Nut adjustment

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 4:49 am

I'd like to know if there's a way to build up the slot in a bass nut to raise the string action a bit. I don't really want to go through the hassle of cutting a new nut, especially as it's just the A string slot that's a bit low for my taste. Any suggestions?

icabod · Post by **icabod** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 5:02 am

Steve; The blues guy I play with does repairs and uses some crazy glue and whatever else the magic potion is, fills the slot up a bit and then recuts. Up here in Midland, send me an email and I'll give you his#.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:10 am

Water-thin super glue and baking soda. NOT the commonly-available Super Glue that you get from the 7-11 on the corner across from the likker store. That stuff is "GP" and is usually too thick to react properly.

Run a strip of masking tape on either side of the nut, place a tiny bit of baking soda (not powder) into the offending slot, then one drop of SG. it sets up immediately. Peel off tape, file nut slot to proper depth, good to go.

Does NOT last as long as a proper nut. I recommend removing the nut to do this. Jeez, almost as hard as fitting a new nut.

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:47 am

Thanks Paul - is there a specific brand/type of glue you could recommend?

icabod · Post by **icabod** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:49 am

Paul; Might the filings off another nut blank or similar material work better than the baking soda in longer lasting hardness?...curious

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 10:51 am

You can shim the nut ... hobby paint stirring sticks are the perfect size ... trim it down, paint it black and glue it in ... also a replacement nut is dirt cheap buy 2 or 3 and keep them around ...

the perfect nut would be height adjustable ... a few bass manufacturers make basses with this kind of nut ...

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 11:38 am

Richard, that's true. But you'd be surprised at how hard baking soda sets up...we used to use it to patch holes in acrylic (plexiglass)!

Steve, for brands, try "ZAP-CA" (orange bottle label) or "Satellite City's Hot Stuff" (red-orange dayglow label). Hobby shop stuff.

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 12:34 pm

Thanks Paul - I'll give it a shot!

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 1:49 am

Im with Jeff on that one. An adjustable nut would be a huge improvement.

Warwick has a nice design.

jps · Post by **jps** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:10 am

Same with Alembic.

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 2:51 am

This is interesting. Not wide enough for a rick though.

http://www.guitarpartscanada.com/product_info.php?cPath=28_49&products_id=100&osCsid=e1104fb54508930249fe7684f5a3f8d6

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 4:58 am

And I wouldn't trust their measurements. They are way off on the height, why not on the width, too?

cheyenne · Post by **cheyenne** » Sat Feb 11, 2006 5:09 am

Yeah, I agree. Just did a search, and thats the only thing that came up.

Someone should come up with a good design, and run with it. Being able to adjust the nut with just the turn of a couple of screws is a brilliant idea.