Raise the nut or lower the fingerboard?

[Dyfsunctional]

The G string on my bass is low enough at the nut to cause buzzing and harshness in the lower positions, and especially on the open G. (It's so low that I can't fit a business card under it.) The question is, should the nut be replaced (or raised, if there's even a way to do that) or should the fingerboard be reshaped? How much would something like that cost? Would this be considered major surgery or routine maintenance?

[KSB - Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Dyfsunctional

The G string on my bass is low enough at the nut to cause buzzing and harshness in the lower positions, and especially on the open G. (It's so low that I can't fit a business card under it.) The question is, should the nut be replaced (or raised, if there's even a way to do that) or should the fingerboard be reshaped? How much would something like that cost? Would this be considered major surgery or routine maintenance?

Raise or shim actually the Nut. Make a new one only if the old one can't be used. The FB is a huge job in comparison. Once shaved down, you can't replace the wood. Work from the nut only.

[Matthew Tucker]

Cut a small piece of business card and slide it under the G string in the groove. I think you may find your buzzing will disappear.

if you want to raise the nut, if you can pop the nut off, you can cut a couple of business cards up as shims and fit them underneath. The string tension will keep it all in place.

[Dyfsunctional]

The bit of card in the groove in the nut worked like a charm. I almost wish it hadn't--I was curious as to how easy it would be to pop off the nut. Although that's kind of scary, loosening all the strings and risking a soundpost fall and everything.

Thanks for the good advice.