Nut files (A specific need....)

[Geri O]

I've decided to go back to a heavier-gauge set of strings on my awesome new Stingray Special. I was getting used to regular gauge strings so I could lighten my technique a bit before old age forced me to. At 67, my hands seem to be in pretty good shape and playing no more than a gig or two a week with maybe a rehearsal, I don't see that changing. The heavier-gauge strings (Pro Steels 50, 70, 85, 105, 135) allow me to play with the moderate stroke I've play pretty much all my life.

I love the way these strings feel on this bass, but there's been a bit of binding at the nut with the B string and the G string. I have a set of small files not necessarily for guitar and bass work. But one of the files was adequate to widen the B sting nut slot. The E, A, and D, slots are fine, no binding. but my files are all too wide for the G string slot.

Might someone have a suggestion for what to look for to slightly widen that G string slot? I thought about fine grit sandpaper wrapped around a very dull knife blade might work. But I'm open to other suggestions. And yes, I'm being very careful to not make the slot any deeper!

Thankfully, if I screw this nut up , I have an extra Compensated Nut from MM for this bass. I broke the nut on my last Stingray Special and MM took pity on my story and sent two N/C when I called and ordered replacements.

Thanx for ideas.....

 

[eddiditfirst]

If you don’t mind a bit of a MacGyver approach, i’ve found the edge of a metal ruler inside a folded piece of fine sandpaper very usable as a nut file. Be warned, let the paper do the work, it can really eat through bone very quickly if you really drive it too hard- but it’s very effective. Try it with some 900 to start

 

[Geri O]

If you don’t mind a bit of a MacGyver approach, i’ve found the edge of a metal ruler inside a folded piece of fine sandpaper very usable as a nut file. Be warned, let the paper do the work, it can really eat through bone very quickly if you really drive it too hard- but it’s very effective. Try it with some 900 to start

Excellet, that's the idea! Thanx!

And not as lethal as a knife blade!....

 

[Matt Liebenau]

A drill bit that’s about the thickness of sheet of sandpaper smaller than the slot you need. Wrap the sandpaper around the shank, the unfluted part, of the bit and carefully work the slot. This works better if you have some letter and number bits and can get really close to the size you need but fractional bits can work, just wrap a little more sandpaper on it.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

I'd agree with Matt above ^, also a small screwdriver will work too.

If you want to get crazy you could use sandpaper with sticky back to help hold it in place.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Excellet, that's the idea! Thanx!

And not as lethal as a knife blade!....

Then you're not trying hard enough! Some sizing references:

G nut file > .042"

#1 General Ultra pocket rule > .009"

#2 General pocket rule > .019"

Riis

 

[Geri O]

Then you're not trying hard enough! Some sizing references:

G nut file > .042"

#1 General Ultra pocket rule > .009"

#2 General pocket rule > .019"

Riis

Thanx!

Most helpful to know.

I have a micrometer in my piano tuning kit for determining sizes of broken piano strings. I'll break it out.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Thanx!

Most helpful to know.

I have a micrometer in my piano tuning kit for determining sizes of broken piano strings. I'll break it out.

2000 grit is .006"....120 grit is double that at .0125. Be sure to double that when doing your calc's (2 sides to the pocket rule). I just did a mock-up and secured the sandpaper with a bulldog clip. You can add layers of paper to achieve the desired width....mine came in at .033" which is a little shy.

Riis

 

[Geri O]

Okay, after a week of trying to readjust to the larger strings, I've called Uncle.

Meaning I just put the 45-65-80-95-130 back on the bass. My hands weren't liking the bigger strings after all.

I did file out the B slot just a tiny bit. So far, it seems to working fine with the smaller B string. But if that changes, I have a spare Compensated Nut from MM. Never got around to trying to enlarge the G string slot.

Thanx to everyone who offered ideas on that small G string slot. I've, errr, filed them away for future needs. ....

Thanx again, all!