I have a 34"BCRich Warlock that's tuned BEAD. Would I need to replace the nut to bring it up to DropC?
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A nut job?
- Thread starter TheAngryPocket
- Start date
Thread title aside...
It's more about what gauge strings you plan on using than the tuning. Do they fit properly in the nut slots?
It's more about what gauge strings you plan on using than the tuning. Do they fit properly in the nut slots?
The slots in the nut will most likely need to be widened to fit the larger strings. Do not make them deeper. The bridge saddles will need to move back about 1/8" for intonation. There's also the possibility the slot in the bridge for the B string will need to be enlarged. Can't tell from pics on the interwebs.
mech
mech
Nice.That IS a good one. I was planning on using D'Addario's XL160BT set(.120-60).
At the end of the day, the answer to the question you're asking is... it depends. If you're going to a larger gauge string, there's a reasonable chance the nut slots will have to be slightly enlarged... but not necessarily. Regardless of what folks here say, you'll simply have to try the new strings. If they sit nicely in the bottom of the nut, you're good to go. If they ride on the edges, you'll have to do the widening routine.
My bass is ALREADY tuned to BEAD. I'm basically asking if I tune it UP TO CGCF, may I have to replace the nut due to the slots possibly being too large, or not at all?
There's a good chance you won't have to change a thing. A too-wide nut slot should be fine provided you have adequate break angle and the slots are cut correctly front-to-back.
Riis
Thank you, Zooberwerx!
You're welcome. String installation is particularly critical...but what's new about that?!?
*Make sure the string wraps reach the bottom of the tuner post.
*Angled headstock? String retainer?
*Set your witness points on the leading edge (fingerboard side) of both the nut and saddle bridge.
Worst case scenario: if you end up with string buzz or wonky intonation (the transition will require some adjustment), a few well-executed swipes of a nut file may help.
Riis
You're just changing the tuning and not the strings? Well then I stand by my original post. You don't have to change the nut. You do have to tune the tuners.
Yeah. And I still like the rip ya gave me!
Ha-ha! Well, the angled headstock works in your favor. Do use a string set which is conducive tension-wise for the alternate tunings. Good luck w/ the project!
Riis
I'm not sure that I would recommend doing that, you're going to put a lot of extra tension on the neck. Make sure you adjust the truss rod accordingly.
That's what I planned for, I just wasn't sure about the nut. I read all the threads about going from BEAD back up to EADG, and needing a new nut. I just wasn't sure to what extent that would hold true for the tuning I was try to achieve. I appreciate all the insight from TB.
you're splitting the difference with the string gauges, right?
dropped C (so, D with the low string dropped) is probably too tight for good BEAD strings, which would just be the bottom 4 of a 5-string set.
you're gonna want an extra-heavy 4-string set, like ernie ball power slinkys or something.
bigger than regular 4-string sets, smaller than the bottom 4 of a 5-string.
(and yes, the nut will be fine, since you're not going to a bigger size than you have now.)
