Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I didn't see or hear it happen. Never found the missing piece. Anyway....I'm assuming I just get myself a new PBass nut. What tool do I use to remove the current nut? and what type of glue to put in the new one?

Any advice appreciated

Removal with a jackhammer?

As for glue, a real luthier might disagree, but you might consider gorilla glue. It expands mightily when it dries so a clamp will be necessary as well as trimming away excess glue befure it's fully cured...... but the strength is mighty indeed.

Marc, there are a number of postings by Paul W. on how to remove and reglue a nut (the procedure should be pretty much the same for any guitar or bass), so do a quick search and you should be able to find the procedure. Here's one to give you a start:

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=393469&p=600944&hi ... ng#p600944

BTW, you should probably stop using those serrated-edge strings ...

doctorwho wrote:Marc, there are a number of postings by Paul W. on how to remove and reglue a nut (the procedure should be pretty much the same for any guitar or bass), so do a quick search and you should be able to find the procedure. Here's one to give you a start:

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=393469&p=600944&hi ... ng#p600944...

I wouldn't follow the technique described in that thread. The P-bass nut fits in a channel. the described method would damage the fretboard. I would use a very small dab of yellow or white glue to hold the nut in place or replacement later, if needed, may prove to be extremely difficult.

The end of the nut breaking off like that is a more common problem with the E string side of a Jazz Bass nut.

BTW, you should probably stop using those serrated-edge strings ..

Exactamundo... flats are the way to go.

ken_j wrote:

doctorwho wrote:Marc, there are a number of postings by Paul W. on how to remove and reglue a nut (the procedure should be pretty much the same for any guitar or bass), so do a quick search and you should be able to find the procedure. Here's one to give you a start:

viewtopic.php?f=13&t=393469&p=600944&hi ... ng#p600944...

I wouldn't follow the technique described in that thread. The P-bass nut fits in a channel. the described method would damage the fretboard. I would use a very small dab of yellow or white glue to hold the nut in place or replacement later, if needed, may prove to be extremely difficult.

Indeed about the channel, but the advice given to me from Paul would damage the headstock end, not the fretboard end. Sound advice as usual from Paul for a 650D, but bad news for a P-bass. Interestingly, my 76 P-bass nut looks like it's ready to go, and it's had flats on it for most of its life.

Personally, I think the removal process is more in need of clear description than the reinstalling and glueing (sic?) process.

Indeed about the channel, but the advice given to me from Paul would damage the headstock end, not the fretboard end.

Unless it is a one piece neck and fret board the headstock end is still part of the fretboard. There are number of methods I would try but hestate to post them as my written word may be misunderstood. Why not try posting in Paul W's section. He has worked on Fenders for years and mostly has a proven method.

Tony, can you move the topic to Paul W's section?

If not, I'll start a new thread there.

typical approach would be to score the edges with sharp tool and take the dovetail saw and cut that broken nut right in the middle (parallel with frets) that will give you space to wiggle it out without damaging the rest...

something like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxcwhUhq61c

Geez...can't I just tie it to the door, and slam the door just like we'd do with a loose tooth?

My problem is...I don't have all those tools. Guess that's why luthiers get paid.

For those who don't have enough tools:

http://www.harborfreight.com/

Unfortunately, I live not far from one of their stores ... and their sales are really, really tempting ...

doctorwho wrote:For those who don't have enough tools:

http://www.harborfreight.com/

Unfortunately, I live not far from one of their stores ... and their sales are really, really tempting ...

Great, Gary, we have one here..... There goes the budget!

Well, I was going to wait until I received the new nut until I played with it, but a few minutes ago I decided to go at it. Got my hammer out, flat nose screwdriver, flatnose pliers...you know...give it a good smack and see what happened. So, I first took my two fingers to see how tight it was, and it pulled right out

Next nut I use super glue so that doesn't happen again

If you do use superglue, just use a drop to hold down the center for easy removal next time.

The string do most of the work of holding the nut in place.

I used to use titebond or just some white glue,that would hold it mostly with the tack. But I started using superglue because I didn't need to clamp the nut, just press it in the lost with my fingers for a minute or so.