Should I fix my acoustic's nut or buy a new one?

Question:Should I fix my acousitc guitar headstock or buy a new one?

The little piece that holds the strings, keeps them in their place, the NUT (found at the very top of the neck right before the first fret, just under the tuning pegs) has fallen off and now there's a big empty space between the 6 strings right in the middle, 3 of the strings have seperated to one edge of the neck and the other 3 have seperated to the other edge. Can I repair it myself or Should I take it in for repair? Or am i better off getting a new one?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Should I fix my acousitc guitar headstock or buy a new one?

The little piece that holds the strings, keeps them in their place, the NUT (found at the very top of the neck right before the first fret, just under the tuning pegs) has fallen off and now there's a big empty space between the 6 strings right in the middle, 3 of the strings have seperated to one edge of the neck and the other 3 have seperated to the other edge. Can I repair it myself or Should I take it in for repair? Or am i better off getting a new one?

Depends on whether it is still in one piece or not. The neck nut (that is it's proper name) is just glued to the area between the headstock and the fingerboard. If the old one still works, just put a thin layer of glue on the bottom and side and clamp it down for about a day. I do it for my students all the time. If you are unsure, take it to a competent repair shop or luthier and they should be able to repair it for you in a day or two. The neck nut itself sells for between a dollar to five dollars with the average being about three. Make sure you take the old one in with you so you can get exactly the same size. If it has to be fitted it will cost you a little bit more, but the labor is going to cost you about ten times what the part does anyway, unless you find a really reasonable repair service or you know somebody. Best of luck no matter what you decide. Hope this helps.

I think you should repair for self-preparation.

New one. If your not sure how to install one take your guitar to a luthier. The nut not only affects action it also affects intonation.

did you bust your nut or something?