Open D buzzing at nut?

[Frettage]

I recently replaced the nut on my Fender J-bass with a Tusq pre-slotted nut. I'm now getting buzzing on the open D string, and it sounds like it's coming from the nut. Examining it shows that the string seems to have a tiny little bit of play side to side in the slot. Could this be the problem? If so, is there anything I can do about it?

[Jools4001]

Yes, the play could cause the buzz. So could a slot that's cut too low thereby buzzing on the first fret.

Simplest temporary 'troubleshooting' fix is to put a small piece of paper under the string (or to stop side to side play as well in a U shape around the string) It may not be optimal but it'll tell you where the nut slot is too big or deep.

If the paper fixes it you can try a more permanent repair with epoxy mixed with Tusq dust (if you still have any from the sawing/filing) and re-cutting

[Frettage]

I actually didn't do any sanding or filing of the slots, just the ends. It's definitely not buzzing on the fret.

[Frettage]

I put a drop of Red Loctite on it and that fixed it.

[Benjamin Strange]

Originally Posted by Frettage

I recently replaced the nut on my Fender J-bass with a Tusq pre-slotted nut.

Well, there's your problem - it's a pre-slotted nut. They are NEVER right, which is why I always recommend having a nut made to fit your specific bass.

That said, if you need to raise a nut slot on a plastic nut, and don't want to make a proper one, try this: drill a tiny hole in the bottom of the nut slot, drop a bit of baking powder in the slot (making sure some gets into your new hole), and put a drop of super glue on it. Allow it to cure, make sure the fill is even across the nut slot, then file it back down to the proper height.

It's not THE way to do it properly, but it can get you by in a pinch.

[Frettage]

Thanks, that's a good tip.

Next time, I'll file the nut myself. Live and learn.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

Well, there's your problem - it's a pre-slotted nut. They are NEVER right, which is why I always recommend having a nut made to fit your specific bass.

That said, if you need to raise a nut slot on a plastic nut, and don't want to make a proper one, try this: drill a tiny hole in the bottom of the nut slot, drop a bit of baking powder in the slot (making sure some gets into your new hole), and put a drop of super glue on it. Allow it to cure, make sure the fill is even across the nut slot, then file it back down to the proper height.

It's not THE way to do it properly, but it can get you by in a pinch.

Baking powder, not baking soda?

I've also used a sharp exacto knife, to score the bottom of the nut slot, to keep the patch from slipping.

[Benjamin Strange]

Originally Posted by JLS

Baking powder, not baking soda?

I've also used a sharp exacto knife, to score the bottom of the nut slot, to keep the patch from slipping.

Oops - you're correct. Baking soda is what I meant.

A knife will work, too. Good points, both.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

Oops - you're correct. Baking soda is what I meant.

A knife will work, too. Good points, both.

A Dremel with a *tiny, tiny* dental burr, is good, too.