Do these nut slots look a bit high?

Jamesemt · #1 01-05-2009, 05:26 AM

I've just got a 3/4 SX P which is great - lowered the action with the saddles and noticed the nut slots look a bit high. What do you think?

PilbaraBass · #2 01-05-2009, 06:06 AM

incomplete...

as a bare minimum, we'll need to see the first fret in the picture, too...preferably the first two...

by the way...I've actually BEEN to Hull...i worked on a project at the BP plant there back in 2000... they build a cogeneration plant on the site...my old company in the states did the control system.

lazytech · #3 01-05-2009, 04:02 PM

I got an sx for christmas and the nut slots all needed to be filed, mainly the e and the g.

JustDavid · #4 01-05-2009, 04:08 PM

A tip I caught for nut height is the gap between open string & 1st fret should equal the gap between string & 2nd fret when fretting at the 1st fret.

A feeler gauge set can be gotten fairly cheaply & really helps when doing or checking setups.

MadMan118 · #5 01-05-2009, 10:38 PM

Could you post a picture showing the first 4 or 5 frets please.

Jamesemt · #6 01-08-2009, 05:17 AM

Is this any better??

Mark Heller · #7 01-08-2009, 09:44 AM

When you press down between the second and third frets the strings should clear the first fret just barely.

Jamesemt · #8 01-10-2009, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PilbaraBass

by the way...I've actually BEEN to Hull...i worked on a project at the BP plant there back in 2000... they build a cogeneration plant on the site...my old company in the states did the control system.

Small world an all that

Jamesemt · #9 01-10-2009, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Heller

When you press down between the second and third frets the strings should clear the first fret just barely.

Cheers - so how do I go about cutting the nut properly? are there any guides on the net for deepening the nut?

JustDavid · #10 01-10-2009, 06:54 AM

Search herein for 'nut filing'. Try Setup/Repair, Bass, & Luthier forums.

Slowgypsy · #11 01-10-2009, 08:14 AM

It helps to have the correct sized files... and they are not the type of things available at your local hardware store. They can be had at any music supply place, but they might be pricey... considering that unless you're a luthier, they won't get used all that often.

If you still decide to go ahead... the process is simply filing a little, replacing the string, test the height, and repeat. Go slow... very slow. It's easy to make the slot deeper... not so easy to fix a slot that's been cut too deep.

Jake of Bass · #12 01-10-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamesemt

I've just got a 3/4 SX P which is great - lowered the action with the saddles and noticed the nut slots look a bit high. What do you think?

Their pupils don't look dilated, nor their eyes red...

joeyl · #13 01-11-2009, 11:56 AM

in a pinch you can use some sharp drill bits as files

Slowgypsy · #14 01-11-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeyl

in a pinch you can use some sharp drill bits as files

Never thought of that... great idea! Have you actually tried it?

lazytech · #15 01-11-2009, 01:44 PM

Ive tried it, it works fine, noyt perfect but it works

Turnaround · #16 01-11-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeyl

in a pinch you can use some sharp drill bits as files

Depends on how hard the nut material is. Don't think this would work on a brass nut.

But you could wrap a suitably-sized drill with some sandpaper or emery cloth and do it that way.

mrhardy · #17 01-11-2009, 02:45 PM

Make sure your bass relief and action is setup. Then file your nut slots lower. As your slots are lowered you will lower your action a little as well.

I cut nut slots all the time using sandpaper wrapped around a suitable object as a file.

You want to use an object that is smaller than the slot your trying to cut. Then use a single wrap of paper, and pinch it tight on top to keep from opening up your nut slot on top.

I keep an old set of light gauge strings handy. You only need about a 4" piece of the ball end. They work well, and have enough stiffness for the purpose. The "G" string is where you really need to be careful. That is such a small slot to cut that you really need to be sure and take your time.

The plastic stock nuts cut very easily. I generally use, black wet dri paper as it has a thinner surface, than garnet paper.
I cut a bone nut from a blank this week using this method. It took about 4 hours start to finish. Your still going to spend about an hour doing this, because you want to take your time, and not go to low. Aim for just a hair more than 1/64" at the first fret.