A string worn the groove away

ste30 · #1 07-16-2011, 10:24 AM

The A string doesn't sit in the groove any longer, it's been worn down at the bottom and now slides out, and sits halfway between where the A and D strings wouuld be.

Hopefully the picture shows what I mean. How easy would this be to fix myself?

Thanks

atheos · #2 07-16-2011, 10:29 AM

Looks to me you need a new nut.

Pilgrim · #3 07-16-2011, 10:39 AM

Either a new nut or....

Carefully adhere masking take to both sides of the nut.
Drop some baking soda in the worn string groove.
Add a drop of super glue to the baking soda; it reacts with the baking soda to form a bone-like substance.
Remove tape and use a roundwound string to 'file" the groove back to its proper depth.
If needed, VERY carefully sand the sides of the nut to restore the original front and back contours.

I've only used this trick to fill a slot that's cut too deep, but it ought to work in this application too.

202dy · #4 07-16-2011, 10:46 AM

The photo reveals little. However, the reason and the remedy for this problem is:

Jazz Ad · #5 07-16-2011, 11:40 AM

Indeed, insufficient rolling of the string around the tuner peg is likely the issue here.

frianbisher · #6 07-16-2011, 02:22 PM

The picture is really blurry, but first try rewinding your string to get a better downward angle at the nut, and if that doesn't help take it to a tech and have him make you a new nut.

ste30 · #7 07-17-2011, 01:22 AM

Cheers for the fast replies and explanation guys - a new nut it is!

walterw · #8 07-17-2011, 09:01 PM

uh, you missed the main point!

it's the stringing technique that needs fixing, not the nut.

Savage_Dreams · #9 07-17-2011, 09:10 PM

show us a pic of how the string is wound on the tuning peg and i bet we would know what the prob is. both my fender jazz basses have that prob if i dont more than the usuall amount of string would around the peg on the a string.

slaphappychappy · #10 07-17-2011, 10:35 PM

you can see in the photo that they look pretty straight.

ste30 · #11 07-18-2011, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walterw

uh, you missed the main point!

it's the stringing technique that needs fixing, not the nut.

But the point remains I still need a new nut! Ill make sure I string them up properly when I replace it.

stflbn · #12 07-18-2011, 09:44 AM

or, you could likely string it the right way and then you possibly wouldn't need a new nut.

Each string should be at the bottom of the tuner post to create the best downforce on the nut.