Double Bass Recommendation for nut file

[Matthew Tucker]

I have a small rat-tail file which is great for the A and E grooves but for the D and G I only have a standard needle-file set and these tend to get really clogged with the ebony and hard to clean.

Bunnings is useless, I can only find really fine guitar nut files and the standard needle file set in LMI . Dunno what Dick Tools has yet.

Can someone quickly point me to the BEST tool for this job?

 

[Don Harris]

I use a set of nut files that I bought for working on electric basses: Invalid Link Removed Works great for me. When I was hanging out at the shop at Robertson's a few years ago while they worked on my bass , they were just using standard needle files.

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

i just use a regular cabinet. just be sure to alphabetize properly. p is for pistachio and peanut. m is my favourite, it's for macadamia.

 

[ctxbass]

i just use a regular cabinet. just be sure to alphabetize properly. p is for pistachio and peanut. m is my favourite, it's for macadamia.

Another candidate for the asylum

 

[1st Bass]

Matthew, go to a welding supply store, and ask for the little kit of files called "tip-cleaners"-- they are used for cleaning the orifices on Oxy-fuel cutting torch tips...the largest sizes will work for yu. you have to be gentle, but they are completely round, and do not clog at all. They are really better suited for the small instruments, but as I say, the largest sizes should help. Best of all they are usually around $3 or so for a kit. WYPO is the commercial name, here...

 

[Matthew Tucker]

Chet, you da man.

$5 from Gasweld this morning. Just what I was after.

 

[D McCartney]

Quote:
Originally Posted by TrevorOfDoom
i just use a regular cabinet. just be sure to alphabetize properly. p is for pistachio and peanut. m is my favourite, it's for macadamia

Another candidate for the asylum

Absolutely c'rract, a real nut case.

 

[1st Bass]

Chet, you da man.

$5 from Gasweld this morning. Just what I was after.

Glad I could finally return the favors you have bountifully directed my way. Good little tool, isn't it?

 

[Don Harris]

Just picked up a couple little sets of the tip cleaners 'cause I must have loaned out my nut files and have no idea where they are... Great tip Chet!

 

[1st Bass]

You know, it's funny, I had used those things for 35 years, and never made the connection to use them for nut files until Michael Darnton e-mailed me and asked what they were, and whether they would work for bridges and nut files. I thought they would work well, but that you would have to be gentle, as they are pretty flexible.

I gave him a set, at his workshop, and he was delighted with them--but I am not sure I ever would have thought about it on my own. I sent Craig Tucker a couple sets, and he loved them, too. I'm glad it worked out for everyone...but the credit goes to Mr. Darnton.

Chet

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

I bought a set and they were way too small for bass, as well as being too flexible. I don't get what the fuss is about. The double-sided nut files from Stewart-MacDonald are just the thing (though a bit pricey). I use the .050/.060, the .075/.090, and the .105/.120. they clog easily on ebony so you have to clean often. I also keep a long, thin, fine round tapered file for in-between string diameters.

 

[idahohay]

Grobet makes a large selection of (I think they are called joining files)I have bought them through MSC and they gave me a good price on a dozen or more. The have larger sizes than the guitar nut files. Some factory "set to MENC specs" setups are sooo high that I have resorted to using a couple of old back saws to get close on the G and D slots then use my nut files and rat tail files to finish the bottom of the groove. Once the grooves are right, then remove the nut or bridge and take down the overall height as usual.

I have tried the tip cleaners and also find them very flexible but might not be using the same ones.

 

[vejesse]

Here are some of my experiences:

I use the "new" Ibanez style nut files that came out in the early eighties. Useful sizes for bass:

.045
.050
.056
.065
.078
.085
.098
.105
.125

One size that doesn't get made that should be is .110 or .115 for E strings, Here I take a coarse 1/8 file and grind the sides down to .110. For E strings I'll finish off the slot with a needle file otherwise the slot has as a tendency to buzz.

I don't like the Stewart Macdonald set proprietary set. The sizes smaller than .032 are prone to break the teeth off. Also, the non cutting edge on the side of the file sticks out farther than the cutting teeth. Some of their stuff is great but a lot of it is a rip off.
Using these files with Ebony it really helps to rough out your slots close to final depth. Bone doesn't seem to dull them as badly.

 

[james condino]

Stew Mac nut files for the G and D strings.

For the E and A, got to your local hardware store and get a 0.120" (1/8") chainsaw sharpening file from Nicholson. US made, perfect size, and about $5 invested.

j.
www.condino.com

 

[panos]

I use for all strings a Grobet Round File (cross section 3mm, cut 1) which are very nice, useful and high quality made:

Invalid Link Removed

But shipping costs to US may be high.

 

[Uncletoad]

I don't get what the fuss is about. The double-sided nut files from Stewart-MacDonald are just the thing (though a bit pricey). I use the .050/.060, the .075/.090, and the .105/.120. they clog easily on ebony so you have to clean often.

+1. Good tools are expensive. These are good tools.

 

[bassist14]

i just use a regular cabinet. just be sure to alphabetize properly. p is for pistachio and peanut. m is my favourite, it's for macadamia.

i think thats absolutly brilliant!