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

[Sixgunn]

Just below the prime meridian.

 

[bass theory]

nut depth is a part of setup just as string height, pickup height, bridge height, and intonation are.
that makes the nut depth a matter of personal choice.
that being said, I think the setting which makes the most sense is not to make it a certain depth, but rather to leave the string at a specific height from the fretboard.
I make the string height at the nut as close as possible to the string height at the 12th fret, or just slightly higher. In this way the string will feel the same when playing no matter where on the fretboard you are playing.
to do this you need to have an idea of what height you are comfortable playing at. Where that is, is a matter of preference, and how the bass is strung. ie... The looseness of a low B string might require a slightly higher nut .

 

[Slidlow]

nut depth is a part of setup just as string height, pickup height, bridge height, and intonation are.
that makes the nut depth a matter of personal choice.
that being said, I think the setting which makes the most sense is not to make it a certain depth, but rather to leave the string at a specific height from the fretboard.
I make the string height at the nut as close as possible to the string height at the 12th fret, or just slightly higher. In this way the string will feel the same when playing no matter where on the fretboard you are playing.
to do this you need to have an idea of what height you are comfortable playing at. Where that is, is a matter of preference, and how the bass is strung. ie... The looseness of a low B string might require a slightly higher nut .

Just to note the OP was talking about how deep the nut (fender style) should be set into the fingerboard (he is doing a fretless). The OP was not asking about string height.

 

[bass theory]

Just to note the OP was talking about how deep the nut (fender style) should be set into the fingerboard (he is doing a fretless). The OP was not asking about string height.

I guess i misunderstood. i thought it was how deep to cut the string slots. sorry about that.
just re-read, now the whole discussion makes more sense. I was thrown off by the term slot.

 

[Slidlow]

I guess i misunderstood. i thought it was how deep to cut the string slots. sorry about that.

Not a problem. You are not alone.

 

[jnuts1]

personally i am a huge fan of the zero fret. then it doesn't matter how deep you go

 

[HardNHeavy]

This guy on YT John Carruthers has an excellent tutorial to start with Nut Setup <------

 

[Slidlow]

Starting to get funny! I'm not sure if some are even reading this thread or understanding what is going on.

 

[Beej]

LOL!

 

[swarfrat]

Essentially Gibson style nuts have no slot, or half of one. It just needs to locate the nut positively and not fall off when strings are removed. At the other end, there are guitars and stringed instruments where the bridge is floating, so even "not fall off" is really sort of optional.

 

[bas_anton]

Starting to get funny! I'm not sure if some are even reading this thread or understanding what is going on.

I have just moved on

 

[bas_anton]

Since english not is my first language, my vocabulary is limited. But what do you call rhe place on the neck where the nut sits? Isnt that also a slot?

 

[Slidlow]

Since english not is my first language, my vocabulary is limited. But what do you call rhe place on the neck where the nut sits? Isnt that also a slot?

You're doing fine with your english, it's just a lot of people can't read or understand. Yes the place for a fender style nut is a slot. I can tell you my swedish wouldn't be comprehensible.