Nut Too Low?

[flyingmarcel]

Hello Everyone,

I have a question relating to the peg box 'set up' on my Kay Bass that I'm hoping someone can help me with.

I'll start by saying that the problem is that the pegs for the D string and G string seem to be oriented poorly, such that the D string will touch the G string peg a little on its way to the D peg (if it would be clearer, let me know and I can include a photograph....). The problem is pretty much a non-issue, so long as I'm using steel core strings (Spirocore E/A, Belcanto D/G is my current setup), but becomes an obvious issue when using any type of synthetic string or a string prone to braking (as an aside, I figured out the problem by destroying an Anima D string on install - Nice big winding separation right where the string was contacting the G peg)

I've asked my luthier about this issue and he says its nothing to really worry about with my current set up, but I'm considering switching over to gut strings for awhile and don't really want to take chances, given the price of gut strings. I seem to not remember this problem prior to one shop sanding down the nut on the bass, so I wondered if installing a new nut would correct the problem, but have been told this will still not completely correct the issue.

Anyone have any ideas? I'd prefer to not have to have the peg(s) refitted, but if that's the only fix, I guess that would be the only fix (that or sticking with my current setup and just spending my time practicing rather than trying yet another set of strings!)

Thanks in advance,

fm

[Eric Hochberg]

How about a sleeve around the string at the peg it's rubbing against? I seem to recall one of my past sets included these, can't remember which.

[Jake deVilliers]

Thomastik Spirocore and SuperFlexible both come with the anti-friction sleeves.

You could use a short length of appropriately sized shrink wrap from Radio Shack or other local electronics store.

[forester]

those little sleeves are refered to as "string savers"..can you use the taper of the peg (if it has taper) ..last wind of D against the inside of the cheek,give it more lift.. and if all else fails would reversing D with G string on the pegs give enough clearance since the G is smaller in dia. and may pass over the peg without touching. pic of the nut might help since you said this wasn't a prob. untill the nut was massaged. good luck

[bonaventura]

Originally Posted by forester

can you use the taper of the peg (if it has taper) ..last wind of D against the inside of the cheek,give it more lift..

it seems any solution that will dampen the D string will change your sound. you need those strings to vibrate freely. either the D string gets a lift or the D peg needs a lift. it might even improve your sound...