Ep. 76: Upper nut height

Dear Friends,
Here I would like to explain to you how high a correct or ideal upper nut should be. Too many instruments out there have an upper nut which has been made without a clear concept in the maker's mind. This creates uncomfortable playability in the first positions and additional confusion among musicians.
Yes, you are right, it is very personal and some want it higher and some as low as possible. But once you have a concept, you make immediately better and you can control it. As a musician, you need to know what you like and so you can explain it to your maker who is maintaining your instrument in the best shape for you in order that you can focus on your best performance.
On a violin, the ebony should be on the G-string 0,8 mm and on the E string 0,6 mm
Viola 1,1 mm and 0,7 mm, cello 1,5 mm and 1 mm and for the Doublebass it should be 2,00 mm and 1,5 mm
Now, measurements are always to be taken with caution because every maker has its own preferred standard. The point is that he needs a precise measurement. Yes or yes?
Now to double-check these measurements actually you should take away the string in that very position and measure with a caliper. And to see if the maker made it with concept measure also in between, and it should be exactly a compromise of the two outside measurements. Hope this makes sense?
As a Musician, it is always good to know! Right?
If you need more detailed information, sign up to my Patreon channel here:
www.patreon.co...
Thanks for reading all the way to this point.
all the best from Cremona
See you soon
Edgar Russ
Searching the right Violin🎻, Viola🎻, Cello🎻 or Doublebass🎻 ?
Write me an eMail: [e-mail]
Or visit my Online Shop 🛒 here: violincellomak...
My Live Q&A transmissions on RUclips are only for my patrons!!!!!
Check it out here on Patreon
www.patreon.co...
Starting from 3 Euro per month you make part of it.
And I will answer all of your questions.
Want to know more about me and my work?
Check out my website:
www.violincello...
📬 To be always updated when something new is coming sign up here for the NEWSLETTER: bit.ly/2kfVWQA
☀︎ Check out another great creation of mine. A greta gift idea by the way!
VIOLIN - Eau de Parfum
Enjoy the Secret
www.violinfragrance.com
Get in touch with me:
Facebook: Edgar Russ - Distinguished Violinmaking bit.ly/2lQjBHt
Instagram: @edgarrussviolinmaker
@violin_fragrance

[@shorne2159]

Hi Edgar , I watch a lot of your videos and they really help me, I'm interested in the nut ,and like the ones about string height and spacing, but do you have a video about making a violin nut and how to measure amd place the grooves which shows everything , I am 65 and started playing and repairing violins your help would be much appreciated all Best Simon

[@ironmonkey1512]

just glued the nut on yesterday finishing it today you have great timing

[@jessebrazil4822]

Excellent

[@Aecarvalho007]

Excellent video as always, did I miss episode 76?

[@shkedov.b]

Thank you!

[@cemagan4571]

Thanks sir

[@jmscoving]

String bass depths

[@przybyla420]

Bone vs wood nuts? Other materials? Would abalone or another strong thick mollusk shell make a good nut I wonder?

[@weebaldfella]

Did I understand correctly: 0.6mm and 0.8mm measurements were from the bottom of the strings to the fingerboard? Or is that the measurement to the top of the nut and the strings are actually very slightly lower in their grooves?

[@grahamrodger372]

I think it's the 2nd one

[@JinwonYoon]

thanks!👍👍👍