Replacing A Brass Nut

rogerbmiller · #1 10-29-2009, 05:38 AM

I need some advice folks.

I have to get a replacement a brass nut made for one of my old Aria basses which came shipped to me with a horrible wodden replacement nut (see pic below-- UGLY). I do not want to take a nuts off of another bass to have it made so my questions are:

1) Would the nut width measurement be sufficient information to give someone to make me a new nut

2) If not, how do I go about making a templace and

3) Are there any TBers up here who can take this work on?

Thanks!

ByF · #2 10-29-2009, 08:27 AM

I can't tell from the pic, but it looks like the nut is sitting in a slot, like a Fender? If it is, the thickness is going to a critical dimension.

In general, the critical dimensions for making a new nut are the thickness, the width and the height. That's assuming you'll cut the slots for yourself, and finish up the radius across the top.

But if you don't want to do that part yourself, the best thing to do is to take the bass to whoever does the job, and let them fit the new nut in place, and cut the slots. Personally, I wouldn't try to make a nut for someone else without having the bass in hand.

Ed

ProfGumby · #3 10-30-2009, 06:27 PM

I'd second sending it to or taking it to a competent luthier not just some shop. Unless you have a shop where you know the guy (or girl) is good at playing with nuts.

Otherwise you might end up with a brass hackjob that is not much better than the wood...(looks very home made too)

walterw · #4 10-30-2009, 07:36 PM

It's not possible to make a nut without having the instrument right there anyway, so just take it to someone.

fenderfunker · #5 10-30-2009, 07:47 PM

I did it myself and broke off a piece of the rosewood fretboard just behind the nut on my '62 re-issue P bass neck. I nearly cried. All good now though, with some glue and the piece saved. 4 words...Don't do it yourself!

basscheez · #6 10-30-2009, 08:04 PM

I made my own brass nut for my '76 P. Came out great and I love it. You can get brass stock from onlinemetals.com. Use a hacksaw and a very small rattail file to cut / groove. respectively. Stewmac.com sells suitable files.

If the words "hacksaw" and "rattail file" are unfamiliar to you, take it to a luthier,

thelimey · #7 10-31-2009, 11:33 PM

If you don't mind me asking, what does a brass nut do for the tone?

JLS · #8 11-01-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelimey

If you don't mind me asking, what does a brass nut do for the tone?

Nothing.