Need Expert Advice / Nuts & Changing String Gauges

[Solarmist]

My bass came stock with 45 - 65 - 85 - 105 strings/slot width, and I want to put a set of 50 - 70 - 90 - 110 strings on it for drop tuning purposes. It's a plastic nut [Ibanez SR], and I was wondering if that will widen the slots too much [.005] to go back to the smaller gauge strings if I want to? Will there be too much play between the new width of the slot relative to the string is what I'm asking? Thanks Experts

 

[Benjamin Strange]

If you widen the slots, then go back to a smaller gauge, chances are it will have a negative effect. The strings may not stay in tune, could buzz, and your spacing may be effected.

 

[XylemBassGuitar]

Exactly.

 

[Solarmist]

Thanks guys - thats what I was worried about - I just wasn't sure if .005 was enough to cause a problem.

 

[SDB Guitars]

In all honesty, .005" probably won't make much of a difference. I would try stringing it up with the heavier strings *without modifying the nut*, and see if the strings seat properly.