Rattle at Nut on 5 string E-C

[norz81]

Greetings wonderful Bass loving people.

I would massively appreciate any help on this.

I have a Warwick 5 string and I've re-strung it for Low E to High C.

Now, naturally, there is a slight rattling on the open notes at the Nut. Do I need to buy a new nut? I've tried to research to see if nuts have a standard fitting and if I could buy one that fits the E-C string size. But my research has yielded naught.

Ok, well that's my 'beef', if anyone can help...

Norz

[Slowgypsy]

Check to see that each string is properly seated in it's nut slot.

If any strings are not sitting completely on the bottom of the slot... but being somewhat supported by the sides of the slot... you'll need to slightly widen the nut slots of the existing nut, to accommodate the width of the larger gauge strings you just installed.

[guy n. cognito]

If it's rattling, it's likely that the string are to small for the nut, not too wide. A new nut is probably in order.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by norz81

Greetings wonderful Bass loving people.

I would massively appreciate any help on this.

I have a Warwick 5 string and I've re-strung it for Low E to High C.

Now, naturally, there is a slight rattling on the open notes at the Nut. Do I need to buy a new nut? I've tried to research to see if nuts have a standard fitting and if I could buy one that fits the E-C string size. But my research has yielded naught.

Ok, well that's my 'beef', if anyone can help...

Norz

Depends. Take a good look at your break angle and the # of wrappings on the string post. A lateral pic of the headstock with strings installed may help. A new nut may be the answer once we've eliminated the simple stuff from contention. By virtue of the string "shift", you now have 5 overcut (in terms of width) slots. Is this an adjust-a-nut I, II, III, or non-adjustable jobby?

Riis

[Bobster]

I assume this is an "adjust-a-nut". I would start by raising it up slightly to see if that will help stabilize the strings from the bottom.

If not, you may be able to "shrink" the slots by building them up slightly with super glue.

All the best,

Bob

[norz81]

Thank you so much everyone, massive help

Zooberwerx. Thank you for your suggestions, I didn't really understand the tech terms you mentioned, as I know very little about bass guitars apart from the fact that they sound good. It is the standard nut I got with the bass, I can adjust it higher or lower with an allen Key.

I will try adjusting the nut.

Are nuts a standard fitting and does anyone know where I can buy one online, (that would fit my E-C tuning).

Thanks again everyone. You've been more help than google.

[Zooberwerx]

Originally Posted by norz81

Thank you so much everyone, massive help

Zooberwerx. Thank you for your suggestions, I didn't really understand the tech terms you mentioned, as I know very little about bass guitars apart from the fact that they sound good. It is the standard nut I got with the bass, I can adjust it higher or lower with an allen Key.

I will try adjusting the nut.

Are nuts a standard fitting and does anyone know where I can buy one online, (that would fit my E-C tuning).

Thanks again everyone. You've been more help than google.

You're welcome. First off, I appreciate your candor re: your admitted lack of expertise. Given that tidbit, the presumption you need a new nut may be off. Let's take care of the simple things first:

*Your strings should be wrapped around each string post to the point that the last / lowest wrap should be almost touching the the nut / ferrule which secures the tuning gear to the headstock. This practice promotes a nominal break angle...that is, the string passes over the nut and then angles sharply towards the lowest part of the tuning post. This is historically problematic but the Warwick tilt-back headstock (it does tilt back some, correct?) is designed to promote this.

*Raising the nut to compensate for string buzz in and of itself is just plain wrong and will throw off the action and intonation on the first few frets. Standard clearance for the string / 1st fret gap while fretted at the 3rd is .003-.005". In this case, a $4 set of feeler gauges from any auto supply store would be most useful. If within range / spec, leave it alone!

*Set your witness points. Once you've tuned up, press firmly downwards on each string at the point where it leaves the nut (fretboard side). Repeat this at the bridge saddles, as well. This creates a clear delineation of the vibrating string path and is essential before final tuning and intonation & string height adjustments. There are no shortcuts on this one!

Try the above first and see if there's any improvement. Gotta love the original adjust-a-nut: all you have to do is remove and re-shuffle the "nut slot" screws.

Riis

[norz81]

Zooberwerx
A massive thank you for your advice.
I got the feeler gauges, within 003-.005", so that's all good, worked on my witness points. all is well. and the break angle is good (the warwick headstock does tilt back)

I'm having to come to the conclusion that the 'buzz' is indeed coming from the nut.
Should I buy a new nut, one that fits an E-C tuning? (where would I buy one of them that fits?) or is there a way of adjusting it.

I cannot thank you enough, I've learnt more about my bass in the last few weeks from you than I have since I started playing, some 15+ years ago. You've inspired me to learn more.

Thank You

Norz

[Zooberwerx]

Okay, a new nut may be in order but try two more things first:

*New strings if you haven't done this already.

*Have somebody else take a look & listen...a second opinion is always handy and sometimes adds a fresh perspective. Trying to isolate a buzz is like trying to locate a cricket: the durn things are ventriloquists! What sounds like a nut-centric buzz may be originating somewhere else along the string path. Bridges are notorious for this as are nuts.

*A well-made replacement nut (bone is great) is relatively inexpensive. Tell us where you're located and I bet we can find somebody fairly close.

Riis

[norz81]

Zooberwerx,
Hope you are well.
The strings are new(ish), so I'm fairly confident its not them. I did get a second opinion for friends whom I got to put their ear at the top of my bass whilst i played some notes (this seems to be the best way to get a closer 'listen'). and they said the same thing. So I still reckon its the Nut.

I am in Manchester, north of England. If you could recommend a type of nut or point me in the right direction to buy one that would be fantastic.

thanks again
Norz

[Zooberwerx]

Have a Boddie's (pub ale) for me.

I'd strongly suggest you post on the "Warwick" forum if you haven't already done so. Warwick rep's are ever-present and can steer you in the right direction as far as replacement nuts or suggested materials. If not available domestically (UK) but snag-able here in the states, I'm sure somebody (including myself) can mail if necessary.

Riis

[norz81]

Shall do my friend.

thanks again for all your help

Norz