Bridge repair

[Neil Garber]

Originally Posted by Ken Smith

Install adjusters, then raise the bridge up to the lowest string and re-cut the rest. Better and easier I think than fills.

I've thought of that. Obviously the best solution. I'll start figuring out how to do all that.

[Neil Garber]

I'm looking for files to use for nuts and bridges. I've come across nut files at StewMac that look like the way to go. What does everyone use? I'm being taught by a cello luthier and she doesn't really have the correct size files yet.
I did my first bass nut correction with needle files and it seemed unnecessarily tedious because you have to be so careful not to go past the diameter on the file for the string you're working on.

Here are the files I'm speaking of. They have 15 different sizes.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Fi...ing_Files.html

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Neil Garber

I'm looking for files to use for nuts and bridges. I've come across nut files at StewMac that look like the way to go. What does everyone use? I'm being taught by a cello luthier and she doesn't really have the correct size files yet.
I did my first bass nut correction with needle files and it seemed unnecessarily tedious because you have to be so careful not to go past the diameter on the file for the string you're working on.

Here are the files I'm speaking of. They have 15 different sizes.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Fi...ing_Files.html

I have been using needle files for over 40 years. In my opinion, it is the best way to go. The other files from SM are easier to use but you have less control if you want to go less or more just slightly. Get both kinds. The more tools, the better.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Neil Garber

I'm looking for files to use for nuts and bridges. I've come across nut files at StewMac that look like the way to go. What does everyone use? I'm being taught by a cello luthier and she doesn't really have the correct size files yet.
I did my first bass nut correction with needle files and it seemed unnecessarily tedious because you have to be so careful not to go past the diameter on the file for the string you're working on.

Here are the files I'm speaking of. They have 15 different sizes.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Fi...ing_Files.html

And, you can barely cut a d string with those guitar files. You need bigger for the a and e. The needles usually go up to .125-.130.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Neil Garber

I'm looking for files to use for nuts and bridges. I've come across nut files at StewMac that look like the way to go. What does everyone use? I'm being taught by a cello luthier and she doesn't really have the correct size files yet.
I did my first bass nut correction with needle files and it seemed unnecessarily tedious because you have to be so careful not to go past the diameter on the file for the string you're working on.

Here are the files I'm speaking of. They have 15 different sizes.
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Fi...ing_Files.html

Get these; http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Fi...Nut_Files.html .. AND a few "Rat Tail" needle files from Nicholson, 6" with taper to about 1/8th" or so. Then you have it all. Don't break the tips. Be careful and wear glasses for eye protection.

[Neil Garber]

Thanks. It looks like I can cover the range needed with a combination of files from different SM sets, ie. the single sided and double sided and bass-specific sets. And then some needle files. I have no problem buying tools. I'm a certified gear-head in other areas.