nut needs filed?

basscase · #1 07-08-2007, 10:05 PM

Hey guys, I just bought an SX short scale bass and I must say I'm very pleased with this little rascal,except for one thing, the nut seems to be a little high, after fretting at the 3rd fret there is about an .050 gap at the first fret, under string and fret. Will the nut tap out without breaking? thinking that I could sand the bottom some. or should I try to file the slots ( E & A strings) what does a nut file look like?
I want to take my time and do it right. I own some old Fenders but they are so heavy now that I'm gettin older I like the small light weight SX. How do I fix this nut problem? thanks for any help.

pkr2 · #2 07-08-2007, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basscase

Hey guys, I just bought an SX short scale bass and I must say I'm very pleased with this little rascal,except for one thing, the nut seems to be a little high, after fretting at the 3rd fret there is about an .050 gap at the first fret, under string and fret. Will the nut tap out without breaking? thinking that I could sand the bottom some. or should I try to file the slots ( E & A strings) what does a nut file look like?
I want to take my time and do it right. I own some old Fenders but they are so heavy now that I'm gettin older I like the small light weight SX. How do I fix this nut problem? thanks for any help.

I had to do the same thing to my SX.

I didn't remove the nut on mine. The cheapest way around having to spring for fret files is to just pick up a cheap drill bit assortment. You can grip the proper size drill bit with a small Vice Grip pliers on one end of the bit and wrap three or four turns of tape around the other end to protect your fingers and it'll work nicely to file the notches. It will cut sort of slow, but that may be a good thing.

Once the notches are the right depth, use a flat file to bring the top of the nut down to the right level. Just be careful to make the notch a smidge lower on the back side of the nut, so the witness point will be on front of the nut.

Hope this helps. You'll like your new bass once it's set up properly.

Pilgrim · #3 07-09-2007, 09:06 AM

A drill bit with a bit of sandpaper wrapped around it - totally adjustable in size, works efficiently.

basscase · #4 07-09-2007, 09:48 AM

Looks like I'll try the drill bit and sand paper method....might better mask off the fret board near the nut just in case. Thanks...pkr2,Pilgrim, and Joshua.

Fuzzy Dustmite · #5 07-10-2007, 09:02 AM

I saw these at lowes the other day, and they looked interesting.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...6702-273-42030

202dy · #6 07-10-2007, 10:47 AM

Drill bits are a great idea. Sandpaper can be single wrapped around the shaft to polish the slots. Techs wrap their nut files all the time. Start with 400 and finish up with some 600 grit. Of course, the slots can be polished as much as desired by using increasingly finer grits. Just remember that sandpaper has thickness and will increase the diameter of the drill bit. For 600 grit paper, dropping back .020" on drill bit diameter is recommended.

basscase · #7 07-10-2007, 08:26 PM

Hey guys, Thanks for the input, 202dy and Fuzzy. I found a small round file the same size as the E string as you mentioned Fuzzy and fine tuned the slot. Walked into Big Lots store and found a cheap cordless rotary tool for 10 dollars and after several practice rounds on a scrap strip of plastic , finished the A string slot also. I masked off the fretboard and the 1st fret plus behind the nut also. thats a decent little tool, comes with case & 60 accessories. it's just like a bass guitar the more you practice with it the better you get control.

Milothicus · #8 07-11-2007, 07:42 AM

If you do go too deep on a plastic nut, i've read (haven't tried myself) that you can build up materal again with layers of superglue. if you use the slow-drying stuff and mix in some of the sanding dust, it's even the same color as the original nut material.

RWP · #9 07-11-2007, 07:46 AM

Same here with my SX. I used a rat tail file in a drill to bring them down.
However, I understand the correct way is to remove the nut and file the bottom.

Pilgrim · #10 07-11-2007, 04:19 PM

The trick for building up a string slot in a nut after cutting too far is baking soda and super glue. Mask off both sides of the nut, tap some baking soda in, drop in one drop of super glue. They react to make a bone-like substance.

Let it sit for a bit, then re-file to accurate depth. BTDT.