MIM Jazz Bass string retainer

[Telliot]

Hey everyone. I'm trying to set up a bass I just bought (used), and everything's great, except my A string is bottoming out on the first fret. If I put tension on the string behind the nut, or fret the first fret it goes away. I've seen that Fender has started using a 'Stealth A string retainer', which I think would help, but I can't seem to find one for sale. I was thinking I could buy another retainer (like the one currently being used by the D and G strings) and put it under the E string? Or could I let the D string share two retainers?

[Telliot]

Bump.

[walterw]

that's not the fix; once the string settled in, it would buzz on that fret again, retainer or no.

you need to shim up or replace the nut so that the strings all clear the first fret like they should.

(now, if the A string is not hitting that fret but just rattling in the slot like fenders tend to, then you just need to wind more string onto the post next time to increase the down-angle over the nut.)

[Telliot]

Originally Posted by walterw

(now, if the A string is not hitting that fret but just rattling in the slot like fenders tend to, then you just need to wind more string onto the post next time to increase the down-angle over the nut.)

That sounds more like it. It's not buzzing as much as vibrating loosely. But then wouldn't the tree fix it!?

[SurferJoe46]

Are you winding the strings down from the top of the bobbin?

That should pull the strings into the nut sufficiently unless there's something terribly different about this particular bass.



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[Telliot]

This is how it's threaded. Maybe I've cut too much string off?

[Marton]

Yep, string was cut too much.

[Telliot]

Dammit. Bass strings ain't cheap!

[Lublin]

Indeed. You need much more of a break angle for the string. I try to wind the entire length of the tuning peg on the E and A strings to increase the angle. The D and G strings usually have a string retainer so it's not really necessary for them.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by Telliot

This is how it's threaded. Maybe I've cut too much string off?

yep.

see how the A has almost no down-angle past the nut? there's no pressure holding it in place, so it rattles.

you can get by with something shoved between the strings behind the nut (like a big guitar pick) to hold the A down a little.

[C.Linton]

You need a minimum of two-three windings around the post, with the windings spiraling downward, the part of the string coming off the post towards the nut has to be at the bottom of the other windings.