If the nut is cut correctly...

[jcarpenter]

Why would this help.

http://www.earvana.com/

Do we need a product like this or is this BS.

If your guitar is set up properly and the stock nut in your guitar has been adjusted correctly is this aftermarket nut really better?

[Baxtercat]

Makes for better intonation.

[Super Locrian]

I'm guessing that it will give you better intonation on some of the open position chords, but for anything that doesn't involve open strings you're back to square 1, intonation-wise. Then what do you do? Some options include:

1. Quit playing guitar.
2. Go fretless.
3. Get a True Temperament neck (no, you're not drunk, the frets look like that!).

4. Learn to live with it.

[jcarpenter]

I had a feeling.

[clmazza]

A refret would be a real biotch!

[Bluzman]

Chuck,
How the heck are ya my brotha from a different motha?
I agree and I put Earvana nuts in the same catagory as having a guitar neck plecked. Not necessary for the average player.

[Structo]

Supposedly these intonated nuts also affect fretted notes as well as open strings when chording in the first positions.
I had somebody explain it to me before but I don't remember the exact theory behind it.

[jazzguitar14]

Originally Posted by Structo

Supposedly these intonated nuts also affect fretted notes as well as open strings when chording in the first positions.
I had somebody explain it to me before but I don't remember the exact theory behind it.

I say it aint so...

Sorry...

[musicofanatic5]

Originally Posted by jcarpenter

Why would this help.

http://www.earvana.com/

Do we need a product like this or is this BS.

If your guitar is set up properly and the stock nut in your guitar has been adjusted correctly is this aftermarket nut really better?

Depends on how one defines "cut correctly" or "adjusted correctly"? The gtr, in principal is so imperfect, intonation-wise. If one, like me, has been playing since the Flintstonian era, then you're used to/resigned to/accepting of the imperfection of the inst as it stands, and just play the damn thing. However, I see (perhaps younger?) membership here who seem to spend more time "intonating" their gtrs than they spend playing it, and seem keen to acquire every product that appears on the market that promises to drag the gtr, kicking and screaming into the 20th century. This is just one of those products.

You ask: "Do we need a product like this..."? As Tonto replied to the Lone Ranger when they were under indian attack and the LR said "I guess we're screwed", Whaddaya mean WE, whiteman? Are you satisfied with your gtr's performance, pitch-wise? Good, then you can spend your money on some other gtr gimmick. If not then I guess WE do need it!

I first saw an intonated nut on a banjo from master banjo builder Geoff Stelling in the seventies. Banjo players come in two varieties: Egg-head, geek, mathematicians who spend more time tuning than playing, or toothless hillbillies who do not spend a lotta time tuning. In assembling a bluegrass band I would hire from the latter catagory!

[Flinto2002]

Originally Posted by jazzguitar14

I say it aint so...

Sorry...

well, in theory, if the open position nut lengths are adjusted (like with this piece) and then you intonate to compensate, it would in fact effect fretted chords as well.

To clarify, the nut length would have no effect of fretted notes, however the intonation changes at the bridge designed to work with the nut length would have some effect on fretted notes as well.

[Structo]

Yeah, I think that is the idea behind it.
I had guys that have installed them tell me it helps everything.