I would like to know how easy it is to replace a fender jazz bass nut. I have a Squier that needs a new nut. I filed slots because string height at nut was WAY too high. Now perfect height with flatwound strings, but I have gone back to roundwounds, and the slots are a little too low. Laid tape in slots to get strings to correct height, but this is only temporary fix. I have no problem working on my own instruments, but would like some input from those who have already done it. Does anyone know if the nut in this bass has a flat bottom or a curved bottom? Thought about brass nut, but since only real effect is to open strings, will likely go with something a little easier to work with. Now for your input....GO!
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how easy to replace nut?
- Thread starter unclebass
- Start date
You can get a piece of bone. Use a
rotary sander of some kind to get
the right thickness. Cut it just a little
too big. Glue it in.
You need some files or something to
cut the grooves. A welding torch tip
cleaner will work on the smaller strings.
You can get one at a welding supply
place for not much $$$. Don't make
groove "V" shaped, it might bind the
string.
Once you have the grooves right,
sand down the edges and top to final
shape and smoothness.
Best advice is, buy at least two or
more. They are cheap and you will
probably mess up at least one,, lol
You might find a pre-cut plastic nut.
If it's close enough, you can sand
the bottom to get it close. It's
less work, but I prefer to use bone,
Tabdog
rotary sander of some kind to get
the right thickness. Cut it just a little
too big. Glue it in.
You need some files or something to
cut the grooves. A welding torch tip
cleaner will work on the smaller strings.
You can get one at a welding supply
place for not much $$$. Don't make
groove "V" shaped, it might bind the
string.
Once you have the grooves right,
sand down the edges and top to final
shape and smoothness.
Best advice is, buy at least two or
more. They are cheap and you will
probably mess up at least one,, lol
You might find a pre-cut plastic nut.
If it's close enough, you can sand
the bottom to get it close. It's
less work, but I prefer to use bone,
Tabdog
If the slots are just a touch low, you can build them back up with some carefully applied super glue. I've used a straight pin as a 'paint brush' and coated the sides and bottom of the slot. (Some GENTLE filing may be required). If they're way low, replace the nut.
So far, in the few times I've done it, it's lasted to date. It's easy and cheap enough to re-apply every few years, if needed. I'll add that I have heard no difference in the sound of open notes, let alone fretted ones.
I should mention that this fix is not as 'fast' as you might guess. You should let the glue cure completely, like a few hours, or even overnight.
My luthier replaced a nut for me on a P-bass, only charged me $25 (which was a deal but his full price is only $45). I'd go that route, save the trouble.
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
Shaping and slotting a nut is not rocket science but it is skilled labor that requires practice. There are several points in the process where one mistake ruins the whole piece. Most of us don't want to invest in the proper tools or the time required to cut and slot 10 or 20 nuts to get the hang of it and understand the nuances. It makes $45 sound like a bargain.
The classic method is to put masking tape front and back on the nut, add some baking soda and then drop superglue into the slot. Poof! Turns into a bone-like substance.
It's not an exact method, so some filing will be required.
Otherwise, you can order blank nut material from stewmac.com and file to suit. There's good info here on TB about removing and replacing the nut.
That's a cool tip. But I really think that if it's just a matter of a change of string gauge, a coating of SG will do it. It comes down to how off the nut is. Just a hair? Super glue. A big hair? I like your method. If it's way off, a trip to the luthier. But aside from that, if you've never cut a nut before, either the super glue or super glue/baking soda on an existing nut is a good starting point.
CA glue is pretty soft, gummy stuff when cured. That's why it wears out after a few years. Filler is called for in this application. If CA is used to build up a nut slot, baking soda is a good way to go.
Another method is to use some shavings from the top of the nut as a filler. File lengthwise along the nut with a smooth file. The shavings will drop into the slots. A drop of CA in the offending slots will take care of the rest. File as usual. Finish up with some 400 and 600 grit abrasives. Obviously, when the nut is properly cut to begin with, this method will not work because there is very little material that can be sacrificed from the top surface.
how is it that the nut is OK with flats but not with rounds?
are the rounds actually hitting the first fret? if not, the nut is OK.
for DIY nut repair like this, better than trying to fill and re-file all the slots is to pop it out, slip a layer or two of paper underneath, then re-glue it.
are the rounds actually hitting the first fret? if not, the nut is OK.
for DIY nut repair like this, better than trying to fill and re-file all the slots is to pop it out, slip a layer or two of paper underneath, then re-glue it.
I would recommend buying two nut blanks. The first will almost certainly be a sacrifice on the later of learning.
yes, g string was laying on the first fret. It suprised me to see how much I had to shim up the strings to keep them from rattling against the first fret.
