oh nuts, I need to replace the nut on my bass

[ChetMagongalo]

is it hard to replace and file a nut? looking around from google results it doesn't seem to bad, just wanted to get some input from you guys. seems like I'll have to buy a nut file(s) and maybe something to remove the nut.

[weed_killer]

replacing is pretty easy, filing a little less so. I'd say get a pre-cut one and a blank, so you can try practicing without worrying about messing up. Once you've done it a couple times it's not hard.

[ChetMagongalo]

I string my 5 string bass E-C, think I can find a precut that works with that?

[weed_killer]

ehh, probably not. In that case I'll rephrase my initial suggestion to 'buy more than one blank for extra practice'.

[ChetMagongalo]

any nuts I should or shouldn't buy? i don't really need anything fancy, the one I have now just seems like the standard plastic

[AxAxSxS]

I think the ebay user "axemasters" or something to that effect is where I first got into brass nuts. He'll make one to your specification if one of his pre made auctions wont fit. Nice to deal with, fast turn around and not expensive. I think Skully might have gotten one or two off him as well. I highly recommend them.

[ChetMagongalo]

oh cool! if I went that route would I need some type of adhesive or something to make the new nut stay put?

[AxAxSxS]

yeah, I just use superglue and clamp it very carefully in place.

[colin]

I've cut and filed a bone nut before, but it's hard work and not all that pleasant. Sawing through bone smells like burning hair. It took me a couple of tries, and I really should have done it a third time because my finished product wasn't totally perfect. Oh well, I sold that guitar long ago.

As for gluing the nut, I use wood glue. The idea is that it's a strong enough adhesive that the nut shouldn't fall off, but not so strong that the nut can't be removed easily enough down the road.

[Pepe]

Dumb question: does it make sense to contact the company which made your bass and ask them if they have replacement parts for you? Or is a competent luthier in your near?

[Moose]

I replaced the nut on a Jazz bass, although it was just a pre-cut one because I was lazy. It actually fitted the strings better than the original stock one (the low E used to pop out constantly on the old one).


I would imagine that if you string your bass E-C rather than B-G, it probably does make sense to either file your own one to your needs, or have one specially made.

For gluing the nut in, I used Loctite. Probably shouldn't have for whatever reason, but it's still in there so I guess it does the job?

[KaosCill8r]

yeah, I just use superglue and clamp it very carefully in place.

Superglue is perfect for this. Only a little dab will do you as it makes it easier if you make a mistake with placement, it can be easily tapped off to re position.

[Mudfuzz]

I always use strings to clamp them in place when gluing.. no chance of a clamp marring your neck and you can get it exactly where you want as you add tension, you only need two or three on there to do it right..

[skullservant]

I've used axemasters for brass nuts on 2-3 of my guitars/basses. He's rad as hell and has really done everything from Bass VI to 8 string octave bass to regular 6 string for me

[ChetMagongalo]

Yeah I sent him a message! gonna go that route, should be a no brainer I think