Nut widening

[DoctorZeus]

Buy a set of files and widen the nut a bit to fit the new strings or take it to a luthier?
This seems to me that it may be like drywall taping. You think it is easy until you sand your first seam and are covered in white dust. But I may be making too much of it?

 

[Turnaround]

A decent set of 4 nut files will cost you about $115. You'll use them once. It won't cost you nearly that much to get a luthier to do it.

OTOH you could buy a set of files, use them once, then sell them. Probably less hassle to just have a luthier do the job.

Or buy a used set of file taking a chance that they are decent and still sharp. Or take it to a luthier for a more certain outcome.

You get where I'm going with this....

 

[andare]

I bought new Hosco nut files because I have 4 basses and three of them require nut work and I like to do my own tech work. Expensive files are only worth it if you use them. I also do tech work on the side so it makes sense to me.

Have a competent tech do it or buy the right tools. Don't use a spoon!

 

[lark_z]

FREE SHIPPING GeetarGizmos 4 Bass Guitar NUT SLOTTING SAW RODS File Tool Set | eBay

Bought these, but haven't used them yet.

 

[SharpCat]

I bought a set of nut files (Music Nomad diamond) off the big A, and they had been used and returned before being sent (claimed as new) to me. Annoying.

OTOH, they were fine and I didn't want the hassle of returning them, so I kept them. I thought widening the slot was not too hard, and I was prepared to have to replace the nut if I screwed it up. But if you want to be sure, go to a luthier.

 

[andare]

I bought a set of nut files (Music Nomad diamond) off the big A, and they had been used and returned before being sent (claimed as new) to me. Annoying.

OTOH, they were fine and I didn't want the hassle of returning them, so I kept them. I thought widening the slot was not too hard, and I was prepared to have to replace the nut if I screwed it up. But if you want to be sure, go to a luthier.

Did you tilt them sideways to widen the slots?

 

[SharpCat]

Did you tilt them sideways to widen the slots?

No. According to the instructions, OK to use file up to .005 bigger than your string, so I picked the right file for that string's width, and kept checking string height over first fret every few strokes. I did try to angle the file down towards the base of the corresponding tuner inside edge, so the bridge side of the nut is the highest point of the slot.

 

[andare]

No. According to the instructions, OK to use file up to .005 bigger than your string, so I picked the right file for that string's width, and kept checking string height over first fret every few strokes. I did try to angle the file down towards the base of the corresponding tuner inside edge, so the bridge side of the nut is the highest point of the slot.

I asked because I need to widen but not deepen the nut slots and the only way to do it is to tilt the files sideways. Stacking feeler gauges to the right height is useful to avoid filing the slots any deeper.

 

[SharpCat]

I asked because I need to widen but not deepen the nut slots and the only way to do it is to tilt the files sideways. Stacking feeler gauges to the right height is useful to avoid filing the slots any deeper.

I would think you'd get an hourglass shape that will still pinch the string a bit. I think I'd file while pressing to the side rather than tilting. Think again about going to a luthier. Might be money well spent.

 

[andare]

I would think you'd get an hourglass shape that will still pinch the string a bit. I think I'd file while pressing to the side rather than tilting. Think again about going to a luthier. Might be money well spent.

Actually I do that too. I suppose I tilt the nut the widen the top of the slot and then press sideways while filing perpendicular to the fretboard to even out the walls of the slot until theybare vertical.

Ideally I would use the right size file but no one makes files for the Labella 1954 gauges 52-73-95-110

 

[Zooberwerx]

I asked because I need to widen but not deepen the nut slots and the only way to do it is to tilt the files sideways. Stacking feeler gauges to the right height is useful to avoid filing the slots any deeper.

This is one situation where I'd consider deviating from the norm. Just use a properly-sized foundation (existing nut file, drill bit, etc.) and wrap a bit of emery cloth on the cutting edge. This will produce a clean uniform wall profile.

Riis

 

[andare]

This is one situation where I'd consider deviating from the norm. Just use a properly-sized foundation (existing nut file, drill bit, etc.) and wrap a bit of emery cloth on the cutting edge. This will produce a clean uniform wall profile.

Riis

Don't know why you bolded the feeler gauge bit. It's standard procedure to lay them on the fretboard against the nut to avoid filing the slots too deep. Hosco even makes a product called Groove bar or something that accomplishes the same feat.

It has nothing to do with widening the slots

 

[Zooberwerx]

Don't know why you bolded the feeler gauge bit. It's standard procedure to lay them on the fretboard against the nut to avoid filing the slots too deep. Hosco even makes a product called Groove bar or something that accomplishes the same feat.

It has nothing to do with widening the slots

Just highlighting for emphasis...that's the course I take for widening or "cleaning-up" a slot while avoiding the dreaded over-cut.

Riis