Is this normal? Very shallow nut depth on new DIY neck

well that is shallow thats for sure

but that doesnt mean its not useable

just have to shave the nut some to get it to the height you want.

most nuts arent super pricey so if you are going to do this, get a couple just in case you bugger one up. it happens to the best of us.

or.. you could hit up the builder and ask them to lower the slot. If it was me, I would attempt to fit a nut first and get the height right. if that doesnt work I would then go to the builder

usually a nut slot is about as deep as a fret tang slot

 

I never even thought of that, that's a helpful little tidbit.

 

Sometimes I can add a little to the conversation.

its not all moth balls and bong resin in this brain

 

The nut will not stay planted straight up and down with strings pulling across it without a deep enough slot to keep it located and perpendicular to the board.

I have been down this road and I had to make the slot deeper, the string nut would lean towards the 1st fret even without whammy movement.

 

I have never done a nut fitting myself so keep us posted on your process. I have a guitar I need to put a nut on and have not yet decided if it will be a Tusq or an LSR. I have several nuts in my parts cabinet.