Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Owning an Alembic => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: flpete1uw on January 16, 2017, 07:33:50 PM

Title: Spacer under older style nut?
Post by: flpete1uw on January 16, 2017, 07:33:50 PM
Has anyone ever put a spacer under an old style (non adjustable) nut?
If so what did you use? Results? Etc.

I have a bass that has some buzzing frets 1-3. I did manage to get 80% to 90% of the buzz out.
But raising the nut might help?
Thank you!
Pete
Title: Re: Spacer under older style nut?
Post by: edwardofhuncote on January 17, 2017, 03:57:26 AM
Pete, your local hardware should carry small pieces of brass stock in gauges all the way down to a few thousandths. (Ace Hardware does, if you have one up your way) It could easily be trimmed to size and secured with some double-sided adhesive to the bottom of your nut. Thin piece of wood veneer would do the same job... just depends on what you want.

I have some pretty thin gauge brass in my shop, would be glad to send you some if it'd help.

*if you haven't already, check your neck relief to make sure it hasn't acclimated for Winter. Mine have, but they go the other way in the dry cold season.
Title: Re: Spacer under older style nut?
Post by: flpete1uw on January 17, 2017, 04:51:46 AM
Greg,
 Outstanding ideas!!
We do have Ace Hardware's "Down here" in FL. And winters aren't to much of an issue.  ;)
I did do as much as I could with relief and bridge height which is how I managed to get it almost perfect.
For the record this beauty is mine now.   8)
Pete
Title: Re: Spacer under older style nut?
Post by: edwardofhuncote on January 17, 2017, 05:58:24 AM
Ahh! So you ended up with that one. Congratulations and Compliments!  ;)

I remember Craig posting that the action on that one was really flat with anything lighter than medium strings. Maybe raising the nut a twitch is all it needs, but I'd be tempted to try pressing a little camber into the neck. Put a popsicle stick (or two) at about the 5th fret, and clamp a sturdy straight board from the nut to about the 12th fret. Check it with a straight edge every couple days. Sometimes *gentle* heat is required.

Let me know if you need any shim material. (just hit my email link)
Title: Re: Spacer under older style nut?
Post by: flpete1uw on January 17, 2017, 09:28:36 AM
Hi Greg,
And thank you! I've been eyeing this Bass since I knew it existed.
I've seen Craig's postings. As of now I do have light rounds (45 - 100) on her and there is
Enough relief. At some point I'd like to try TI Flats?
  I would like to take you up on your offer but the mail icon doesn't appear next to your "Jeanie"
Maybe she could blink one up.  ::)
Peace,
Pete
Title: Re: Spacer under older style nut?
Post by: edwardofhuncote on January 17, 2017, 10:01:03 AM
She fixed it. ;D
Title: Re: Spacer under older style nut?
Post by: rv_bass on January 17, 2017, 03:23:49 PM
Beautiful bass, Pete, congrats!  :)