A string in the Nut

piano fighter · #1 05-09-2011, 07:21 PM

Hey everyone,

I had put some chromes on my Fender Jazz about a year ago, and had some issues because I think I clipped my A string too short, and it would buzz in the nut if I hit it too hard and played it open, it had this weird, not entirely full sound. I changed the strings today and slapped some Sunbeams on it (love them!) and left more than enough slack for the A, and still have the same problem. It gets this weird sometimes buzzy, un-full sound that sounds super 80's/ampitheatre-ish. However, if I put pressure on the string just above the nut, it solves the problem.

Anyone know any solutions, or the cause? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

202dy · #2 05-09-2011, 07:46 PM

This:

Bill Posters · #3 05-10-2011, 07:24 AM

I had the same issue. In my case it seemed to be caused by nut being cut a little too wide for the A string. If the string was cut too short and there wasn't enough angle over the nut it would rattle in just the way you describe.

In my case I was able to solve the issue by placing a small piece of paper in the nut slot under the string. Not elegant but it eliminated the rattle and was cheaper than a new nut or set of strings.

This is assuming, of course, that you are stringing the bass correctly as shown above.

john grey · #4 05-10-2011, 09:07 AM

Both of the above commentary's provide a good place to start.
And there is even a third aspect in both the nut and bridge design. That is the angle of "drop down". In the nut, if the filing is flat grooved and not angled downward slightly at the tuner side you would need a LOW string tree to bring that end into line with the winding on the tuner.
A BRIDGE also can contribute if the groove is shallow, the string allowed to rattle, etc. Obviously there is vibration distribution of a string as it's struck. If either side is not gripping that string & the string is not sloping downward, the vibration will "travel" and be heard as a buzzing.
In both of the above examples you notice the purpose is to bind the string over, DOWNWARD and held TIGHTLY. Violate those conditions and a buzz is possible if not likely.