Should I adjust my nut?

TortillaChip520 · #1 11-25-2009, 10:04 PM

So i got a set of the Earnie Ball 110 gauge strings. i previously had used 105's so i didn't think there would be an issue.
Unfortunately, my D string doesn't even fit into the nut, it more or less sits on top of the space. Is there a way i can grind either the slot or the string so it will fit? My worry is that grinding the nut will cause an edge that will cut my strings, or taking some off the string will cause the string to break there. Could i just adjust the saddle to resolve this issue?

ehque · #2 11-26-2009, 03:21 AM

You can't adjust the saddle to compensate for a nut issue. Gently filing the sides should allow the slot to take a .110 string. Take care not to deepen the slot.

Steveaux · #3 11-26-2009, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TortillaChip520

So i got a set of the Earnie Ball 110 gauge strings. i previously had used 105's so i didn't think there would be an issue.
Unfortunately, my D string doesn't even fit into the nut, it more or less sits on top of the space. Is there a way i can grind either the slot or the string so it will fit? My worry is that grinding the nut will cause an edge that will cut my strings, or taking some off the string will cause the string to break there. Could i just adjust the saddle to resolve this issue?

Grind the string.

the_thriller · #4 11-26-2009, 07:15 AM

Not in public.

Zooberwerx · #5 11-26-2009, 07:44 AM

If you're going to continue using the 110 sets, then tweak the nut slot. I'll assume you don't have a set of nut files? If not, you can get by with a set of drill bits and a small scrap of fine emery cloth (not paper!). Note: I use the micro-bit set that came with my Dremel tool. Find a bit that just passes easily thru the slot and wrap the emery cloth around it. Slowly and gently widen the slot being extra-careful not to deepen the profile. You may want to place a super-skinny piece of masking tape at the the bottom of the "U". Its a good idea to pause frequently and check your progress.

Riis

Benjamin Strange · #6 11-27-2009, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steveaux

Grind the string.

I do hope you're not serious.

File the nut.

SteveC · #7 11-27-2009, 07:21 PM

I just adjusted both nuts...

TortillaChip520 · #8 11-27-2009, 09:45 PM

i ended up just lowering the saddles all the way down, and adjusting the truss rod. problem (more or less) solved.

Thanks for all the advice guys!

electracoyote · #9 11-27-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TortillaChip520

i ended up just lowering the saddles all the way down, and adjusting the truss rod. problem (more or less) solved.

Thanks for all the advice guys!

Wow, that's a shame, because this is ---not--- the best solution.

Gunnerhea86 · #10 11-27-2009, 09:53 PM

is it the left or the right?

TortillaChip520 · #11 11-27-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electracoyote

Wow, that's a shame, because this is ---not--- the best solution.

well until i get normal sized strings again..

electracoyote · #12 11-28-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TortillaChip520

well until i get normal sized strings again..

"Normal" sized???

The nice thing about properly widening the nut ever-so-slightly to accomodate a slightly larger gauge is that the smaller gauge will also fit no problem. Then you can go back and forth between gauges without the magoo set-up you put on your bass.

Do a little research, pick up a file or two, or better yet, have a good tech do it right for you. A properly cut and filed nut is in my Top Three things that impact the playability and tone of my basses. It is that important.

hdracer · #13 11-28-2009, 08:55 AM

^ + 10000000000000000000000000000000000000

Zooberwerx · #14 11-28-2009, 09:03 AM

I think some folks labor under the false assumption that a slightly-widened nut slot will allow the string to "wobble" or rattle. I've had no problems provided the angle is cut correctly and the string maintains the correct break as it passes.

Riis

electracoyote · #15 11-28-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

I think some folks labor under the false assumption that a slightly-widened nut slot will allow the string to "wobble" or rattle. I've had no problems provided the angle is cut correctly and the string maintains the correct break as it passes.

Riis

+1

I can switch gauges without negative consequence on all my basses. The slot would have to be much wider to cause a problem.

TortillaChip520 · #16 11-28-2009, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zooberwerx

I think some folks labor under the false assumption that a slightly-widened nut slot will allow the string to "wobble" or rattle. I've had no problems provided the angle is cut correctly and the string maintains the correct break as it passes.

Riis

It's not that i'm worried about, i just don't want do it wrong and it break my strings all the time. i'm fine with using smaller gauged strings from now on.