Brass nut = better tone/more sustain?

[dman_113]

So I've been reading lately about brass nuts (yeah I know HAHA)
anyway I have a MIM jazz and I was wondering if replacing the cheapo plastic nut with a brass nut is going to make any difference? The sustain on this bass is painfully lacking.

[pilotjones]

There might be some effect on open strings. There will be no effect on fretted notes.

[pilotjones]

The first things to check for, if you are lacking sustain, are:
- is it all the strings (if not, this could indicate a bad string, or a bridge saddle problem)
- are your strings old (duh, but people could forget)
- is the neck screwed on tightly (this has been a quick and easy fix for at least one person on this forum)
- is the bridge screwed down tightly

[dman_113]

Cool thanks man I'll check that stuff out.

[Hawaii Islander]

I replaced the standard string nut on my Fender Deluxe jazz bass with a brass string nut that I bought from BassPartsResource.com. It does have better sustain and it sounds better. Not a night vs. day difference, but still noticeable. The G-string groove on the standard string nut was cut a little too deep and eventually broke. thats why I put the brass one one.