Bone Work 

Immaculate Bone Work - A True Game-Changer for Your Guitar

At Southeast Guitar Repair, our bone work is second to none. Whether it's a hand-carved bone nut, a precision bone saddle, or a full bone upgrade, this custom touch transforms your guitar’s tone, feel, and response. Master Luthier Barrett Culpepper’s bone work is so renowned that luthier schools have tried to recruit him to teach their students - but his craft stays right here, reserved for our clients and students at Southeast Guitar Repair Academy.

Why Upgrade to Bone?

Most manufacturers install mass-produced, pre-slotted nuts made of plastic or synthetic materials like Corian (the same stuff used for countertops). These "one-size-fits-all" parts save them money but limit your guitar’s true potential. Upgrading to a hand-carved bone nut or saddle makes a world of difference in tone, sustain, and tuning stability.

We start with raw, bleached cow bone and custom carve each piece specifically for your instrument. Want something even more unique? Choose from premium materials like buffalo, mammoth, or horn - horn being an excellent option for those wanting a sleek, black nut. 

Crafted With Care and Precision

Bone carving is an art form - and a hazardous one. (In fact, our late mentor, Mike Marshall, once battled sinus cancer linked to bone dust exposure.) That’s why we built a dedicated, high-tech "Bone Room" in our shop, complete with advanced filtration and respirator gear for our luthiers’ safety. Every nut and saddle we carve is a handcrafted piece of functional art, shaped to perfection by techs who have mastered this specialized craft.

See the Difference

Watch below to see a real-world upgrade from a stock plastic nut and saddle to a Southeast Guitar Repair Hand-Carved Bone Nut and Saddle. If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your guitar, a custom bone upgrade is the must-have starting point.