MIA Jazz Stock Nut Slot Cut Too Wide?

[two1frets]

Hey TB,

I got a MIA Jazz a while back, and since then I've noticed that the open A string flops around while i play. It really doesn't ring out properly like all the other strings and sounds dead. After a little troubleshooting, I've come to the conclusion that the slot for the A string on my nut is cut to wide, but I am not 100% sure. Could you take a look at the pictures below and tell me what you think? I think this would be covered under the lifetime warranty, but I am still under the one year warranty. And by the way, these are the stock strings that came with the bass, (.045, .065, .085, .110 Gauges). Thanks!

Pic 1:


Pic 2:

[gnarlyopossum]

I think that's about right. The A-string slot seems to be too wide. If it's not covered by the warranty, they're not too expensive to replace. You could buy a blank nut and file it to the right widths if you needed to.

[trunkshope6]

yeah not something to hard to replace urself

[JLS]

You probably don't have enough windings on the tuner post, very common w/Fender-style headstocks.

[lowendblues]

Originally Posted by JLS

You probably don't have enough windings on the tuner post, very common w/Fender-style headstocks.

+1

[jasper383]

Originally Posted by JLS

You probably don't have enough windings on the tuner post, very common w/Fender-style headstocks.

Yeah, make sure the string winds down on the post as far as it can.

That A string angle over the nut is critical.

If that's not it, try a tiny rectangle of paper under the string; the flopping might end there.

You can also put a drop (very, very carefully) of superglue in the string slot to tighten it up a bit. I called Music Man about this same problem I had with a Stingray nut; they told me to do this, and it worked perfectly.

I have also heard of using Shoe Goo to tighten up a nut. It isn't as tricky to use as super glue, and would do the same thing.

[Slowgypsy]

Originally Posted by JLS

You probably don't have enough windings on the tuner post, very common w/Fender-style headstocks.

+1. I'd be very, very surprised if a nut slot that was a bit wider than necessary was the cause of your problems. Not having enough windings or downward pressure on the nut, however, would not surprise me at all.

[joeyl]

and most nut slots taper at the bottom anyway, so it may still be correct if you look at it carefully.

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by JLS

You probably don't have enough windings on the tuner post, very common w/Fender-style headstocks.

+1 First thing I thought of.

[two1frets]

Thanks everyone, I really really appreciate your input. It didnt even go through my head to think about the windings. How dumb of me! ;D
Thanks again!

[Burlington]

Originally Posted by mongo2

+1 First thing I thought of.

Same here. You also mentioned that these are the stock strings, they may just be on their way out?

[walterw]

the A on fenders is always the troublesome string; it doesn't have the hold-down of the G and D, and it's not as close as the E, so it will have a too-shallow angle unless you use extra wraps on it.