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Just getting ready to make a 5 string bass nut. I am looking for any words of wisdom for getting the nut slot depth correct. I realize this can vary based on playing style but what is a good starting point for the distance from the bottom of the string to the top of the first fret?

Thanks!

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Brad
Avon, OH

In clearance of the 1st when fretted past the 2nd, .0015"-.002"ish on the g up to .0025"-.003" at the E, with a more rapid transition to the .004"-.005" range for the low B. Remember that thicker strings bend much more gradually when breaking over the nut, so be careful not to cut too low if it comes up with a steep break over angle. Before setting the final height make sure you have pushed the string down firmly just past the nut and stretched it well, so that it is sharply bent and leaves the nut straight rather than arced. If you cut the height with fresh strings and forget to do this, a string may be fine when first put on but will be too low at the nut and buzz once broken in.

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Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

David...thanks for the response. You gave the exact information I was looking for.

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Brad
Avon, OH