help with nut on jazz bass

punkbass479 · #1 12-27-2006, 06:06 PM

i have a standard jazz bass, very nice. i recently put a new set of strings on it. same gague E string i always use (1.05), and for some reason, it refuses to stay in the slot at the nut

. i'll hit an open string and it will pop out. i put a flatwound .95 gauge e string in temporarily, its staying in better, but still goes out, and pops right out as soon as i put in in drop D. is there any way i can file away parts of the nut or something to fix it, or do i just need a new nut...new neck? (please no, i have no cash)

HELP HELP!!!

-punkbass479

TrooperFarva · #2 12-27-2006, 07:05 PM

How is the break angle of the string between the nut and the tuner? By that I mean, does the string seem to continue the line that the string makes between the nut and the bridge, or right after the nut, does it angle downward onto the tuner? There should be some noticeable angle there. If it's basically a straight line, there's nothing actually holding the string in the nut.

You can kind of see it in this picture. The string is in a straight line, until it gets to the nut, and then it's angled down to the tuner. That's how it should be.

stingray69 · #3 12-28-2006, 02:43 PM

Yes, Definitely check your windings around the tuner post - make sure each wrap is underneath the one above it, basically - the string should start at the top of the tuning gear and work its way down to the bottom of the tuning gear when wound properly. Did you cut the string very short? Maybe you don't have enough windings around the tuning gear to enable the string to get down far enough on the tuning post. If the string is riding high on the tuning gear, it will not have enough downward break over the nut. Sorry if this advice is too simplified, but I don't know where you are in your experiences. Nut issues aside, a string tree may help things too - to keep sufficient downward pressure on the strings after they cross the nut.

Also, it could be that the neck may have changed due to temperature changes? Perhaps a truss rod adjustment will help things too.

punkbass479 · #4 12-30-2006, 11:40 AM

thanks for the help, you were right. the string wasnt at an angle. problem solved.

gracias, punkbass479