. Looking at the images and technical drawings, it looks very similar to the current damaged one I have (no surprises there considering they’re both made by Gotoh). However, the Gotoh part has a radius of 360mm, which is just over 14″. I know that the Axis has a 10″ radius, as do the original Floyd locking nuts. So, my questions are:

  • Would the original nut that came with the guitar have a 10″ radius to match the fretboard (perhaps made especially for EBMM by Gotoh)?
  • If yes, presumably the 14″ one wouldn’t be a great fit?
  • What’s the thinking behind Gotoh making their own-branded part a 14″ radius if 10″ is very popular for Floyd-style guitars (Schaller seem to have gone for 10″ for theirs)?

I know you can happily accept slight differences in radius between the nut and fretboard the actual effect on string height is very small – I just wasn’t sure if 10″ vs. 14″ was a little too much?

I did consider the Schaller 10″ locking nut, but I then need to be very careful – particularly about things like bolt hole placement and other dimensions. I’m not experienced enough to be doing things like filling and re-drilling holes!

I did spot a couple of posts on here discussing the issue, but nothing definitive:

Radius of EBMM locking trem and nut
Replacement nut for 2002 Axis

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advanced & stay safe!

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Source: http://forums.ernieball.com