MIMF

Has anybody used deer antlers (several years old, not green) to make a nut and bridge?

Jeff Pittel

All I can tell you about antlers is that they have very hard, bone-like parts near the tips and they can have "pithy" centers--especially as you get near the base. Think of the pithy center of a carrot. I've used antlers for various projects for my own use), but not for instrument parts.
This next part might be controversial, but I think you should check with the laws of your state regarding the use of wild animals parts. My guess is that some states would regulate or even prohibit their use in items that will be sold. But that is ONLY a guess. Check to be sure. If your instrument is for your own use, I see no reason why you shouldn't try it. IF you don't like the way it works, it's a simple matter to switch out a bone nut and a bone saddle. And even if you intend to sell the instrument, you might still be okay. Just check your state's regulation to be sure.

I've used both deer and moose antler. Only the tips are solid enough to use, but they work great, and offer nice grain and color variations.

DO check your state/provincial laws! It is considered wildlife material, and is typically not legal for sale without permits.

yes I've done it. A friend of mine wanted me to replace the nut and saddle on a couple of his guitars with deer antler. He supplied the antler from one of the many deer he's got. I sawed it up into blanks and then proceeded just like normal. I didn't notice it being all that drastically harder to work than cow bone. As Mario said, the grain and color is pretty neat, as long as you're not wanting the bleached cow bone look.
And I second what the others said too about only the tips being good. I say go for it as long as you stay within the law.

Right: as a 'wild' product antler falls under the Lacey Act, so you may have to demonstrate provenance if you want to sell it interstate. And you thought you were under the radar...

Antler is a bit softer than bone. Technically, it's hair, mostly, and smells like it when you burn it on the sander or the saw. 'Smelling Salts' was often hartshorn: ground up antler that breaks down into ammonia.

I have used elk antler with great success for a bass guitar

I just replaced the nut and saddle with deer antler on my son's guitar. Other than smelling strong when worked, I have not had any trouble with it. Softer than bone, like was said above. Cool grain variations.