Replacement nut for Yamaha RBX550?

suterb42 · #1 07-31-2007, 08:58 AM

When I tried to change the strings on my RBX550 the other day, I accidentally put a bad crimp in the E string, which made the string go off to the tuner side of the neck. When I tried to tune up the string, the crimp caused the string to pull so hard that it made the nut break.

I've been trying to find a replacement, without any luck. I can't even get decent measurements for a new one, because it's broken into so many pieces. (A third piece broke off when I tried to remove the nut.) Could someone help me out with this, or at least point me in the right direction? I can't find any relevant information online anywhere (not even on the Yamaha website).

suterb42 · #2 08-01-2007, 08:49 PM

No ideas? I hoped someone here would be able to help me. I miss playing my bass.

suterb42 · #3 08-03-2007, 04:23 PM

Is there a specific reason why nobody wants to help me out? I've looked everywhere for help, but haven't been able to find anything. It's not like I'm asking a question without even doing a quick Google search.

FF Petro · #4 08-03-2007, 05:27 PM

if the nut is at the end of the fretboard all you need is the width measurement of the nut which would be the width of the top the fretboard. These are usually pretty easy to find but the specs aren't usually readily availible. And these are easy to remove and install. All you would have to do is chisel out the remaining nut then use elmers glue to glue down the new one.

If there is fretboard wood on both sides of the nut, that's an inlayed nut. you would have to get the length, width, and height of the old nut to get the right new one. Removal and install of the nut is the same just a little harder to get to.

suterb42 · #5 08-03-2007, 06:04 PM

It's an inlayed nut. It's already out of the bass (in 3 pieces

). As close as I could get with a tape measure, the measurements are 1 9/16" L x 5/32" W x 5/32" H. I was hoping I could find a replacement that would just drop in place without any work, but I haven't had any luck yet. I don't want to take it to a shop to get fixed because I don't have that kind of money.

I'm sorry if I come across as having a bit of an attitude problem. I'm just really frustrated that the nut broke because of a stupid mistake I made and I can't play until I get it fixed.

FF Petro · #6 08-03-2007, 08:39 PM

If I were you I would probably remove the old nut completely. It's already broken, unmeasurable, and just plain in the way. Then I would take the bass to the best guitar shop for parts and try the fit on your fretboard. Once you have one that fits, all you would have to do is glue it in place.

(It's really difficult to write about some parts of instruments without sounding really perverted!)

suterb42 · #7 08-03-2007, 10:22 PM

I removed the nut from the bass already. That's why it's in 3 pieces instead of 2. The first break was in the slot for the A string, and the second one is in the slot for the D string. I Superglued it back together to get the measurements, but I don't think I got everything together perfectly.

There's a music store in the next town over, but they don't have any bass nuts in stock, and the next closest music store is a couple hours away. I can't drive.

I've looked everywhere I can think of online, but everything been a little too short or too thin. For example, a drop-in replacement nut for a P-bass (the closest size I can find to mine) is 1 5/8" x 1/4" x 1/8".

EDIT: I called the Yamaha parts department the other day, and they game the part number of the nut I need, but they said they don't have them in stock, and they'd have to order them from Japan, which would take 4 to 6 weeks. At least I know what part I'm looking for. I tried typing the part number into Google, but it came up with "no results found". If anyone thinks they can help, PM me and I'll give you the part number.

suterb42 · #8 08-04-2007, 10:59 PM

I think I've tracked down something that's pretty close to what I'm looking for. The only problem is that it's a little thinner (1/8" on the replacement vs 5/32" on the original) and the E to G spacing is a little tighter (1 7/32" on the replacement vs. 1 1/4" on the original) than the nut that came out of the bass. All the other measurements match, though. Will this nut work, or are the differences too great?

FF Petro · #9 08-05-2007, 06:06 AM

Since nuts are uaually less than $5 I don't see what harm that would do.

I'd try that nut and if I didn't like it or didn't trust it, I would keep it in just to keep it playible and order that one from japan.

That's what I would probably end up doing.

202dy · #10 08-05-2007, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suterb42

I think I've tracked down something that's pretty close to what I'm looking for. The only problem is that it's a little thinner (1/8" on the replacement vs 5/32" on the original) and the E to G spacing is a little tighter (1 7/32" on the replacement vs. 1 1/4" on the original) than the nut that came out of the bass. All the other measurements match, though. Will this nut work, or are the differences too great?

A difference of 1/32" in width is not critical. If it is a blank the string spacing could be kept the same. On a factory slotted nut the string spacing is close enough to that you might not notice a difference.

The thickness is another matter. If it is a captured nut, like the nuts on Fender basses, then it will be a pretty sloppy fit. Even when glued in there will be a tendency for the nut to tilt under string pressure. When the nut tilts the intonation will go south and the guitar will not play in tune. If this is the case and this is the only nut available then there are a couple of things that can be done. One is to place a shim behind the nut on the headstock end. Business card stock can be used to take up the excess space in the slot. When the number of shims is determined they are cut slightly over sized and installed when the nut is glued in place. When the glue cures the shims are trimmed flush with the top of the fingerboard using an Exacto knife or other sharp blade.

Another way to fill the space is to apply super glue to the back of the nut to build up the thickness. A bead of medium viscosity CA glue is applied to the back of the nut and a dose (spritz) of accelerator is added. Sometimes this process will have to be repeated until the nut is slightly over sized. Sandpaper is placed on a flat surface and the glue side of the nut is placed down on the paper and rubbed until the desired slip fit is achieved. It is important that the nut is rotated when performing this exercise so that the back of the nut remains parallel to the front. Count the strokes in one direction, rotate and do the same thing on the other side. Start with 220 or 320 grit wet or dry with some water and stop while it is still a bit to big. Then move to a higher grit. Finish with 600 grit for a nice matte finish or polish to a high luster by using successively finer grits.

Either method will work well. Shimming takes an extra five or ten minutes and requires the strings be brought slack or removal after the glue cures. Building up the nut with CA glue is more time consuming but if done correctly will not be detectable. Both require a bit of hand skill but can be done artfully by anyone who is willing to take the time.

ducatiman · #11 08-05-2007, 08:27 AM

suterb42...get thee to

http://www.graphtech.com/

they sell nuts pre-cut (you must choose size) ALSO sell blanks. you can cut/fit/slot your own.

great info there.

------------duc

suterb42 · #12 08-07-2007, 07:04 PM

Thanks for the help, everyone. I ordered a GraphTech Tusq nut that would normally fit a P-bass. It'll be a little bit long and thin, but both of those can be easily fixed. I'll let you guys know how it actually fits once it gets here.

suterb42 · #13 08-09-2007, 05:03 PM

The nut I ordered came in today. I needed to mess with it a little bit, but I got it to fit. The business card was too thin for a shim, but I used an old library card, and it fit perfectly. The only problem I'm having is that the action is a little too high for my liking, but that's easily fixed. I want to thank everyone again for their help. :-)