NUT REPLACEMENT FRETBOARD END MODIFICATION

[RWRLV]

I am not a fan of slotted fretboard nuts, I prefer the end of fretboard type and want to modify some basses from one to the other.
I'm wondering if anybody has made such a modification, pros/cons/issues?

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I am not a fan of slotted fretboard nuts, I prefer the end of fretboard type and want to modify some basses from one to the other.
I'm wondering if anybody has made such a modification, pros/cons/issues?

I normally call those two types of nut installations Slot Style (like Fenders) and Shelf Style ( Gibsons and almost all other non-Fenders).

Converting from Slot Style to Shelf Style is pretty easy. The inboard wall of the slot of a Slot Style fingerboard is the Zero Line. The Shelf Style nut has to seat right against that same surface to be in the correct position in relation to the frets.

To do the conversion, use a small fine hobby saw (like a Zona or Xacto), sliding on that inboard surface, to saw down through the fingerboard to the glue line. then use a chisel to peel off the fingerboard wood out to the end and under the slot.

Then fit your new Shelf Style nut to fit in right there, seated on the exposed surface of the neck wood and against the end surface of the fingerboard. That end surface was the original inboard wall of the slot.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

.......and then touch up the finish at the raw neck bit left exposed, which may be the hardest part of the job! I actually like how the slot style looks, but it always seemed kinda fragile.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Here ya go....this may meet your description. I had a blow-out on the machine head aspect of the slot. I filed down the remnants and Walter installed the modified end-of-fingerboard nut.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Ok, so you can leave that little sliver of fingerboard wood unde the nut? I thought you'd have to saw or plane that off right down to the neck wood. if you can leave that in place, no finish work required. Win!

 

[Zooberwerx]

Ok, so you can leave that little sliver of fingerboard wood unde the nut? I thought you'd have to saw or plane that off right down to the neck wood. if you can leave that in place, no finish work required. Win!

No need…why remove healthy wood? The nut is the same height as a conventional Fender-esque.

Riis

 

[RWRLV]

I normally call those two types of nut installations Slot Style (like Fenders) and Shelf Style ( Gibsons and almost all other non-Fenders).

Thanks Bruce! Slot and Shelf Style works for me!! After numerous keyword Google searches with no return, starting with, "what to call them" was the hardest part of my TalkBass question.

What you describe is exactly how I pictured going about it other than I tend use a Roto Tool for most my mods since the 80s, but in this case the more gingerly saws recommended sound like the better way to go.

I have been taking my lead from older Korean Samick ghost builds like pictured.

 

[NKBassman]

Is there a benefit or any particular reasons to prefer one style over the other? Not trying to be snarky, literally just asking.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

Is there a benefit or any particular reasons to prefer one style over the other? Not trying to be snarky, literally just asking.

I don't think there's any big difference functionally in the finished instrument. As long as the nut is fitted and trimmed and seated correctly.

Fender developed the Slot-Style nut because it was faster to manufacture by the millions. A few less steps in the manufacturing process.

The Shelf-Style nut is the traditional design from when instruments were hand made. It's easier to trim and fit a shelf-style nut. And it's easier to adapt different materials and designs of the nut.

 

[RWRLV]

Is there a benefit or any particular reasons to prefer one style over the other? Not trying to be snarky, literally just asking.

I just find slot style weak, then a pain to work with when replacement is required. Basses I have built I go with the Shelf-Style. Usually Graphtech Black Tusq. I made one out of 6061 T-6 aluminum also. I would like to try the Warwick Just a Nut design down the road

 

[RWRLV]

Update to the modification. I had some body work to do to fix a wood blow out and there is some aesthetics to clean up to complete. Also have to make a truss cover. Rough fit up to date, so far, so good.