Quick Question Regarding Nut Height

[Fieldy Snuts]

Is it normal for the thickest strings, say the low B and the E, to have a higher nut height than say the D and the G

[Fieldy Snuts]

BUMP

[lowendgenerator]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say yes, it is normal. It makes sense to me on a rudimentary level, as the B and E usually have a wider range of motion, and need higher action than a D or G.

[Turnaround]

Depends on how you are measuring.

If you are measuring the gap between string and the first fret, then the fatter strings don't really need more clearance.

If you are looking at how much of the thickness of the string is set into the nut, then generally the heavier strings sit higher above the top surface of the nut.

[wildhorse]

My nut hangs a little lower on the right, yes.

[Fieldy Snuts]

[prokfrog]

Originally Posted by wildhorse

My nut hangs a little lower on the right, yes.

sounds like you have nut issues

[Fieldy Snuts]

Originally Posted by Turnaround

Depends on how you are measuring.

If you are measuring the gap between string and the first fret, then the fatter strings don't really need more clearance.

If you are looking at how much of the thickness of the string is set into the nut, then generally the heavier strings sit higher above the top surface of the nut.

no, im measuring the actual distance to the first fret, the B has a slightly greater clearance over the first fret (when fretting at the 3rd fret) than my G string (no joke intended)

[Turnaround]

I see many basses with greater clearance under the B string than the G. It's not usually neccessary - the string excursion is pretty small at the first fret so only a little clearance is needed. Assuming that your B string doesn't buzz when fretting at the first fret, then you can judge the amount of clearance required at the first fret by fretting your B string at the first fret and measuring the clearance at the second fret. Any more clearance than that is unneccessary.

[GeoffByrne]

I was taught(!) that, when fretted between the 2nd & 3rd frets, the string should be high enough to allow only a cigarette paper between itself & the first fret.

[Fieldy Snuts]

Originally Posted by GeoffByrne

I was taught(!) that, when fretted between the 2nd & 3rd frets, the string should be high enough to allow only a cigarette paper between itself & the first fret.

My G string has just enough clearance to fit a cigarette paper, my B and E however have just a tad more, maybe business card clearance, it doesn't bother me and its not causing any buzzing, so ill go with the good old saying and if it aint broke, im not gona mess with it

[Zooberwerx]

Pry those wallets open and buy yourself a set of feeler gauges @ Pep Boys. Cost about $4. I set each slot at ~.003 -.004" while depressing the string at the 3rd fret. I've actually been leaving them a bit higher (.004-.005") so I have some wiggle room for the finish work. I rough out each slot with the appropriate nut file close to spec. then use emery cloth (not paper!) wrapped around a drill bit to smooth things out.

Interesting note: I was "borrowing" supplies from our wheelchair repair shop and ran across what appears to be rouge cloth....same cloth backing but with rubbing compund, not grit. Tony uses it for the final rub-out on axles. I tried it on a brass nut with suprising results. Also worked on a bone (maybe corian?) nut but left a telltale red footprint which was easily removed with #0000 steel wool.

BTW, what are you guys doing with rolling papers?!?

Riis

[etoncrow]

Originally Posted by wildhorse

My nut hangs a little lower on the right, yes.

Oh yes Grasshopper, him used to be called, "Juan-hung-low"

edit: That jewelers rouge is also great for final polishing of knives after sharpening; use the back (rough side) of a belt and strop it like a straight edge razor

[Solarmist]

I think so due to the wider amplitude.

[Vanceman]

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

BTW, what are you guys doing with rolling papers?!?
Riis

They can be used to wipe your a$$ in an emergency.