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08-17-2009, 05:06 PM
| | | | Replace nut or repair it?
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So here's my situation: My bass has a nasty buzz on the A string, and no matter how high you raise the string, it keeps buzzing. The diagnosis is a low-cut nut slot.
I'm going to need to either replace the nut or have it filled with epoxy to raise the string height. It's still under warranty from Fender and will be for another year-and-a-half.
Any suggestions on what option I should choose?
(by the way, I'd really prefer to stay away from heavier gauge strings) 
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08-17-2009, 05:09 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois | | | new nut
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08-17-2009, 05:10 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Savannah GA | | | good time to start learning how to shape your own nuts..
go for a brass nut while you're at it...
its fun and kinda easy to do..
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08-17-2009, 05:11 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sac Area | | | Are you sure it's the nut? Put your finger on the string just behind the nut with a tiny bit of pressure - then pluck. Does it buzz? If not, then it's just a common issue with Fenders. If that's the case, maybe just a couple more winds on the peg to bring it down over the nut a little bit tighter.
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Basses: Geddy Lee, Jaguar, Fender PB-551, Mark Hoppus Jazz, Michael Kelly Firefly
Head: Markbass LittleMark II
Cab: Markbass Traveler 102P x 2
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08-17-2009, 05:31 PM
| | | | I tried it with pressure on the string and it didn't buzz. What do you mean by winding the peg more though? I can't get it tighter without tuning it sharp.
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08-17-2009, 05:32 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: San Diego, CA | | | new nut. Don't waste time futzing with it - just take it to a dude, have him set you up with a new bone or graphite nut and be done with it.
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08-17-2009, 05:46 PM
| | | | I was thinking I would go with a brass nut if I got a new one. I use Rotosound strings(a little abrasive) so I wondered if they would wear down a bone or graphite replacement nut.
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08-17-2009, 06:11 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: May 2007 Location: DFW | | Quote:
Originally Posted by wallshakerpbass  I tried it with pressure on the string and it didn't buzz. What do you mean by winding the peg more though? I can't get it tighter without tuning it sharp. | You will likely need to cut a NEW string long enuff to wrap a few more times around the post than the current one is wound. When winding, make sure it winds toward the bottom of the peg. The closer to the bottom, the better. There is currently not enuff angle on the string. You confirmed that by pressing down on it. Some people even put an additional tree on the headstock to cure that. |
08-17-2009, 06:13 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: San Diego, CA | | Quote:
Originally Posted by wallshakerpbass I was thinking I would go with a brass nut if I got a new one. I use Rotosound strings(a little abrasive) so I wondered if they would wear down a bone or graphite replacement nut. | They'll wear down brass faster. Bone, graphite or maybe corian is the way to go (in my opinion). Besides, brass seems to have an effect on tone; the other materials are more neutral (or so my tech tells me!)
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08-17-2009, 06:23 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sac Area | | | It's not a problem with the nut.
Now you know the problem, and you've been given a couple solutions. Worst thing is you probably need a new A string.
You don't need a new nut though, so get one only if you want to upgrade - but my take it, why????
Anyhow, get a new A, wind it down lower. Heck, you could even "try" to just wind your current A lower. Maybe you can loosen it and move it lower. Maybe you can change the way it goes into the slot to give you a bit more length.
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Basses: Geddy Lee, Jaguar, Fender PB-551, Mark Hoppus Jazz, Michael Kelly Firefly
Head: Markbass LittleMark II
Cab: Markbass Traveler 102P x 2
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08-17-2009, 06:24 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sac Area | | Quote:
Originally Posted by BigOldHarry They'll wear down brass faster. Bone, graphite or maybe corian is the way to go (in my opinion). Besides, brass seems to have an effect on tone; the other materials are more neutral (or so my tech tells me!) | Harry, he doesn't "need" a new nut. A new nut will not solve the problem. He does not have enough pressure where the string breaks over the nut. It's a common Fender problem.
Some folks even add a string tree to solve it.
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Basses: Geddy Lee, Jaguar, Fender PB-551, Mark Hoppus Jazz, Michael Kelly Firefly
Head: Markbass LittleMark II
Cab: Markbass Traveler 102P x 2
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08-17-2009, 06:31 PM
| | | | Thank you SO MUCH everyone.
I now understand what the problem is: THE DUDE WHO PUT NEW STRINGS ON MY BASS HAD NO F***ING CLUE WHAT HE WAS DOING, AND THE STRING ISN'T EVEN WRAPPED AROUND THE PEG ONE FULL TIME!!!!!!!!
lol. now i can give the repair techs at the music store a lesson. and on top of that, i don't have to part with my baby for a week plus!
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When you are doubted,
Let the fingers do the talking
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08-17-2009, 06:34 PM
| | | | String wrap down post to headstock:
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Last edited by 202dy : 01-23-2011 at 01:24 PM.
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08-17-2009, 06:38 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado | | | If you need to raise a nut slot, do a search for "Nut super glue baking soda".
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08-17-2009, 06:40 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sabinal, Texas | | Quote:
Originally Posted by 202dy String wrap down post to headstock: | Been through this on MIM J...wrapped the A string wrong, due to carelessness I suppose, like the bottom pic and was so bummed thinking I'd have to replace the nut. It took me about an hour to figure it out and voila buzz gone. Went from feeling bummed to dumb  but I guess it happens.  
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08-17-2009, 06:49 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Purple Mountain Majesties | | | If it's a warranty issue, find a good tech who is Fender authorized. He can diagnose it for sure, do the repair, and bill Fender. Problems solved. |
08-17-2009, 06:54 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Virginia Beach, VA | | | Straplocks will take care of it.
Glad you solved the puzzle!
Riis
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08-17-2009, 06:55 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sac Area | | | Just MAKE them buy you a new set of strings. Regardless of if it buzzed or not, there should be at least a couple wraps to accommodate tuning and such with enough room for error.
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Basses: Geddy Lee, Jaguar, Fender PB-551, Mark Hoppus Jazz, Michael Kelly Firefly
Head: Markbass LittleMark II
Cab: Markbass Traveler 102P x 2
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08-17-2009, 06:56 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sac Area | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Zooberwerx Straplocks will take care of it.
Glad you solved the puzzle!
Riis | Riis,
Strap locks? To fix a Fender A Buzz?
:-)
Oh.....add a set to the end of a nice leather strap and beat senseless the maroon who strung the bass!! I get it! ;-)
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Basses: Geddy Lee, Jaguar, Fender PB-551, Mark Hoppus Jazz, Michael Kelly Firefly
Head: Markbass LittleMark II
Cab: Markbass Traveler 102P x 2
|
08-17-2009, 06:56 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Colorado | | Quote:
Originally Posted by wallshakerpbass Thank you SO MUCH everyone.
I now understand what the problem is: THE DUDE WHO PUT NEW STRINGS ON MY BASS HAD NO F***ING CLUE WHAT HE WAS DOING, AND THE STRING ISN'T EVEN WRAPPED AROUND THE PEG ONE FULL TIME!!!!!!!!
lol. now i can give the repair techs at the music store a lesson. and on top of that, i don't have to part with my baby for a week plus! | If the repair techs at the music store misdiagnosed the problem then dont take your basses or guitars back to them for the simpliest of repairs  they failed basic 101 guitar repair/setup.
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