Bass nut files?

ThePrettyDamned

My bass is awesome but the top two strings have a high action - the saddles are low, as low as they go, and relief and intonation is perfect (as is the action on the low e string) so... I'm thinking of shimming the neck a touch to raise the action a bit, but cut the nut slots lower.

What diameter files do I want? Because they're bigger, I guess I don't need a specialist tool to make it easier like you do with guitar strings but could be wrong? I can't afford a decent set of guitar nut files and separate bass ones sadly.

The nut is definitely too high, a good few mm above the fret on the high strings, so it does need work despite being playable - with difficulty and intonation issues on the d and g strings.

steamabacus

Crimson Guitars have a 20% off sale (ends today though) - go to 10'25" on the neck relief podcast 120 for details if interested. I'm pretty sure their all-in-one fret file tool includes bass gauges.

BenSirAmos

I'm sure it is very bad practice - but I used old bass strings as files. Gently does it

Andyjr1515

BenSirAmos said:

I'm sure it is very bad practice - but I used old bass strings as files. Gently does it

I  actually do have a set of proper files nowadays but in the past have done what @BenSirAmos suggests.  I used to loop a small strip of 120 or finer sandpaper tightly under a string of the 'next size down' and, as he also suggests, then went very carefully.  

Maybe everyone will tell me I'm wrong, but I think there's much less chance of ending up with a 'sitar' effect with a bass...

Sassafras

^^^I've done this and it works very well but I used 600 wet or dry.

Andyjr1515

Sassafras said:

^^^I've done this and it works very well but I used 600 wet or dry.

^^^ Quite right - 120 is MUCH too coarse...typing finger (actually brain) trouble 

ThePrettyDamned

Andyjr1515;749670" said:

Sassafras said:

^^^I've done this and it works very well but I used 600 wet or dry.





^^^ Quite right - 120 is MUCH too coarse...typing finger (actually brain) trouble 

Haha! You guys are genius, many thanks.

Sarge

BenSirAmos;749420" said:

I'm sure it is very bad practice - but I used old bass strings as files. Gently does it

This, I use this method. Finish with 800 grit wet n dry.