Soundcrafter Posted February 20, 2003 Share Posted February 20, 2003 The new strings on my bass, specifically the B string is a little large in the nut and is stressing it. How do I go about filing the nut to the proper size? "If you're flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit. Unless you are a table." -Mitch Hedberg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornbread_medhotmail.com Posted February 20, 2003 Share Posted February 20, 2003 I know they make files in the particular gauge sizes of strings, but, that may be too much money. I would take a very fine file and widen the groove a little at a time. If you don't have a file, try a razor blade and just shave it. Depending on the material of the nut, this can be easy or hard, unless it's brass and it's impossible. The key is to not take too much. Just try a little at a time and not put too much stress on it as it can break. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgeR Posted February 20, 2003 Share Posted February 20, 2003 Or just change strings to a lighter gauge? This would be my preferred choice, since I wouldn't want to damage the surface of the nut, risking any buzzing. Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; one lick and you suck forever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fig Posted February 20, 2003 Share Posted February 20, 2003 I've used the string itself as a file on the occasion the nut slot is to small. Rub the string (a spare one, if available) back and forth in the slot like a file. Also have done this for smoothing out bridge slots that are a little rough. If you want the official tools, you can order them from Stewmac Bassplayers aren't paid to play fast, they're paid to listen fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soundcrafter Posted February 20, 2003 Author Share Posted February 20, 2003 Thanks for the tips. I'm going to try using the string as a file. "If you're flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit. Unless you are a table." -Mitch Hedberg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick_dont_fret Posted February 20, 2003 Share Posted February 20, 2003 I got mine done by a pro. No two ways about it. I just don't wanna risk it. Hehehehehe, you're getting a nut job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruiser_dup2 Posted February 21, 2003 Share Posted February 21, 2003 The main thing you want to be careful about is not going too deep, so that the string buzzes on the first fret. Make sure you're only filing on the sides of the, not the bottom. If you have a set of feeler gages, you can find the combination that lay on the fingerboard and will let you file down to the bottom of the slot, but no further. Also, wrap a heavy rag around the headstock and posts so that you don't scratch the heck out of them. Bruiser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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