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I got an old Harmony Sovereign 12 string for cheap that needs a new nut and a replacement built for one of the two saddles (it's one of those quirky double saddle setups). Any tips on pulling the old nut? I'm pretty sure it's glued down. I was thinking pliers and a heat gun but will defer to greater experience...

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Registered Architect (Texas, New York)
LEED AP

I don't use pliers for pulling nuts, I use a large set of nippers.
Slowly rock the nut back and forth until it loosens, and then pull up.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

I usually score around them with an exacto knife to cut any finish so it doesn't chip and knock them out with a hammer and a small block. A heat gun should not be necessary. Ones that sit in a slot can be more challenging.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

This works really well for me.
http://frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Technique/Setup/NewNut/newnut1.html

Ooh that's perfect!!! Thanks everyone for your tips, and thanks especially for that last link.

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Registered Architect (Texas, New York)
LEED AP

For Fender style nuts, use a punch and punch it out from the side. If you're replacing them (and chances are you will be if removing them) you can saw them down the middle...

For Martin/Gibson/Taylor/whatever style nuts, saw the back of the nut to loosen any finish stuck to it, then remove it with a hammer and a block.

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Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com

Thanks again for more helpful tips!

The inside of the soundbox is hysterical! There's glue runout EVERYWHERE....like a third grade art project. There's also lacquer inside the box but only near the soundhole, you can tell they just sprayed on the finish without masking off the opening.

(But it will be a good ladder braced 12 string until I can get T. Cambio to build me one of his fine guitars!)

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Registered Architect (Texas, New York)
LEED AP

Also remember to secure your new nut with just a small drop or two of glue, so you or the next guy will find it really easy to tap out and remove when the need arises in the future.