Installing a nut.

HashbrownCOBM · #1 01-16-2009, 11:48 AM

Can I do this on my own or do I need a luthier? Picked up a squire p-bass at a pawn shop and it needs one.

kraigo · #2 01-16-2009, 01:21 PM

I've done at least one, possibly two. I was never happy with the results. You can probably do it and the parts and tools are cheap, so if you want to take a shot at it, go for it. If I had to do it over I'd hire it.

KO

ThunderLizard · #3 01-16-2009, 01:32 PM

Hash-
The plastic nuts on both my P and J bass eventually split. Took one to a luthier and paid $35. Then did one myself with a stock Fender part from MF. Can't tell the difference. Didn't take much more than a thin blade and some super glue. And if I can do it.....

Turnaround · #4 01-16-2009, 01:39 PM

Even with a pre-cut nut, you will most likely need to adjust the nut slots to get the proper string height. If you have files of the right gauges you can slot them yourself, but it is finicky work. If you don't have a set of nut files but have access to a selection of drill bits, you can wrap the appropriate drill with some sandpaper and do it that way.

Just beware that if you file just a bit too deep, you will have to do it all again. Do you feel you can accurately file the slot to the right depth? - We are talking thousandths of an inch here. If you aren't comfortable with this, then a visit to a decent tech is in order.

kraigo · #5 01-16-2009, 02:03 PM

In my case I was taking a total blank piece of bone.

KO

HashbrownCOBM · #6 01-16-2009, 02:22 PM

Well they gave me a blank nut. It's not bone, just one of the plastic ones. They said sand it down till it fits, cut off the ends (it's for a guitar) and slot it. I'm pretty sure I can get it in there but slotting it is a totally different story.

scottbass · #7 01-16-2009, 02:33 PM

Give it a try. If you do cut a slot a little bit too deep you can try to build it back up with a mixture of the powder you produced when you filed it and super glue. Or just start again with a new blank. Blank nuts are cheap. Me? I would take it to a tech. But that's just me.

Craig_S · #8 01-16-2009, 02:47 PM

Cleaning the old glue from the nut slot and marking the string spacing are critical to doing a good job. Filing the nut slots is not just making a groove for the string. It needs to be slightly angled toward the headstock and cut to the proper height. You can try it, but if you're unsure at all, take it somewhere to get it done properly.

HashbrownCOBM · #9 01-16-2009, 03:03 PM

Well after that post, i'm gonna take it to someone. I have no idea what I'm doing. I got the nut in, but I can't slot this thing. I appreciate the comments. It's a hunker bass but I still want it to sound good and it won't if I do it.

The modifier · #10 01-16-2009, 04:25 PM

Too Bad a P-Bass can't fit a Warwick Just-A-nut III, installed it myself(so easy a caveman can do it) and its totally rocks

quantumgroove · #11 01-16-2009, 07:41 PM

i recently had to make the same decision, i thought i could probably do it myself but decided to take my stingray-5 to a luthier.
he made me one for nz$55 out of some synthetic material which i wont try to spell(!)...the old nut had a small crack in each slot...the new nut greatly improves the playability of my bass, so money well spent i rekon

The modifier · #12 01-17-2009, 05:26 PM

Never use Superglue to glue a Nut, trust me if you ever need to remove it you wont be a happy camper

GeoffByrne · #13 01-17-2009, 06:15 PM

Trouble is, nut files are bl**dy expensive.