Trouble staying in tune....V63

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 2:28 pm

I like the graphite trick ... I never thought of that ... I usually install nylon nuts ... they are less sticky than plastic nuts ...

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 6:53 am

I like a U shaped groove in the nut that is a little larger that the string ... that way the strings move easily ...

jwr2 · Post by **jwr2** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 7:05 pm

A few more thoughts on cutting the nut ... string spacing ... for a 5 string bass there are 2 approaches ... 1- make the strings equal spaced center to center. 2- make the fatter string slightly farther apart ... or make the the spaces between the strings equal ... I kind of lean towards number 2

Then the nut groove ... I prefer a flattened out bottom U shape ... I have tried the semicircular bottom and the flat bottom ... both of those will work but I like to cut the nut about half way in between flat and semi-circle ... I try to never cut a V slot ...

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 2:24 am

UPDATE:

Thanks Jeff, as always, your a huge source of information.

Sorry to say, the problem is a bit more serious than I thought.

After removing all the strings and upon closer inspection of the nut, I noticed that at the BOTTOM of the "V" shape cut on the "E" string, there was a hairline CRACK ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE NECK SURFACE. I knew this was more than I could handle. It was obvious the nut had to be replaced.

Peter, you were dead on, it was the nut that caused the problems!

The good news is that my luthier said the bass was in EXCELLENT condition, and that it looked like it spent most of its life in a case.

Apparently, the previous owner had ALREADY changed the nut to obtain the low action this bass has. There is a hairline finish crack I never even noticed by the nut. SO, he is changing the NUT and installing one made out of bone and is only charging me $50.00 for the work.

He is an excellent luthier and does a lot of work for some very famous players so I'm at ease.

I'll let you all know when she returns home!

Thanks again!

aceonbass · Post by **aceonbass** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 8:56 am

...or you could just buy a pre-slotted vintage style nut from Rickenbacker for about $6.00 and glue it on yourself.

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:39 am

Hey Dane,

You must have me confused with someone that knows how to work on a bass!

I'm lucky I can change strings!

Besides, I was really paranoid that I'd damage the neck or something, especially on such an sweet bass.

I'm getting a full setup included with the nut replacement. Every time I try to intonate a RIC, it makes me nuts! Well worth it for saving the time and aggravation!