filing the nut

[JackCrockett]

On my Fender P bass, a lutheir decided, not long ago, to file the nut... I did not ask him to do this. I didnt even know people filed nuts. Anyway, my bass doesnt play as good (for me) as it did before. What do you reckon happened, and why?

And how cheap/expensive is a good replacement nut? Probably get one put on at a local music retailer? No?

[Turnaround]

What did you ask to be done? If you asked for a setup, that would include filing the nut if needed.

In what way does it not play as well?

A good replacement nut in my shop is made of bone, is custom fitted and costs $75. You did say GOOD didn't you?

[JackCrockett]

Heck yeah, I want a good nut.. I dont want to get a cheap nut (damn, that sounds dirty).

Im not sure why the dude filed my nut, however. I just wanted a good set-up, at the time, with low-ish action.

[fretlessman71]

So what don't you like about the way your bass plays now?

[JLS]

Originally Posted by JackCrockett

Heck yeah, I want a good nut.. I dont want to get a cheap nut (damn, that sounds dirty).

Im not sure why the dude filed my nut, however. I just wanted a good set-up, at the time, with low-ish action.

If the nut slots are too high--which most are, from the factory--action will be stiff; this can often be felt out to the 7th fret. If you'd asked for low action, I'd certainly have made sure that your F/Bb/Eb/Ab notes were as easy to fret as possible.

I hope you can articulate what you dislike about your current setup to the repairperson who did it, better than you are doing here.

[Jim Breece]

The dude filed your nut to give you a good setup with lowish action. He probably also adjusted the bridge and maybe tweaked the trussrod, yeah? So is the problem the way it feels or the way it sounds?

[Zooberwerx]

+1 to each response above.

Riis