Return this new bass?

[SJan3]

I just received a brand new Player II Precision. I like it except that the distance between the A & the D strings is smaller (9 mm) than that between the E & the A strings or that between the D & the G strings (both 10 mm). Of course, it doesn't affect the tone and the playability. But whenever I look at the bass, I focus on the non-uniformity of the distances, which to me is an eye sore. I know I won't ignore it. If I am to keep the bass, I'll have to replace the nut. Would you keep it or return it?

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If you otherwise love the bass, get Fender to repair it under WARRANTY.
That's what it's for. That is a very easily correctable factory defect.

 

[J-Bass RMR]

Who did you buy it from?
If it's someone that has Brick and Mortar store close to you? (i.e. GC)
They should be able to replace the nut for you under warranty.

I hate to see a good bass returned for something that is easily remedied. (and I'm surprised Fender doesn't use pre-slotted nuts, but you still have to cut them right...)

And then you have to decide if you want the nut cut with the strings on center or equal spacing between strings.
Most mine are on center (which result in varying string spacing) but I'm fine either way...

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

If it FEELS wrong, I'd replace the nut with a discount from the retailer. Otherwise, I would leave it alone. Always be mindful of a return period to keep your options available for as long as you can.

 

[deepestend]

Or, just get a new nut cut for it.

I agree with a lot of posters that if you love the bass, this is easily repairable.

 

[sylvanbass]

I would return cause stuff like that bugs me also.

 

[BenPlaysBass616]

That's the sort of detail I'd never pick out on my own, but would bother me eternally once I knew about it.

Keeping and fixing versus returning, would ultimately depend on every other detail of the bass. Do I like the feel, the fit and finish, the tone, the weight, the balance? If yes, I'd keep it and replace the nut. If any of the above are a no, return it and find something else.

 

[PNW Tony]

I just received a brand new Player II Precision. I like it except that the distance between the A & the D strings is smaller (9 mm) than that between the E & the A strings or that between the D & the G strings (both 10 mm). Of course, it doesn't affect the tone and the playability. But whenever I look at the bass, I focus on the non-uniformity of the distances, which to me is an eye sore. I know I won't ignore it. If I am to keep the bass, I'll have to replace the nut. Would you keep it or return it?

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Was almost asleep when I saw these pictures. So unsettling a sight that I had to get up and go downstairs and check all my basses. I know about proportional vs equal spacing and I know what I like, but what if I'd missed one? All three P-Basses are fine as is Jazz Bass and all other brands. Was especially concerned about possibly funky spacing on the BEAD Warwick with that fat B string, but all is fine. Can sleep in peace.

 

[Minimalist]

What does it sound like? if exceptionally good, keep it and replace the nut.

 

[Bent77]

In the amount of time this thread has taken to stew, I’d have already cut the old one out and done a new setup

 

[DJ Bebop]

Is it because of the descending string diameter?

Thicker string wider and closer together.
Thinner strings farther apart.

I don't have my glasses so keep that in mind

 

[urkel3000]

I would just order a graphtech nut that fits

 

[Sid the Kid]

If you fixed the winding on the E string it might not bother you as badly. That’s what’s drawing my eye.

Now I see the D string not sitting properly under the retaining nut. I’d fix that too.

 

[Dave TB Killer]

I would just keep it and replace the nut. Unless the seller pays to pick it up and return it themselves. In which case I would tell them to just comp me a Tusq and we're all good.

 

[aprod]

I think you are creating a problem where there is none. The fret markers are centered correctly. I doubt your hand can detect a 1mm difference.

 

[Twice19]

just get a new nut cut

 

[Topkat13]

I bet the person who did the final inspection was a nut.

 

[Kerplunk]

You can return it. That's one option. Do you just get your money back? Do you get them to send out a replacement? Do you incur any cost? Lots of waiting, anxiety kicks in, worry, then everything works out and you get some relief.

You said you had a preslotted nut. If you have it and it's not doing anything else. may as well put it to use. That's option two. Problem solved, bass in hand, play on. Bypass all the grief. Happy 2025.

If you're not comfortable doing that yourself, take it all to your local luthier to replace the nut and set it up to your liking. Three option.

You could ring Fender service and ask what they suggest is possible and what they might do to remedy the problem. Option Four.

The more you think about it, you're likely to come up with more options. Who know what Fender might do? It's Christmas isn't it? They might surprise you in some way. Speaking to a person, you might be able to negotiate a remedy outside of the regular warranty regulation, one that makes everyone happy without the drama's. Is that still even possible? Though it still may be some office work, like sending photo's, receipts, whatever, but if it can be fixed without sending it anywhere, you're more likely to have an undamaged bass in the process. Good luck deciding. You have two others to compare it to. You know if you have yourself a good instrument or if the deal is a dud.

 

[antfarm]

Rule of thumb: If it is worth a post on TB, return it.

 

[fretno]

Nut spacing is pretty important to me. That bass needs a new nut.

 

[MotorCityMinion]

You can fix the nut and get a better string retainer but the location of those keys are off.