Nut Slot filing - DIY or Pro?

[mambo4]

I put some Labella Deep talkin bass flats on my old P-bass,
sounds great but the action is a bit high for 2 reasons :
1.)Neck bow increased because of the high tension -no problem, I know how to fix that
2.)The strings ride too high in the nut leaving a small mm gap under the string.

I suppose (2) calls for nut slot filing , which I have never done, or had done.
Q: Is this something I should grab some emry board and trust myself with, or should I take it to a pro?

I purchased the bass at Bass Northwest, who offer "free setups for life" for basses purchased thru them
Q: Is nut slot filing typically considerd part of a "setup", or is it more of a "repair"?
(I'll be phoning them to confirm but if anybody has experience...)

[blastjv]

Not a big deal, really. What you're doing is just widening the slot slightly. It probably won't take much. Just be careful not to go any deeper (unless that's what the bass needs to play properly, but if it was fine before, you probably just need to widen the slots to accomodate the new strings).

I'd imagine if that place does free setups for life, they'd probably do this for you, as it's not major work, and is necessary to get that bass properly set up with those strings.

One thing to consider is that if you widen the slots, then they'll be slightly wider than ideal for lighter gauge strings if you decide to switch back later on. That's not necessarily a problem, but it could be if the strings slop around in the slots too much. I'm just saying to be sure you're planning to stick with the new strings.

-JV

[darkstorm]

If it needs just tiny minor tweak then doing oneself is ok. Otherwise Id say its well worth having a qaulified pro do. Cause ones instrument deserves such imo, best qaulity work for things that have high impact on action like nut slotting.

[walterw]

loosen those strings now!

you're on the verge of breaking the corners of the nut off, which will mean a lot more work (i.e., money) than just widening the slots, something that should be quick and easy for a good tech with the right files.

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by walterw

loosen those strings now!

you're on the verge of breaking the corners of the nut off, which will mean a lot more work (i.e., money) than just widening the slots, something that should be quick and easy for a good tech with the right files.

+1