Now the nut

The saddle has been shaped, but before we can set the final string height, we have to put strings on. So the outside strings are put on first, and their position is determined by where they fall in relation to the ends of the frets. Once in position, the spacing for the other strings is determined and lightly notched in. The strings are put on and strung up to pitch. One at a time, the notches are deepened until they are at the proper height off the top of the fret. In this picture, you can see that the 3 lower (closer) strings have been done, and the other three have not yet. After all the strings are to proper height at this end, I'll file the excess off of the nut... and then set final string height at the other end.