Nut Filling? ='(

Insomnia_Junkie · #1 01-05-2008, 04:45 PM

I recently purchased a 95' MIA Precision and thinking the somewhat muted rattle coming from the open E and A strings was due to the scratched up stock pickups so i threw a quarter pounder in there and I still had the same problem not even realizing it was the nut the whole time. So basically I am asking is there a way to fill the nut to not rattle, without having to replace the nut and file ALL the groves?

Bassamatic · #2 01-05-2008, 05:23 PM

I have had this same problem, when I got a little too active filing down the nut slots.

You can check this easily - loosen the string and slip a thin piece of plastic under the string in the nut slot. I have cut a sliver from a clamshell package of some toy or electronics. This will then tell you if it is the nut causing the problem. You can even leave it if you want. The plastic is about as hard as the nut, so it doesn't affect the sound (IMO).

Then, you can fill the slot with a little bit of epoxy and re-file it. There may be other ways as well, but this works for me.

When re-filing the nut, I have learned that when you are pressing on the 2nd or 3rd fret, the clearance over the 1st fret should be about the thickness of a piece of paper - not quite touching.

Good Luck!

PilbaraBass · #3 01-05-2008, 05:59 PM

first...definitely check it out with a bit of paper in the slot to see if this is the problem...

second...if it IS the problem, then my filler of choice is super glue and baking soda...then filing with some cheap dollar-shop needle files...

do a search on "baking soda" you'll find a couple threads on the subject here...

Pilgrim · #4 01-05-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PilbaraBass

second...if it IS the problem, then my filler of choice is super glue and baking soda...then filing with some cheap dollar-shop needle files...

That works great. Just put some masking tape on both sides of the nut to serve as a dam. Sets up within seconds, and comes as close to the consistency of the nut as anything you'll find.

NKUSigEp · #5 01-06-2008, 12:14 AM

IF there is only rattling when you play an open note, the easiest fix is to put a couple more windings around the tuning peg when you put new strings on. Happens all the time on Fenders and that's the reason why.

If it's something else, see above suggestions.

Insomnia_Junkie · #6 01-07-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKUSigEp

IF there is only rattling when you play an open note, the easiest fix is to put a couple more windings around the tuning peg when you put new strings on. Happens all the time on Fenders and that's the reason why.

If it's something else, see above suggestions.

But how would extra binding do anything?

Vanceman · #7 01-08-2008, 12:18 PM

Much thanks to this thread!

After adjusting the truss rod, the E string had a rattle, which I traced to my finger hitting the E string after plucking the A string. I used tin foil to determine that the nut being cut too low was the problem. I then used J-B Weld (the only epoxy I have around) to build it up. It worked great, and was easy to file. Don't know how long it will last.

NKUSigEp · #8 01-08-2008, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Insomnia_Junkie

But how would extra binding do anything?

You got your B's and your W's mixed up there brotha...I said "Winding", NOT "Binding".

Glad to hear you got it solved. Happy bassing!

PilbaraBass · #9 01-08-2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKUSigEp

You got your B's and your W's mixed up there brotha...I said "Winding", NOT "Binding".

Glad to hear you got it solved. Happy bassing!

yes...it's "winding"...and to answer the question, what extra windings on the tuners do is impart enough downward pressure of the string into the nut slot to keep it from rattling in the slot (a very common problem on a Fender-type "A" string)...

That's why I feel that bar type string trees are superior to the button type string trees found on Fender basses...

Insomnia_Junkie · #10 01-08-2008, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKUSigEp

You got your B's and your W's mixed up there brotha...I said "Winding", NOT "Binding".

Glad to hear you got it solved. Happy bassing!

Sorry I meant windings, and no I haven't solved it yet. Vanceman assumed it was his thread or something. I'll try the extra winds method and if that doesn't help I'll do the old superglue and baking soda trick and let you guys know how it turns out and what the problem is.

Vanceman · #11 01-09-2008, 09:17 AM

No assumption here.....

Just thought I would share an idea, but you obviously don't need my help.

Insomnia_Junkie · #12 02-06-2008, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

That works great. Just put some masking tape on both sides of the nut to serve as a dam. Sets up within seconds, and comes as close to the consistency of the nut as anything you'll find.

Sorry for resurrecting such an old thread but I tried this method on an old cheap bass of mine and it worked pretty good. The only problem I had was trying to mix the superglue and baking soda in such a tiny area. It was very messy and difficult but I managed to get it somewhat decent. I also noted that the strings I use, "D'addario" are thinner at the ends and increase in diameter several inches down. I'm assuming the thinner end is maybe easier on the tuning pegs? Regardless, the rattle seems to stop when the larger diameter of the string passes the nut (since it's larger to fit the nut space) but some of the strings I wound just don't make it passed the nut when fully tuned. Could this be my problem? Should I still try filling the nut space? What happens when I switch string size or go to a different set, will I still then have to fill or file the nut?

Chuck King · #13 02-06-2008, 03:14 PM

If you're not getting the full-gauge part of the string over the nut, then you should get longer strings. D'Addario makes "Super-Long Scale" that have an extra inch or two to them. Some other brands are long enough out of the box---I think GHS are longer, although I haven't actually tried them lately.

Insomnia_Junkie · #14 02-15-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck King

If you're not getting the full-gauge part of the string over the nut, then you should get longer strings. D'Addario makes "Super-Long Scale" that have an extra inch or two to them. Some other brands are long enough out of the box---I think GHS are longer, although I haven't actually tried them lately.

hmm... I'll have to order some for my next set. I still don't know what to do about the filings. I have searched all around town and cannot find a circular file small enough to suffice in the E string slot. Should I just use an old string of the same gauge and use that as a file? What about my other questions?