DENNISNDODIE - Posted - 01/05/2010:  07:39:13

I need to move the nut on my bishline need more clearance from the top of the fingerboard. If Im doing a 2-5 slide or a choke or sometimes a pull off or hammer on on the top d string the string will push off the top of the fingerboard between the 2nd and fifth frets. I need to move the nut down about 3/32. I would rather have the bottom string closer to the edge than the top string. How do you remove a nut? What glue should I use to glue it back on? Im assuming I should file off the old glue also? Any other recommendations to fix this problem.I have thought about moving the tailpiece mount slightly.Ive thought about sending it back to Bishline and let them fix it. Its probably not a quality issue just a personal issue that I just dont like it being so close to the edge and how it effects my playing someone else may not have a problem with it.

Edited by - DENNISNDODIE on 01/05/2010 07:52:24

mountiepicker - Posted - 01/05/2010:  07:40:40

I would consult a physician or possibly a surgeon.

spinley - Posted - 01/05/2010:  08:01:30

I would try sliding the bridge down before the surgery. If nothing else it might tell you if moving the string resolves the problem.
Stuart

rjanecek - Posted - 01/05/2010:  08:05:40

not trying to sound smart here. But have your thought of asking Rob Bishline about this issue? Ive corresponded with him and is extremly helpful. Im sure he would like to know and would be the best to offer insight on a Bishline banjo

5stringpicker2 - Posted - 01/05/2010:  08:06:37

Not Knowing!

(I )===='---<::)

MikeVB - Posted - 01/05/2010:  08:08:35

There are better ways to achieve your goal. But having said that the nut should just pop loose if you put a piece of wood up against the edge towards the bridge and tap it with a hammer. I emphasize tap, and also score along the edges with a fine, sharp blade to separate it from the finish on the wood.

Most folks "attach" the nut to the end of the FB with a couple drops of superglue. There not supposed to really be glued in just tacked in place more or less.

rjanecek - Posted - 01/05/2010:  08:13:54

I just read your review. I see the hesitation in contacting them since it sounds like you may have done so

bakerratliff - Posted - 01/05/2010:  08:24:56

I read your review also and hate to hear that. Ive had nothing but good luck with Rob. However, they are growing very fast and sometimes customer service tends to slip when that happens. I went through banjo.com to get my Bishline and have used them some as a middle man. You might want to try calling Mark over at banjo.com. Hes great with setups and repairs (and has picked a banjo or two in his life). He would be able to point you in the right direction.

steve davis - Posted - 01/05/2010:  08:28:03

I prefer mine the way it is in your picture because the thinner 1st string is more easily pushed out of shape.

If it's glued in place scribe around the nut where it touches the neck to break any lacquer overspray.
Tap the end of the nut with a small hammer and the shock will knock it free.
I don't use glue on my nut.

george craciun - Posted - 01/05/2010:  08:39:50

I had a smilar problem with my Ozark. The nut was nut glued, just held in place by the string tension. The quick fix was to tap/slide the nut slightly toward the topside of the neck and same with the bridge. Ultimately, however, I had a new bone nut made by an experienced luthier, to my specifications. Problem solved. Happy pickin'.

Kenneth Logsdon - Posted - 01/05/2010:  09:57:47

Looks like the nut is fine and correct in its spacing... Hard to tell from the picture, but as said., Look at the centering for the bridge and/or the G string/ tailpiece centering.. judging from the strings going up the neck...something is riding up.. notice how the 4 th string appears to be closer to the edge about the 4/5 fret..

Edited by - Kenneth Logsdon on 01/05/2010 10:01:16

spinley - Posted - 01/05/2010:  10:34:04

Posted by Mountiepicker. I would consult a physician or possibly a surgeon.
I just got what you meant in your post. Man I'm getting slow.

jeremy blankenship - Posted - 01/05/2010:  10:52:45

the early Rk's had this problem too. What ended up happening was both the first and 4th strings would slide off the fretboard. RK took care of this problem after they found out about it. I would think if you contact bishline they should be happy to help. If not replacing the nut with one with closer slots should fix the problem. good luck.

uncle.fogey - Posted - 01/05/2010:  11:12:30

I think you have to replace the nut with one that has the string slots closer together. Depending on the angle on the top, you might be able to flip it upside down and make new grooves in the "new top".
As far as removing it goes, you don't want to damage the finish around it, so I'd cut along the edges with an X-acto knife, which has been suggested, then get under it with a very thin tool. Grizzly sells an inexpensive set of little "spatulas" which would work and probably be handy for other things later on.

http://www.clamps.org/products/4-pc...la-Set/H4318

Then I'd lightly "tack" it into place with super glue, as has also been suggested.

DENNISNDODIE - Posted - 01/05/2010:  11:27:36

Ive tried this many times but the bridge moves back on its own when tuning and playing. Looks to me like the nut is a little off may also be the tailpiece mount is a little off or possibly the neck mount is a little off but I doubt its the neck seeing its done on a cnc and by looking down the high d string its very close to the same distance top to bottom.

quote:

---

Originally posted by spinley

I would try sliding the bridge down before the surgery. If nothing else it might tell you if moving the string resolves the problem.
Stuart

---

buffalograss - Posted - 01/05/2010:  11:28:57

Dennis, I don't know Frank Ford @ gryphonstrings.com but obviously he is very generous in sharing his knowledge and techniques. I have no financial interest in Frank's businesses but maybe this posting may help to acknowledge his time and effort to offer us a terrific website at Frets.com.

Your specific question about how to remove/replace a nut may be answered at the LAST link posted below.

Info about Frank is at:
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/FF/aboutme.html

Miscellaneous topics for luthiers is at:
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/pag...html#Luthier

How to remove and replace a nut is at:
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Lut...newnut1.html

1four5 - Posted - 01/05/2010:  11:40:55

Even if it it stays put, tone can change if you use lateral bridge position to move the strings anywhere but their natural center. And even worse, if it pops back into position in the middle of a jam or show... you are instantly out of tune (the same can be true for a nut that's off center). On a low end banjo that was built solidly, yet not quite lined up correctly, I've used a dremel to elongate or "slot" the tailpiece mount-bolt hole... so that I could position the tailpiece to properly center the strings the whole length of the neck. It doesn't take much.

I made a new nut just last night. The old one popped off with thumb pressure. I'm with Steve, The new one centers great with string pressure, and I didn't use any glue.

DENNISNDODIE - Posted - 01/05/2010:  13:00:53

Well the nut was not glued on.Dont know why I didnt try that before. I guess I thought it was glued on. I just loosened the strings and pushed it down about a 16th now its great just a little hangover of the nut on the bottom but that doesnt hurt anything. Thanks for all the info.

Steve_howard - Posted - 01/06/2010:  02:47:51

Hi guys
I have a similar problem but mine is the width of the slots in the nut.
I am brand new to the banjo AND I am a lefty which makes it a bit awkward (mirror imaging begineers instructions) I have a left handed 5 string Godman (cheap import to the UK). Anyway I have a width of 3/4 inch from sting 4 to 1 and have been having problems with the chords and finaly figured out that the strings are too close together. I have read that they should be about an 1 inch apart
How can I get the nut replaced, is there a supplier that can post one out or do I have to take it to a music shop and have it done professional. I have read the comments above and looked at the Fret.com link posted about making a new nut (dont think my marlin spike type fingers could be that delicate to make one).
Any help would be appreciated.
Steve
Cornwall UK

andyo - Posted - 01/06/2010:  08:58:41

Dennis,
I talked to Rob Bishline and he disappointed that you are not satisfied with your banjo. We are also surprised that the only time we've heard about this is on the banjo hangout.
We pride ourselves on customer service but we can't help our customers out unless we hear from them.
If you want to send us your banjo, we'll pay the shipping and fix any issue you have at no charge...even if it's a personal preference and not a quality issue.
Rob is always available to customers and anyone needing advice on set up or other issues. His cell # is 918 639 5619.

Andy Oatman
Bishline Banjos

Steve_howard - Posted - 01/06/2010:  09:03:58

Andy
WOW what service, when I get to the upgrade point I am gonna seek you guys out
Steve