Locking nut installed over truss rod cover?

[zenmindbeginner]

There is this Sunburst that I have been looking at that has the locking nut installed on top of the truss rod cover, not right after the nut like it is on most any other guitar that I have seen.

Was this installed by a drunk? Or has anyone seen this Kahler nut installation on other guitars and knows of it's efficacy?

[gorch]

I wouldn't say this makes much difference. A locking nut simply locks before the tuners.

The guy who made this decided not to cut the finger board as the locking nut requires some front-space for the screws as opposed to a standard nut. Second, this construction is reversible.

Hence, I would rather say this guy drank alcohol-free beer.

[BCR Greg]

On Kahler equipped guitars, the truss rod cover is cut short and butts against the locking clamp. There is so much crud on that guitar, it just LOOKS like it's over the cover. It's also strung very poorly....make sure the guitar is CHEAP.

[tomteriffic]

The locknut installation looks a little cockeyed too.

[gorch]

Well, my eyes say the trussrod cover is cut to fit.

[cmatthes]

As far as what was installed by a drunk, not sure about the Kahler, but I'd say the strings sure were!

I'm not too sure about that one. I don't know how expertly the Kahler was installed altogether.

Agreed that I'd avoid unless it was CHEAP.

[elduave]

And just as an aside, I've owned some Gibson style guitars that where Kahler equipped with a locking nut was actually designed to fit over the truss rod cover.

[zenmindbeginner]

Hmmm... the guitar is $499 and it looks to be in pretty good shape otherwise. I wonder if that price is too high for a Kahler'd 1982 Sunburst? I've got six Hamers now... I don't really need another one, but it is awful tempting.

It's very interesting to know that Elduave has seen Kahler'd Gibsons with the locking nut fitting over the truss rod cover.

Is that how Kahler mounted their locking nuts in 1982? The base plate doesn't even say Kahler, is that how the early models were made? Here's some more pics.

[cmatthes]

It's very interesting to know that Elduave has seen Kahler'd Gibsons with the locking nut fitting over the truss rod cover.

Is that how Kahler mounted their locking nuts in 1982? The base plate doesn't even say Kahler, is that how the early models were made? Here's some more pics.

That Kahler is not original to that guitar. It is an aftermarket add-on, and that particular bridge is probably 3-5 years younger than that Sunburst.

I haven't seen pics of the back of that one, but I'll bet you a half a $20 that there are string-thru ferrules back there. You know why? (Why, Chris?) Because it left the factory with a Sustainblock! By the time you restored that one to a passable state (removing the Kahler, replacing the Sustainblock, getting the route filled, the top patched and finished, etc.), you've just doubled what you paid for it, if not more. You're in the price range to buy a straight Sunburst now - one that you'd be able to get your money back out of if you wanted to. This one will always just be a repaired guitar that isn't worth what you'd have into it.

The Hamer-installed Kahlers that I've seen did have the properly-installed locking nut. That nut is also different than the one Gibson used that Elduave refers to above.

The seller knows that isn't original to that guitar, but the description hints otherwise.

Bad form.

[zenmindbeginner]

I am gonna listen to the HFC experts on this one, thanx for the advice, I REALLY needed it... 'cause I was getting weaker by the hour.

Ferrules on the back is such a dead give away... I feel like a retard that I didn't notice it! lol!

[elduave]

You may have to be signed in to eBay to see this completed listing but here's the lock I was talking about. You can see where it's notched to go over the TRC screw closest to the nut. Looks like it should have been installed a little bit lower...

http://cgi.ebay.com/1984-Gibson-Les-Paul-C...=item3a5399a986

Forgot about the lock on this jagoffs guitar too...

[gorch]

This guitar is a true deal for that price. Whether or not the nut construction looks nice, I bet it will tune correctly. And that's what it is for. You may get a nice sounding guitar for a very low price.

I would even consider to keep the Kahler installed unless you want to repaint the whole thing. Otherwise you might have to live with additional wholes on the top that will ever fall into your eyes. Maybe it would be worth a thought to work on the nut construction. But if it tunes, there is nothing else to do than just playing this rocket.

[Devnor]

And just as an aside, I've owned some Gibson style guitars that where Kahler equipped with a locking nut was actually designed to fit over the truss rod cover.

My 82 Mockingbird had one of those...with the 6 little set screws!

[HoboMan]

If I were looking for a guitar with a Kahler on it that would be a good price.

[zenmindbeginner]

I chickened out and let someone else buy it.