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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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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?

AxAxSxS wrote: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.

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..

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

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