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How do I remove the nut?!

PolkaHero

Supporting Member
Jan 5, 2002
2,645
3,299
Michigan
Okay, comedy aside, the G-string(!) slot of my 62 Reissue P-bass just broke off while changing the strings. Is there an easy way to remove the nut so I can replace it myself? I don't feel like taking this bass into the repair shop if I don't have to. Got recording dates coming up in the next few days. Thanks to any quick help out there!
 
You need a really sharp pencil.

Sharpen the pencil to make sure its really really sharp.

The trick is to spear the nut with the pencil. You don't want to stick the pencil all the way through the nut, just far enough to get a good grip, then pry it out sideways.

Are you absolutely sure you want to do this? I think its really gonna hurt. Make sure you slip your underwear out of the way first, before spearing the nut with a pencil. I'd think it could bleed a little too. I'd recommend just removing one nut first, see if you like it before you remove the other one.

Randy :eek:
 
PolkaHero said:
Okay, comedy aside, the G-string(!) slot of my 62 Reissue P-bass just broke off while changing the strings. Is there an easy way to remove the nut so I can replace it myself? I don't feel like taking this bass into the repair shop if I don't have to. Got recording dates coming up in the next few days. Thanks to any quick help out there!


It should pop right out with a punch or awl and a small hammer applied to the e-string side (like you're trying to slide it out of the nut slot). You shouldn't have to use too much force but try to direct it along the nut and a little upwards, even it if is glued in, it should pop out. That's a very standard size, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting a replacement. I would recommend a tusq (fake bone) but that's just my recommendation. Keep the old nut around b/c you may need to shave the new one down a little to give it the same height.

PM me if you need more help, I've done a FEW nut replacements. It's pretty easy if you take your time. :p
 
I NEVER do any nut removal by having my tools touch the neck in any way. It's possible in most cases. I use a simple pair of slip joint pliers and grasp the nut across it's width and pull straight up. In most cases it comes up whole. If it doesn't and second grab gets the rest. Oh, and I never do this before I tape off both sides of the nut to protect the finish
 
Folmeister said:
Are most nuts held on with Crazy Glue? If so, go to a hobby store and get Zap debonder. It dissolves that type of glue (Cyanoacrylate?)

Well, they shouldn't be! It's sort of the unwritten rule to put a Fender style nut in with a couple of drops of carpenters glue. It will stick enough to keep it in place but not enough to make it completely unremovable. I HAVE use a couple VERY small drops of CA on a butted(capped?) style nut that had more surface area. Those two drops were just enough to keep it against the end grain of the fretboard.
 
Nuts stuck to basses with super glue...ahh, i knew a chap who used to change them fairly often due to errm a particularly violent style of playing (bashing the bass to death basically) adn that guy used a blow torch to melt the superglue while the nut was still stuck to the bass!!!!!
 

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