The anchor for the middle screw of my string nut stripped out. My guess is to fill then re-tap? If that is indeed the fix could I get the tap size of the insert housing for the metal screw? All ideas are welcomed.

Thank you!

That's a tricky little spot (especially on a 5-string where it's beneath the A-string).  Keep in mind that the center screw only needs to hold the nut in place.  The outer screws lift and tilt while the middle one only needs to be snug.  The strings will hold the nut down.  Maybe you could simply (carefully) glue the insert back into place?  But you should probably wait for an answer from somebody in here who actually knows...

Jimmy J

Did the screw strip out or the tap in the nut? Or the threaded insert under the nut? The base plate isn't bent up in the middle, is it? I haven't ever heard of the threaded insert stripping out - it's just not something adjusted that much. This is how to reinstall the threaded insert:

https://club.alembicguitars.com/information-related-to-all-instruments/installing-threaded-inserts/

If you need any parts just drop me an email!

I was curious if it was your Excel 4 short-scale? Don't know what put that in my head.

*not that it matters... like Mica said, just reset that little deal back in place.

Quote from: mica on August 18, 2026, 12:49:10 PMDid the screw strip out or the tap in the nut? Or the threaded insert under the nut? The base plate isn't bent up in the middle, is it? I haven't ever heard of the threaded insert stripping out - it's just not something adjusted that much. This is how to reinstall the threaded insert:

https://club.alembicguitars.com/information-related-to-all-instruments/installing-threaded-inserts/

If you need any parts just drop me an email!

The threaded insert stripped out of the neck.

Quote from: edwardofhuncote on August 18, 2026, 12:52:45 PMI was curious if it was your Excel 4 short-scale? Don't know what put that in my head.

*not that it matters... like Mica said, just reset that little deal back in place.

It's the six string Orion fretless. It's definitely stripped out. Not surprising considering the "modifications" that were done by a prior owner. (not you OJ..lol) There's no telling what this poor instrument has seen.

Quote from: fivestringdan on August 18, 2026, 05:33:05 PMThe threaded insert stripped out of the neck.

So this usually happens when someone tries to raise the nut without loosening the anchor screw. It's almost always accompanied by a bent baseplate taking up the deflection of the insert. You should be able to follow the instructions I linked to and reset it, you'll just have to fill the original hole first. 

If the baseplate is bent like a tent, you can flatten it out before reattaching it with a drop or two of superglue far from the center. 

Quote from: mica on August 18, 2026, 11:44:58 PM

Quote from: fivestringdan on August 18, 2026, 05:33:05 PMThe threaded insert stripped out of the neck.

So this usually happens when someone tries to raise the nut without loosening the anchor screw. It's almost always accompanied by a bent baseplate taking up the deflection of the insert. You should be able to follow the instructions I linked to and reset it, you'll just have to fill the original hole first.

If the baseplate is bent like a tent, you can flatten it out before reattaching it with a drop or two of superglue far from the center.

Perfect! Thank you. Yes the plate was bent when I removed the nut. I haven't adjusted this one yet and when filing the string slots down to achieve lower action when I noticed the set screw spinning and not getting tight.

Mica's guide to threaded inserts is mandatory reading! 
Those things are fairly tricky, especially on the cavity inserts!  Good luck!

Quote from: Artgeckko on Yesterday at 09:02:14 PMMica's guide to threaded inserts is mandatory reading! 
Those things are fairly tricky, especially on the cavity inserts!  Good luck!

Thank you! It was very informative.

I had to use another fretless for the theater gig that starts this weekend. It's too hot to work in my shop so the repair will have to wait until cooler weather.