Is there such a thing as a correct slot depth for the nut?

[bas_anton]

I've been googling this and find no answers. I realize that the important thing is the correct depth for each string in the nut. But since I've bought a prefabricated nut from Tusc I want to make this one work as good as possible before adjusting the nut.

So a standard p bass nut for a fretless bass. How deep should the slot in the fingerboard for the nut be? 2,5mm?

 

[JKos]

If you bought the correct nut blank, you should not need to make any changes to the neck. You will need to cut the string slots to correct depth, however.

Edit: Just realized this is in Luthier's Corner so maybe you're making a neck. In that case, don't listen to me.

 

[MPU]

I make the nut slot almost as deep as the fretboard or fretboard deep. Then I shape the nut blank to proper height.

 

[bas_anton]

If you bought the correct nut blank, you should not need to make any changes to the neck. You will need to cut the string slots to correct depth, however.

Edit: Just realized this is in Luthier's Corner so maybe you're making a neck. In that case, don't listen to me.

Exactly, I'm making the neck. So I will respectfully follow your advice and not listen to you

 

[bas_anton]

I make the nut slot almost as deep as the fretboard or fretboard deep. Then I shape the nut blank to proper height.

I think I have the wrong type of nut for that method
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Slidlow]

There are two typical ways that nuts are done. First is nut the depth of the fretboard/fingerboard and second is the Fender style where the nut sits in a 1/8" deep slot. There are other variations as well.

 

[bas_anton]

There are two typical ways that nuts are done. First is nut the depth of the fretboard/fingerboard and second is the Fender style where the nut sits is a 1/8" deep slot. There are other variations as well.

1/8" thats the measure i was looking for.
Im gonna saw just shy of 3mm so that i can carefully lower the nut when its time for setup

 

[Lizooki]

Some just sit on the neck and butt up against the fretboard.
Many ways it can be done.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

It depends on the bass, the bridge and the setup.
It also depends on the first fret height or 0 fret.
Nut Width is also different.

Always best to start with a blank.
Good luck and take your time.
Dirk

 

[Jeff Siddall]

Also keep in mind that the fender style slots have a curved bottom. Not sure how you would cut that.

 

[Arie X]

well, you bought a pre-slotted nut for a neck you are building from scratch, you may have painted yourself into a bit of a corner. now you only have some adjustment on individual slot depth, and some adjustment from the bottom of the nut. Most of your setting is going to depend upon how accurately you cut the slot. I make nuts from oversize blank material. In your case, you now have to cut the slot more carefully then originally needed because of this constraint.

 

[Slidlow]

Not sure why this was moved? The OP is cutting a nut slot in a new build? This is luthier work and not general set-up.

 

[Joshua]

Wow - y'all are serious about topic placement (multiple post reports)!

It's back in the LC, and all is right in the world.

 

[Beej]

Wow - y'all are serious about topic placement (multiple post reports)!

It's back in the LC, and all is right in the world.

Have to do something while having the morning joe...

 

[Slidlow]

Wow - y'all are serious about topic placement (multiple post reports)!

It's back in the LC, and all is right in the world.

Thanks, I almost had to schedule an appointment with my therapist!

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I thought y'all were talking about the string slots and I'm *this* close to yelling at my laptop screen. Heh.

 

[2F/2F]

I would aim for about 1/8" nut slot depth on a Fender style neck with a slab fretboard, or single piece maple construction. It's just a bit deep, perhaps, but it won't hurt anything.

 

[bas_anton]

Thank you for all the replys. Now its done.

 

[Fender_Bender]

I take the slots down to where when you fret a note at the third fret, the string is just a little above the top of the second fret.

 

[Rolling Thunder]

I try to maintain the fret radius when filing the slots, so the E & G strings are usually slightly lower (and by "slight" I mean MAYBE as much as 1/16" for smaller radius).

Edit: G would be slightly lower than the E due to string diameter