Adjustable nut

[Rondog]

Hi,

I'm going through the process of fixing up my (first) Alembic, an '81 Distillate.
After some basic setup adjustment it plays really nicely.

However, the previous owner has overtightened the locking screw of the adjustable nut so that its base-plate has an upward point in the middle.
My plan is to take it off and use a vice to clamp it flat.

Before I do that, is there anything I should know about removing the nut and its baseplate, and putting it back on?

For example, is the baseplate glued on and what's the safest way to get it off?

Thanks as always for your help.

[keith_h]

To remove the nut you would remove the center screw as it is what keeps the nut and base plate together. It is loosened to allow you to adjust the nut with the outside screws. 

I don't recall if the base plate is glued or not and my basses are all packed up while I'm painting in my music room so I can't check mine to see. If it is it would have likely been put in place with a drop of superglue so a light tap should break it free. Just be sure to use something that isn't too hard. For me I would use one of my brass punches to give it a gentle tap from the side taking care not to hit the under lying wood. The main purpose of any glue would not be to fasten it down but to keep it from shifting until the strings are in place.

[mica]

Since the baseplate has been warped, the bond from the tiny drop of superglue on either side of the plate will likely be broken. But if it is still holding fast, a little tap should knock it free like Keith describes.

The insert is probably not firmly installed now. You may need to fill that hole, drill a new pilot hole and re-install the insert. I've got a little tutorial posted about installing inserts here: http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=207.0

[Rondog]

Thanks for the help, this is really useful.