E string keeps popping out of the nut slot

[tegnoto89]

My low E keeps sliding out of the slot on the nut when I hit it open. Should I take this in to be repaired, or is this a repair that a relatively inexperienced technician such as myself can take care of?

[Oric]

Is it a Fender style headstock, or one that has a straight angle? If so, be sure to wind your string to where it comes out at the bottom of the post (someone else may be able to explain better than me)

[SpamBot]

How is your technique? My first guess is that your playing is to blame. A pic of the nut would help diagnose your problem.

[tom e smith]

[quote=Oric;7140689]Is it a Fender style headstock, or one that has a straight angle? If so, be sure to wind your string to where it comes out at the bottom of the post (someone else may be able to explain better than me)[/QUOTE

I have the same problem with my basses (I play pretty agressively with a pick). I believe what Oric is trying to say is when you replace your strings make sure you have enough string (do not cut them too short) and when you wind them go from top to bottom of the capstan to give as much angle as possible between the machinehead (capstan) and the nut. The general length is about 4.5 inches beyond the tuning peg you are putting the string on.

It could be the nut was not cut deep enough but try this first.

[tegnoto89]

Okay, this is a relatively new bass, so I haven't put new strings in it yet. I don't think it would be my technique (I finger pick), because when I do use a pick, it pops out from relatively light playing; there's no way I could play punk rock without this baby popping out. Anway, here's the pics:













Thanks for the responses! The last one is with it popped out; note my friend Maddie being a fool in the back :-P

Is it a Fender style headstock, or one that has a straight angle? If so, be sure to wind your string to where it comes out at the bottom of the post (someone else may be able to explain better than me)

I know exactly what you mean; lo and behold, the only string that was wound with it finishing at the top is the E string. Hmm

[EagleMoon]

Doesn't look like the string is wrapped low enough on the peg. You hardly have any angle at all there.

[Weimhunter]

String is not wound correct.

[Timlr]

Same opinion as EagleMoon, but also, is it just me or does the groove look a little shallow? Maybe it's just because I'm looking for it...

[adamrobertt]

Strings look like they might be a bit too big for the nut. It's also not wound properly.

[MattMcCue]

Originally Posted by SpamBot

A pic of the nut would help diagnose your problem.

[dmusic148]

You need to rewind it so as it winds it goes down the peg, not up. This will increase downward pressure, preventing it from popping out.

[Timlr]

Hah. That's funny. One of the first occasions in which I will choose to use lol. and actually mean it. So lol.

[doctorus]

I believe adamrobertt is correct; I bet the nut is cut too narrow for that E-string (or the E-string is too big for that slot). Getting more windings on the tuning post wouldn't hurt either, to increase the angle of the string going over the nut.

[The modifier]

Your string is wound wrong, and you should have at least 3 wraps to get proper pressure on the nut, each new wrap should go BELOW your first wrap.

[sonic assassin]

what they said (just in case you needed a little more coercing )

[depalm]

[Turnaround]

I recognize that diagram. Good to see it getting some re-use.