Is this "Normal"?

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by Paul McCarty, Jul 28, 2021.

  1. Paul McCarty

    Paul McCarty

    Mar 25, 2020
    Bought this 2006 P-Bass used about 18 months ago, it had round wound strings and I replaced them recently with flats and noticed this wear pattern. At first I thought the E string groove had split but upon closer inspection realized it was a collapse of the groove edges into the groove. It gives the vibe of soft nut material, therefore. Also may be a sign of previous nut replacement? Can anybody chime in here with a good assessment and recommendation for repairs if needed? FWIW I noticed some difficulty in setting up the intonation on E as well as slightly distorted sound on the string in question. Bass is the model in this link:

    Fender American 60th Anniversary Precision Bass 2005/2006 Transparent Butterscotch | As The Crow Flies | Reverb

    Thanks! image0.png image1.png
     
  2. Turnaround

    Turnaround Commercial User

    May 6, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Independent Instrument Technician - Retired
    That's not wear. Somebody has tried to file the nit slots with a triangular file. Wrong! Replace that nut, or if you are not skilled in fitting and profiling a nut, have a good tech do it.
     
    96tbird, MonetBass, RSBBass and 2 others like this.
  3. Paul McCarty

    Paul McCarty

    Mar 25, 2020
    Thank you that is what I needed to hear. Does the nut look original in your professional opinion?
     
  4. Turnaround

    Turnaround Commercial User

    May 6, 2004
    Toronto Canada
    Independent Instrument Technician - Retired
    It looks like a replacement.
     
    bholder likes this.
  5. Paul McCarty

    Paul McCarty

    Mar 25, 2020
    I thought so as well. Thank you for your input.