Nut offset is this OK?

[gimmeagig]

Hi,
I have a Moon JB 5 bass which is a high quality japanese bass similar to a Sadowsky bass.My question is:
The nut seems to be somewhat off center.There is more space to the edge of the finger board on the G string side than on the B string side.As a result the string is not centered (Nordstrand Jazz Bass pickups) in between the two pole pieces but centered on the inner polepiece.Even if I made a new nut that was centered on the neck it still would not put the string in between the pole pieces.I don't know if the sound suffers as a result of this.It sounds pretty good to me as it is.I don't know much about building instruments so I'm wondering if there might be a reason why the nut was cut to be shifted a little so there is a bit more fretboard below the G string.Maybe for playability?I can't imagine that that was just a flaw in the construction that was simply overlooked.

[excane]

If my nut was offset, I'd go see a doctor

Seriously though, several of my basses have distinct differences with the nut being slightly off. Is there a way you could post a photo of a closeup of the nut? Or just measure how much space you have?

[spudmaster34]

usually if the nut is offset intentionally, there will be more space for the E or B string, no the g, but it probably isn't an isue

[gimmeagig]

The Nut is offset on the G string side,No I'm not wearing my underwear backwards!I was going to ask my question in a slightly different way.Maybe I should have.
Anyway, the distance from the edge of the G string to the edge of the fretboard at the nut is 1/4 ". on the B string side it's 6/32 " from the edge of the B string.Now I realize that the B string is thicker and the measurement should be from the center.I have a 125 B and a 45 G string on the bass.Probably nothing to worry about but I have just about tinkered with everything else on this bass so why stop now?

[spudmaster34]

if it is bugging you, you can change it, but it isn't a big deal

[Rodent]

without seeing actual images normal to the top surface ...

I would say that this small amount of nut adjustment will have almost no impact on the string spacing over the pickup pole pieces. you'll receive a greater response by making changes at the bridge that you'll obtain from adjusting the nut 3/64" inboard

but this sounds like a purely cosmetic issue and not one of functionality. since the string is centered over on of the two pole pieces you should get plenty of magnetic interaction between the string and pickup ... it's part of the reason for using two pole pieces - to provide a wider range of usable bridge spacing widths with this specific pickup

now if your string was way outside of the two pole pieces and it was providing you with a muted response ... well, then I'd be concerned about spacing issues. even then, it would be spacing issues with the bridge


for your nut spacing issue ... does it cause you playing discomfort? if not, simply ignore the small spacing difference. if it does cause you playing discomfort, then have an experienced professional cut you a new nut. just realize that it won't change the string spacing over the pickup much at all

all the best,

R

[Hambone]

Did you notice this because you saw it or was it because you felt it?

[gimmeagig]

I saw it, because when i follow the G string down the neck it does not run exactly parallel.It gets a little closer to the edge of the finger board as you get closer to the bridge.I'll probably leave it alone because it really doesn't bother me from a playing standpoint..I was just wondering if some builders might offset the nut for some specific reason or if it really is a slight flaw that the people at Moon might have overlooked.

[christobass 416]

Well that one went right over his head.

[gimmeagig]

I guess that last comment did go over my head....or it was just not that funny.I don't know.