Author Topic: (x) Adjustable Nut  (Read 267 times)

hasadari

  • club
  • Advanced Member
  • *
  • Posts: 207
(x) Adjustable Nut
« on: October 31, 2005, 08:36:13 PM »
The newer Series and MK (and most likely the other models) have an adjustable brass nut which was not a feature included in the early Series basses.  I have a 1977 Series 1 with a little back-buzz, although the neck seems so straight that I have trouble believing that a truss rod adjustment is necessary.  Would an adjustable nut be advisable?  If so, where can it be obtained and how is it properly installed?
 
Please let me know.
 
Thank you.
 
Bob Brown

dfung60

  • club
  • Senior Member
  • *
  • Posts: 637
(x) Adjustable Nut
« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2005, 09:18:29 PM »
I'm sure that the factory can sell and install the adjustable nut if you really want one, but the buzz you describe is a relief issue (your neck is too straight), not a problem with the nut.  The adjustable nut lets you tweak the height of the strings at the nut which mostly influences how the instrument feels in the first few frets.
 
I think what you really want to do is a minor truss rod adjustment to give yourself a little neck relief.
 
David Fung

hasadari

  • club
  • Advanced Member
  • *
  • Posts: 207
(x) Adjustable Nut
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2005, 01:15:24 PM »
Any suggestions as to how - I am certainly not an expert at truss rod adjustment.

mica

  • alembic
  • Senior Member
  • *
  • Posts: 10595
(x) Adjustable Nut
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2005, 01:29:34 PM »
If the neck has a back bow, you want the strings to be able to pull on the neck more, so you need to loosen the truss rods. Loosen both the same amount, and start with just a 1/4 turn each, then play the bass and see how much it's moved. If you need more, then loosen another 1/4 turn each and test again.  
 
Another good place to start is by reading Joey's post on setting up your bass in the Must Read section. It's helped many in your situation.

hasadari

  • club
  • Advanced Member
  • *
  • Posts: 207
(x) Adjustable Nut
« Reply #4 on: November 01, 2005, 01:58:17 PM »
Thank you.