String popping out of nut

[SteveXFR]

I've just got a 20 year old P bass and the A string pops out of the slot in the nut when I bend the string. I could stop bending the A string but I'd rather fix it.

Is it likely a worn nut?

[Doctor J]

No, bad design. Loosen the string, then re-wind it, feeding each wrap under the previous one, so it increases the break angle over the nut. The better angle you can create, the less you'll have this problem.

There are string trees which also pull the A string down, but that's a solution for a later time.

 

https://www.public-peace.de/product_info.php?info=p1042x935_hipshot-string-retainer--3-strings-.html&no_boost=1

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

Can you post a pic to show how the string is wound around the string post of the A tuner?

[Lozz196]

Yep, I use those on my Mexican & Japanese Fenders, these on my US ones:

 

https://www.gluedtomusic.com/products/3580/fender-stealth-ultra-bass-string-tree-tuner-washer-chrome/?campaignid=20496720690&adgroupid=&keyword=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvvO7BhC-ARIsAGFyToXLDmdu2ns5WugT08RhgNyNpp1KeDmooeC08TDNnj4-jMFpt5Z_zLoaAjR3EALw_wcB&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD1mmQeuZ4mL1tSISFiOmpU9MFIug

[PaulThePlug]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334241146195

 

Or a bit more subtle...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401150245637

 

Or the $£€ Fender Option...

https://www.thomann.co.uk/fender_stealth_string_retainer_bass.htm?glp=1&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1tXl9cDkigMVTJZQBh2TpwHdEAQYAyABEgJUrPD_BwE

 

[SteveXFR]

I've rewound the tuner keeping the string as low as possible and it's better but not ideal. 

I'll look at upgraded string trees 

[Beedster]

9 minutes ago, SteveXFR said:

I've rewound the tuner keeping the string as low as possible and it's better but not ideal. 

I'll look at upgraded string trees 

In the meantime stick a capo between nut and tuners, works a treat 👍

[SteveXFR]

I don't own a capo. I've got a G clamp though

[Beedster]

28 minutes ago, SteveXFR said:

I don't own a capo. I've got a G clamp though

A tad excessive 😆

[SteveXFR]

1 minute ago, Beedster said:

A tad excessive 😆

 

I could use the 6" clamp instead of the 12"

[Rayman]

What gauge strings are they? Is the string sitting snug in the bottom of its nut slot? 

[Boodang]

I know it’s a 20 year old bass (originality and all that) but how about putting a graphtec nut on?