Replacing "nut" on an upright bass

[Robert Kroon]

Hello,

A good friend of mine asked me if i could replace the nut on his chinese upright bass. I've never really done this and was wondering if anybody has any advice? He uses it for rock n roll/ rock a billy purposes.

thanks in advance

[Michael Lewis]

I suggest you take a good look at the nut that is already on the instrument and make a better one. These are traditionally made of ebony but other hard woods will work.

It is not as simple as it looks, and you will need some round files to make the grooves.

[Robert Kroon]

Thanks Micheal,

The nut is made from indian rosewood as far as i can tell. My friend has some filt under the strings because they were rattling against the board so an increase in hight wouldn't hurt. Do the same rules apply as for a fretted instument?

[Wayne Brown]

Robert,
You can get a bass nut from www.internationalviolin.com which is semi-finished for a few dollars.