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Double Bass Suppliers of files?

#4
I have some gauged nut files from StewMac (for guitar work) and they work great, but since bass slots are so big (gut strings) I have to hand shape them anyway. I've had good luck with a cheapo set of jeweler's files from Harbour Freight.

Do the chain saw files come in gauges? I'll look into those.

Make sure you use fine sandpaper to smooth the slots when you are done filing. You don't want anything hanging up a string.
 
#9
Rvl said:
The Warmoth single sided files are made by Hoshino(Ibanez) in Japan,they are on my TO-BUY list but only if I find a complete set used

I have the Warmoth ones with colored handles and find they are too V shaped
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I'm talking about these ones - they are almost as good as the Grobet Joint Files I have for smaller string slots.
 
#10
forester said:
"Do the chain saw files come in gauges? I'll look into those."

round,doublecut,full twist:
3/16,1/4,5/32,13/64,7/32,5/16

pond and deck files get bigger yet.
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I have a very nice 1/8" Nicholson Chain Saw File (.125") that I use to cut 'E' string slots when appropriate.

I still use my 'good' tapered round file for bridge slots. Its habit I guess, but I can make a really good fit by using the correctly-sized part of the file.
 
#13
The files marketed by Ibanez are the same ones that Allparts and Warmoth sell. Make sure you measure the dimensions because the actual width can vary from the marking. And you might want to check the hardness. I've received files from Stewart Macdonald that were dead soft. I suspect they may have been Chinese knock offs because I know that Stew Mac is having some of their stuff made in China now and the Chinese are still figuring out how to heat treat.

And don't bother trying to find a used set because chances are they will be dull. These files seem to last longer when used for bone but ebony will dull them more quickly. Try not to "hog' off material with these in ebony - the cut is a little fine for wood so it's best to use them at the end. Also, these files tend to create a slightly wider slot than the file is wide because of a slight twist in your wrist. This can make for a slight buzz at the nut on the open E. If you find this is happening, use the next smallest size and re size the width of the slot with a needle file marked at the right width. Or, use this slight rolling action to your advantage to accommodate for a slightly wider string than the file.

That's all I know.
 
#14
Rvl said:
Do you have any links for the Grobet's
I cant find anywhere that has reasonable International shipping
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Google 'Grobet Joint Files':
http://www.google.ca/search?q=grobe...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

I got mine from Luthier's Mercantile when they used to carry them.

The best price I've seen on line is at the Martin 1833 Shop:
https://www.martinguitar.com/1833/catalog.php?cat=Kits Parts & Tools&subcat=Luthier Tools

I don't know about their international shipping. If it comes down to it you could have them sent to my address in Blaine, Washington and I'll send them on from there.

Good luck, Jake
 

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