Nut Replacement Questions

[drpepper]

I'm looking at a used Cort Cubow Fretless that apparently needs a nut (has open string buzzes) according to the current owner.

Is nut replacement something an inexperienced (but generally capable) end-user can reasonable expect to be able to accomplish?

How is a nut generally attached? Adhesive?

Does anyone know specifically if the composite fingerboard on the Curbow presents any challenges?

Thanks

[Zooberwerx]

I would highly recommend you take it to a skilled tech seeing you have no firsthand experience with this type of repair. Probably run you around $40-50 so I'd factor that into the sale price.

Riis

[drpepper]

Thanks for the input.

[electracoyote]

Originally Posted by drpepper

I'm looking at a used Cort Cubow Fretless that apparently needs a nut (has open string buzzes) according to the current owner.

Is nut replacement something an inexperienced (but generally capable) end-user can reasonable expect to be able to accomplish?

I went through about 4 nut blanks before I started to get it right. It took a lot of research, there is a learning curve, and you need a special set of groove files and shaping files.

How is a nut generally attached? Adhesive?

A very light adhesive. I use watered down white glue. Remember: You might want to pop the nut back out again some day. Don't glue it in so that it's a massive effort to get it out. You might take part of the fretboard with it.

Does anyone know specifically if the composite fingerboard on the Curbow presents any challenges?

I don't think so.

I used to let techs do my nuts (that sounds...wrong somehow).

I realized that a nut is a very personal thing, and even the most talented bass techs weren't doing it to my satisfaction. The shape of the nut, the angle of the grooves, the spacing, width, and depth of the grooves, they have a HUGE impact on the playability and tone of your bass IMHO.

You can research it and learn by trial and error like me and most people who do their own. Or, if you don't trust yourself or want the hassle, I would recommend a good bass tech. I was paying around $50.00 for a new nut.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by drpepper

I'm looking at a used Cort Cubow Fretless that apparently needs a nut (has open string buzzes) according to the current owner.

Is nut replacement something an inexperienced (but generally capable) end-user can reasonable expect to be able to accomplish?

How is a nut generally attached? Adhesive?

Does anyone know specifically if the composite fingerboard on the Curbow presents any challenges?

Thanks

Listen, I'm having second thoughts on this one. You should still get a discounted price as you may need to replace the nut but, then again, this is the perfect opportunity to practice installing shims. Its fairly simple, inexpensive, and you can do the final nut slot tweaks with improvised tools (needle files, emery cloth, drill bits, etc.). If you botch it, what the hey?.....you were gonna get it replaced anyway! I don't know the proper procedure or clearance for fretless basses but I'm sure somebody does.

Riis

[electracoyote]

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

If you botch it, what the hey?.....you were gonna get it replaced anyway!

Good point. As long as you don't glue it in, nothing you do is permanent. String pressure will hold the nut down while you assess your progress.

But, if you want to play and enjoy the bass, you may just want to let a pro do it.