Improperly cut nut?

[GitmoMango]

Not sure what was going on in Mexico they day they cut this nut. The string distance and slot depth both seem fine, but it looks like all the slots were cut a bit too far to the right. You can really notice it when you see the slots in comparison to the truss rod hole.

This is a MIM P Bass. I’ve been thinking about going with a Tusq XL nut. I’m trying to decide if I should give it a shot myself, or just take it to a professional.

Does this look wrong to anyone else?

 

[Turnaround]

Looks off to me. Is it affecting your playing? If not the change would just be cosmetic.

 

[GitmoMango]

Looks off to me. Is it affecting your playing? If not the change would just be cosmetic.

The only thing I’ve noticed is that when I play with vibrato or bend the G string it will “fall” of of the frets and do a broken banjo impression. That and the strings don’t line up between the pole pieces, which may or may not affect tone?

The G string bending thing could be technique related but it did always surprise me on this bass.

 

[Turnaround]

IMO Banjo sounds are not good even if the banjo is not broken. Given your experience I would replace the nut. Consider it a DIY job only if you are prepared to fit it properly and cut the slots to the proper depth. If you don't have the tools or expertise to do that, get a pro to do it.

 

[BLDavis]

IMO Banjo sounds are not good even if the banjo is not broken.

B.

 

[GIBrat51]

IMO Banjo sounds are not good even if the banjo is not broken. Given your experience I would replace the nut. Consider it a DIY job only if you are prepared to fit it properly and cut the slots to the proper depth. If you don't have the tools or expertise to do that, get a pro to do it.

Well, maybe not. But, they are useful - sometimes...

...

 

[Bassdirty]

The only thing I’ve noticed is that when I play with vibrato or bend the G string it will “fall” of of the frets and do a broken banjo impression.

That IS a funny sound when it happens though..

 

[Rich Fiscus]

IMO Banjo sounds are not good even if the banjo is not broken.

Some people go to great lengths to avoid hearing a banjo.