Nut Buzz

miles'tone · #1 12-30-2008, 10:19 AM

Don't worry guys this isn't about hygiene issues...

I've got a horrible buzzing sound coming from my open A string and it is the string rattling around in the nut slot. Any quick fix ideas from your experiences? The nut slots haven't been filed down or anything by the way - just changed the strings from Rotos to D'addarios and I'm using the same gauge as always (105-45) but the D'addario's do feel a little less taught.

gtxtom · #2 12-30-2008, 11:43 AM

Same exact thing happened to me when I went from the stock Fender strings to Rotosound flats (.045-.105) on my Jazz. Help would be appreciated.

alembicguy · #3 12-30-2008, 11:49 AM

Have you narrowed the location of the buzz down?Nut or bridge?

sevenyearsdown · #4 12-30-2008, 11:55 AM

How many times is the string wrapped around the tuning post? Sometimes if it's not wound enough the break angle over the nut isn't great enough...and it can cause a buzz.

miles'tone · #5 01-06-2009, 10:09 AM

All the strings have enough wind around the tuners. They're wound from top to bottom so that the break angle is maximised. Same way I've done it for years.
Maybe I'll just have to try another brand of string. I don't know...

blackcolin · #6 01-06-2009, 10:27 AM

I believe, but could be wrong, that super glue can been used to repair an oversized string slot in a nut . You will have to research it. I know that it can be used to raise a string slot that has been cut too low.

Zooberwerx · #7 01-06-2009, 10:29 AM

Are all your windings clearing the nut? Some string sets are a tad too short for a given bass (e.g. 34" strings on a 35" scale bass) and the step-down windings end up on the fingerboard side of the nut. Not good!

If that's not the case, try inserting a thin paper shin in the nut slot, replace the string, and tune to pitch. Any improvement? This at least eliminates the simple stuff.

Riis

AlembicPlayer · #8 01-06-2009, 10:59 AM

don't use just super glue to fill a nut slot...you'll be sorry
after taping off the fingerboard and area around the headstock, use the tape to form a wall on both sides of the nut..then
you fill the slot with BAKING SODA, pack it in there with your finger...then wipe or blow off the excess. THEN PUT ONE DROP of super glue on top of the baking soda. In seconds it will be harder then the nut material and ready for you to file a new slot. The beauty is you should still be able to see the old slot cut and you can use that as your guide.

be careful with super glue it will eat finish and in general makes a mess...so don't over use it.

use nut files and a feeler gauge for proper hight

mwiles30 · #9 01-06-2009, 11:05 AM

Or better yet, get the nut replaced.

I have the same issue on my jazz bass, same string.
However, it doesn't come through the amplifier, which is why I haven't replaced it yet.

mimaz · #10 01-06-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlembicPlayer

don't use just super glue to fill a nut slot...you'll be sorry
after taping off the fingerboard and area around the headstock, use the tape to form a wall on both sides of the nut..then
you fill the slot with BAKING SODA, pack it in there with your finger...then wipe or blow off the excess. THEN PUT ONE DROP of super glue on top of the baking soda. In seconds it will be harder then the nut material and ready for you to file a new slot. The beauty is you should still be able to see the old slot cut and you can use that as your guide.

be careful with super glue it will eat finish and in general makes a mess...so don't over use it.

use nut files and a feeler gauge for proper hight

I have filled nut slots using the above listed method before with great sucess, but with one exception.........I've never heard of using baking soda. My prefered material is to get a nut blank (or for that matter, and old nut no longer being used) of the same material the nut for repair is made of. I file the "donor" nut until I have enough material to make the repair with, then procede as listed above.

By the way, I'm certainly not saying that the baking soda method is not good or won't work, as I've never tried it, but it seems to make sense to me to use the same material the nut is actually made of.

AlembicPlayer · #11 01-06-2009, 11:10 AM

the baking soda and super glue create a reaction that makes a substance that is harder then any nut material.
This method is used by my friend Dan Erlewine for many years

try it out on some scrap wood

cheers!

mimaz · #12 01-06-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlembicPlayer

the baking soda and super glue create a reaction that makes a substance that is harder then any nut material.

Well, I never was the best chemistry student......thanks for the info.

Brass Nut · #13 01-07-2009, 06:33 AM

Seen it more than once.
The relief on the head side of the nut being too little.
String hits on the head side and rattles on the board's side.
I've "acquired" a few good buys from this.
Remove string from nut, drop a thin straight edge into the slot and see if it leans (or flat) going to board. Should lean upwards a bit on the board side. you want a solid presure point there. Remember, the string will try and go straight giving lift at the break-over point. Keep it narrow.
Meaning presure point should be definate where the nut contacts at the board's edge.
I rework almost all my nuts (

) to lower the action up there anyways. Not dificult, just need to go slow and very carefully,,, checking even more often. But I play very lightly. A heavy hand hates my setups. But I setup for me, differently for others.
Hope it helps.

miles'tone · #14 01-08-2009, 11:26 AM

Wow thanks for your help Guys. I think the solution is gonna be one of the above. I'll let you know when I've tried 'em out. (though not all at the same time!) Cheers!

9mmMike · #15 01-15-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mimaz

I have filled nut slots using the above listed method before with great sucess, but with one exception.........I've never heard of using baking soda. My prefered material is to get a nut blank (or for that matter, and old nut no longer being used) of the same material the nut for repair is made of. I file the "donor" nut until I have enough material to make the repair with, then procede as listed above.

......

A local luthier here just used this method on my '57 USA RI for a G string slot that was cut too close to the edge. Came out nice. I do not plan on replacing the nut unless this fix fails somehow.

2x4strgkramers · #16 01-15-2009, 02:12 PM

I put a Match once under a nut to elevate it. Worked great until the nut wear got so bad that It reguiqred replacement. Match s about 0.035 or so of an inch thick.

miles'tone · #17 01-23-2009, 11:07 AM

I tried putting a shim of paper (actually a wee bit of sticky-back label) in the nut slot to begin and it worked! Like it never happened. Thanks for all your suggestions guys.

miles'tone · #18 01-27-2009, 03:20 PM

Actually I stand corrected - paper sticky back shim stopped working after a while, plus it kinda muted the open "A" a bit ( to be expected ). Gonna go forth and try the baking soda/super glue method. Watch this space...

Zooberwerx · #19 01-28-2009, 09:04 AM

I've shimmed a few basses with beer can aluminum. Perfect thickness and can be cut to size with an exacto knife...although it does dull a blade quickly.

Riis