building a bass starting with the body

[EvisceratedLows]

i have an old ashton 4 string here that was used for a short period of time in drop A (AEAD).
i bought a 5 string jackson a while back and have recently decided to change the ashton back to standard tuning.
i realised to do this i would need to replace the nut, as it was ground out to fit the thicker .135 guage string.
i took out the nut and was planning on replacing it when i realised how big the job is to replace a nut.

i am now trying to decide whether it would be more effective/easier/quicker to spend $100 odd on a new fender p bass neck, or spend the time replacing the nut.
i love the look and feel of this body, but i don't know if it's worth replacing the neck or not?
also, will a fender neck be interchangeable with an ashton one?

any input, comments, advice would be greatly appreciated.
thanks

 

[Snort]

If I understand it correctly you have already done the hard part in removing the nut, provided no damage was done to the slot it is actualy a very simple process to install a new nut, certainly not worth replacing the neck over a nut change. I have just ordered 3 blank brass nuts for the Bass I am building, I only need 1message me if you are interested in getting one for the price of postage. Otherwise the Luthier section on Ebay has loads of bone nut blanks for bass in various string configurations starting around $5

 

[Smilodon]

How is replacing a nut a huge job?

It's just a matter of finding a new nut and filing/sanding it until it fits. Shouldn't take very long.

If you get a new neck you probably have to fine tune the nut anyway.

 

[EvisceratedLows]

Thanks for the info guys.

The luthier I had set up my performing bass told me that to set up the nut takes a lot of work, ensuring the right height etc. etc.
Is that only for a truly professional finish, or would you say he's just trying to get more work outta me?

 

[JIO]

Thanks for the info guys.

The luthier I had set up my performing bass told me that to set up the nut takes a lot of work, ensuring the right height etc. etc.
Is that only for a truly professional finish, or would you say he's just trying to get more work outta me?

Cutting/shaping and slotting nuts requires patience and focus, but as long as you start out high and fine-tune lower to the right height, you should be ok. Have enough material to cut another if it the first one gets away from you, but even if the nut slots end up too deep, a strip or two of shielding tape at the base of the nut can get it to the correct height. Having a correct height nut to reference is also a time saver.