Nut replacement. Need help.

[Flipper43]

Ok, so, i've been told that i need a new nut. My strings are making a chorus-y noise when played open, so i think the nut is screwed up. I need to get a new one , and replace it. I currently have this SX P-bass copy: http://www.rondomusic.com/ursa1rnbk.html

So i need to know which nut to buy and stuff. Also, i think it'd be easier to have it pre-slotted. I am putting D'addario medium gauge prosteels on it. Gauges .50-.105, and i'm tuning half a step down from E standard, and for some songs in my band we tune down a whole step from E standard only on the E string. Thanks in advance.

[Benjamin Strange]

First of all, a chorus-y sound could be any number of things, not necessarily your nut.

Secondly, pre-made nuts are NEVER right. It's best to have one made for you, or if you're really industrious, make one yourself. You'll have to screw it up about a million times before you get it right, but it could be a great learning experience.

I'd recommend narrowing it down to what the problem REALLY is, then fix that.

[Flipper43]

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

First of all, a chorus-y sound could be any number of things, not necessarily your nut.

Secondly, pre-made nuts are NEVER right. It's best to have one made for you, or if you're really industrious, make one yourself. You'll have to screw it up about a million times before you get it right, but it could be a great learning experience.

I'd recommend narrowing it down to what the problem REALLY is, then fix that.

Do you have an idea of what it could be? Maybe that's just the way the strings sound when they're new?..

[Benjamin Strange]

Originally Posted by Flipper43

Do you have an idea of what it could be? Maybe that's just the way the strings sound when they're new?..

Not without seeing the bass, sorry. SO many factors involved - it's hard to just guess.

[Flipper43]

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

Not without seeing the bass, sorry. SO many factors involved - it's hard to just guess.

I'll get some pictures up as soon as i can! Do you need to see specific areas of the bass?

[Benjamin Strange]

Originally Posted by Flipper43

I'll get some pictures up as soon as i can! Do you need to see specific areas of the bass?

It's not something I could just tell from a picture. Photos won't be much help. Take it to a local tech and see what they can do for you.

[mongo2]

If you brought the bass to me with this particular complaint, the first thing I'd check is witness point at the nut. I'd hold one string at a time behind the nut and press down on that string just in front of the nut. (I'd also do the same at the saddles)

Then I'd check the nut slots to be sure they have a nice rounded bottom (not flat), the width is correct and then I'd check the slope of the nut slots. I slope the nut slots slightly towards the headstock to provide a good witness point for the strings as they come off the nut, but unless you have experience with slotting a nut, I'd recommend you take it to a tech for that.

[brstma]

I hope this isn't considered a hijack (sorry if it is) but I'm considering replacing my nut also. I've had to modify the nut on my Cirrus by using epoxy to build up some slots and to move the C string slot further up from the edge of the neck.

My concern is not with size and slotting, but with safe removal of the old one and proper installation of a new one. I'm not against paying a pro, but as a proud DIYer with some basic woodworking skills I'm considering trying it myself. Any advice or referrals to to info would be much appreciated.

I was also wondering what difference a brass nut might make.

[KellyM]

Aside from string height and spacing, the only difference a nut makes is in the tone of open strings. Once you fret a string, the nut has little to do with it.

As far as safe removal goes, in most cases a short sharp rap with a small hammer against a flat bar of metal that spans the width of the nut will be sufficient. However, in the case of some guitars, like many Fenders, the nut sits in a slot. In this case you must strike it from the side. In any event, once you determine from which side to strike it, it should come out instantly. If it does not, take it back to your local "luthier," ask why he used superglue, and threaten that if he does not remove it post haste that you will employ his front teeth to do so. :P

Okay, don't really, but I hope you get the idea.

Kelly

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by brstma

I've had to modify the nut on my Cirrus by using epoxy to build up some slots.

I've used superglue and baking soda to fill/build up a slot.

[walterw]

making/fixing nuts is really not a DIY proposition. it's one of the more critical and hard to get right parts of instrument set up, even for "experienced" techs, and the slightest difference in height or shape can make or beak playability.

besides, the set of files you need to do it right will cost well more than having it fixed professionally.

(oh, and i use superglue all the time, if done right the nut can be removed just fine.)

[JLS]

Same here.

[Rhomco]

If the nut is the untouched original from the factory, you probably just need to release the truss rod a little to add back some relief. I have never seen a low cost bass with nut slots that were cut to low, most have never seen a file. Since you are tuning down a good bit, you may have reduced the string tension enough that you need to relieve yourself. Check your relief and see if it is flatttttttt.
Good luck,
Rob

[HeavyRockBasser]

Some Techs will evaluate your instrument for free. Then, they will tell you what needs fixing, and give you an estimate.

Then, based on that, you will have the peace of mind knowing you're fixing the right part, and you can decide to fix it yourself, have him fix it, or take it elswhere. hrb