Double Bass Nut Shim Material

[DoubleMIDI]

The easiest way to keep the shape of the nut and rise it is to put a veneer below the nut.
I was told a hard impact to the side of the nut (and only the nut!) looses it (never tried this myself).

But to test it before you remove the nut you can put a piece of cardboard between string and nut. Just make sure that it doesn’t move when tuning up.

And you don‘t have to glue the nut back during the testing. The string pressure usually keeps the nut in place.

Shim height below the nut can be tested with layers of cardboard too.

 

[fretno]

Thank you all. Appreciate the knowledge, much luck with your big basses. Cheers

 

[IdealWay]

Thanks for all the input . I’ve had the same set of Spiro Weichs on for about 4 years, so that has been a constant. They are still lively. I guess I envisioned the string tension and vibration over time wearing down the nut slot. But sounds like there may be little or no impact there. I did shim the A string with a business card about a month ago and it helped the rattle, so I assumed raising the entire nut would benefit all strings. Worth noting I’m also getting some buzz in half position on the E and A strings, but not as bad as open.

Think I’m going to grab some ebony veneer and give that a shot before moving on to the next step. Is there a preferred glue for the job? Thanks again everyone

 

[Don Hergert]

Common cyanoacrylate (SuperGlue, etc.) has been discussed here, it is usable but it spreads uncontrollably before it sets, and it's very hard to control even with significant masking. Once it leaks and sets over a finish it tends to attach permanently such that it's challenging to correct. There are thick versions of cyanoacrylate that don't spread so much and are easier to control.

Whatever you use, the nut should be separate of the instrument while gluing so there won't be any mess. As has been mentioned, string tension will hold everything in place so even just a common white glue should be sufficient.

There are synthetic veneers too; I'd suggest sticking with a wood product.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

With superglue the nut can be separated with a hard side impact (as probably also possible with hide glue).
This might be important over other glues where the hard side impact might not work.

For the spreading of superglue, just put two small drops on the underside of the nut. If they are bigger than expected distribute the glue along a line between (a paper edge should work and can catch some glue off).

 

[Jeff Kissell]

I have successfully put a drop of superglue in the nut slots as a shim material. Super easy, just make sure you tape off everything in case the superglue goes somewhere you don't want it to.

My luthier has successfully filled and re-filed nut and bridge slots with a mixture of superglue and wood dust. Maple for the bridge and ebony for the nut.
He has also successfully shimmed the nut with a very thin piece of rosewood (I think?)

 

[Steve Killingsworth]

Playing cards can make good shim material as well.

 

[walterw]

Worth noting I’m also getting some buzz in half position on the E and A strings, but not as bad as open.

that implies a problem elsewhere, one that raising the nut won't fix