I HAVE NUT PROBLEMS

[thechuggernaut]

I've been having a lot of issues with the nut on my fender jazz bass ever since i put heavy gauge strings (Elixir medium .45-.105). The main problem is that the E string tends to slide out of the groove in the nut. The A string will also do this occasionally. I play in CGCF and I hit the strings pretty hard, would either of these cause the problem? Do i need to get new nut that can handle heavy gauge strings (let me know where i can buy one if so!). Any advice would be lovely

Thanks!

[jmattbassplaya]

I HAVE NUT PROBLEMS

Blue balls keeping you down?

[Growly Lytes]

It may need a bit of a file in the groove to bring the depth of the string down so it dont pop out.Be carefull not to open the groove because then it will be stuffed.Just do it so it lowers the string but doesnt widen the gap.

[SoonerMatt]

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

I HAVE NUT PROBLEMS

Blue balls keeping you down?

Beat me to it!

But yeah, detuning like that and using a heavier string gauge would definitely cause the strings to slip out. Like Growly suggested, filing the nut down would be your best bet; just remember that the only way to "reverse" this would be to replace the nut entirely.

[SurferJoe46]

From Fender on the Deluxe Jazz:::

Strings: Fender® USA Super Bass 7250ML, NPS, (.045, .065, .080, .100 Gauges)

Now - I put Elixir Nanos 45-105s on mine, and although I don't dig in hard, I cannot see where .005" of an inch is that far outta specs.

I just looked at my Deluxe nut and it's fine and it absolutely is taller than the strings in it at every string groove.

I'm interested in your problem, if not only for my personal edification.

[elgecko]

The main problem is you're tuning a .105 to C. Floppy strings and "hitting the strings hard" aren't an ideal combination.

Also, if the strings are labeled "medium", how are they "heavy"?

[wabbit]

I tune down to a C once in awhile but do spend quite a bit of time D tuned with my hipshot. I never go thinner than a 0.115 on my low E string. The string stays nice and taught even when tuned down to a C. But that's beside the point. Like everyone has suggested, take a set of fine files and widen the gap just enough to seat the string in the groove and deep enough to keep it there. Either that or get someone with more experience to do it for you. If you are doing it yourself though, don't go too deep with the slots in the nut as it brings the strings closer and closer to the fretboard. This might cause you to have to raise the bridge saddles really high or put extra relief in the neck to eliminate fret buzz.

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by thechuggernaut

I've been having a lot of issues with the nut on my fender jazz bass ever since i put heavy gauge strings (Elixir medium .45-.105). The main problem is that the E string tends to slide out of the groove in the nut. The A string will also do this occasionally. I play in CGCF and I hit the strings pretty hard, would either of these cause the problem? Do i need to get new nut that can handle heavy gauge strings (let me know where i can buy one if so!). Any advice would be lovely

Thanks!

.045 to .105 strings are not heavy gauge. They are considered standard gauge. If the strings are wound on the tuning post properly they will not slip out of the nut unless the nut is damaged.

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by Growly Lytes

It may need a bit of a file in the groove to bring the depth of the string down so it dont pop out.Be carefull not to open the groove because then it will be stuffed.Just do it so it lowers the string but doesnt widen the gap.

Do not do this. If you lower the slot the string will most probably buzz on the first fret.

[thechuggernaut]

thanks for the advice! surferjoe46 do u know if its possible to buy an aftermarket fender deluxe jazz nut, my bass is modded mexican jazz

[elgecko]

Originally Posted by thechuggernaut

thanks for the advice! surferjoe46 do u know if its possible to buy an aftermarket fender deluxe jazz nut, my bass is modded mexican jazz

The problem is NOT your nut! Your strings are too light for how you're tuning...get some actual "heavy gauge strings" before you go switching out something that isn't the problem.

[varunkapahi]

take it to a tech before you mess with the nut if you are unsure?
you can also try DR DDT strings made for low tunings

[lethargytartare]

Originally Posted by Turnaround

Do not do this. If you lower the slot the string will most probably buzz on the first fret.

+1
+1
+1

If you detune, and lower the nut slot, you are waltzing into buzz land, and THEN you'll need to go get a completely new nut...

It was said earlier -- check your windings -- that might help first.

With the string in the slot, can you look at tell if it's hitting the bottom of the slot? If it's floating a tiny bit, then the sides of the slot are pinching it and keeping it from seating. In that case you'd WIDEN the slot. If the string is seated, but still pops out, then pay heed to elgekos comment -- heavier strings (which would probably require nut modifications).

You can also consider your technique. If you like digging in, are you pulling the strings (which would be more likely to make them pop out of the slots) or are you driving them down towards the pickups (which would probably have a better chance of keeping them in the slots)?

[Growly Lytes]

If you try another set of strings & it still does it then dont hesitate to file it.Do your reasearch before you do because as the guys said you might be on the tip of buzz land.
Find out why its popping out first then remedy it.

[SurferJoe46]

I agree with everyone else here in most stated ways. Actually - I cannot fathom why you are popping them out - but looking first and only cutting after twenty looks is always a good idea.

The nut isn't fun to change and then you've really got a steep learning curve to get IT adjusted once it's on the neck if you destroy the one you have now.

Doctors get to bury their mistakes, you've gotta on play yours.

Look many times. File a little. Look again a few times and then cut/file a tiny bit again.

Just be careful - but I've put the same string on my Deluxe Jazz and no problems.

The height of the string relative t the first fret is critical for the rest of the setup - don't get all froggy and just hop into it with anything akin to beer goggles or any bravado at all.

Go s-l-o-w.

Look and measure every move and take a 3-minute call-out break between moves.

[Metal Mitch]

Originally Posted by elgecko

The main problem is you're tuning a .105 to C.

+1

for that tuning, get appropriate strings. for example a heavy A-D-G with a light gauge low B.

don't file your nut. just pop it out and replace it with a pre-slotted graph tech. file the new one and keep the original in your parts drawer for when you go back to standard strings/tuning.

[Growly Lytes]

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

I agree with everyone else here in most stated ways. Actually - I cannot fathom why you are popping them out - but looking first and only cutting after twenty looks is always a good idea.

The nut isn't fun to change and then you've really got a steep learning curve to get IT adjusted once it's on the neck if you destroy the one you have now.

Doctors get to bury their mistakes, you've gotta on play yours.

Look many times. File a little. Look again a few times and then cut/file a tiny bit again.

Just be careful - but I've put the same string on my Deluxe Jazz and no problems.

The height of the string relative t the first fret is critical for the rest of the setup - don't get all froggy and just hop into it with anything akin to beer goggles or any bravado at all.

Go s-l-o-w.

Look and measure every move and take a 3-minute call-out break between moves.

Very good info here, follow this & you cant go wrong buddy.

[Burlington]

I've never had a problem with 105s tuned to C.....

[bommer]

i laughed hard when i read the thread title.