bobmc Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 I have used the TUSQ products on 5 or 6 builds and have had no issues installing them, and am a believer that they enhance tone. Just tried to install one that was packed as being for my Epi (Dot) and the job turned to poop. I used a tried a true method (sand paper on my bench) and even the same bench I do all my work on, but this thing just got more cockeyed and off centered as I went. When I did get it sorta installed I hated the feel and really didn't hear what I expected from the product. Back to the stock nut for now. This was the XL model; maybe the composition is different? Weird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrw1960 Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 Well..The composition IS different. Last year I swapped the nut on my Epi 175 for the TUSQ XL and immediately noticed a BIG difference. The stock nut was inferior quality. Then I went for the "Full Monty" and replaced to USA electronics and Classic 57's. Turned the git into a super Blues/Jazz machine. I dunno about your Dot, I guess it depends on whats good for you in tone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_edward Posted February 11, 2011 Share Posted February 11, 2011 If by XL you mean the Black XL, it sure is a different material - full of graphite I believe. I find it's much less hard and just vaporizes when you machine it (sandpaper, file whatever), I wouldn't use one - in fact I bought one and started to fit it - I tossed it without even trying it because it felt so soft. They're supposed to be very slippery, but to achieve this the I think they made the compound far too soft - just fit a nice white one and use chapstick as a lube, it's the only way to go short of bone, imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitmore Willy Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 it sure is a different material - full of graphite I believe. They're supposed to be very slippery, but to achieve this the I think they made the compound far too soft - just fit a nice white one and use chapstick as a lube, it's the only way to go short of bone, imo. Correct! This from Graphtech: What is the difference between TUSQ XL and a TUSQ nut? The biggest difference is that TUSQ XL is impregnated with Teflon; the lubrication prevents strings from binding in the slots. TUSQ is not. You get better tuning stability especially when using a tremolo or bending strings. TUSQ XL also has more of a midrange boost as compared to TUSQ. http://www.graphtech.com/kbase.html?ArticleID=66 My interpretation of the mid range boost statement is that the high end is diminished due to composition. Willy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobmc Posted February 12, 2011 Author Share Posted February 12, 2011 Thanks guys. Full disclosure, I swapped tone caps for orange drops and stock PUPs for Burstbuckers 1&2 and I am knocked up by the electric tone. I was expecting the BBs to be too aggressive, but I have them set a little low in the frames and find them responsive and articulate. And Boy Howdy when I dug in with my fingers (picking hand) did my amp sing. With a new baby in the house I have spent a great deal of time with this guitar unplugged, so I am really familar with the tone. And like I said, I really dig the standard TUSQ performance, I guess the teflon is the difference. I'll order the plain jane TUSQ nut and try again. Next step is aluminium tailpiece and lighter tuners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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