Yamaha TRB-6P Six-String Bass | Part 11

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Albert's TRB-6P: Finale

We've now completed fret installation on Albert's Yamaha TRB-6P Six-String Bass, and what remains would be nut work, restringing and setup. Let's look at the strings first. Albert has decided to go with a set of DR MR6-30 Hi-Beams, gauged 30 to 125.

DR MR6-30 HI-BEAMS™

Next, we shift our attention to the custom brass nut that was installed when the TRB-6P was converted into a fretless all those years ago. My plan is to reuse this nut in the current fretted setup. However, two issues stand in the way of my doing so. The first is inadequate nut height, which can be corrected by adding a shim of suitable thickness. In the pic below, you can see that I've glued a solid chengal shim to the bottom of the brass nut. 

Solid Chengal Shim

The second issue came to light when I checked the string spacing with a StewMac String Spacing Rule. In the pic below, it is clear that the slots for all but the E and B strings are not where they should be. This discrepancy is especially noticeable on the D, G and C string slots. As there's no remedy for this, the brass nut will have to be replaced.

Checking String Spacing

StewMac String Spacing Rule

Nope, I don't have a piece of brass on hand from which to fashion a replacement. What shall I use instead? Well, there is this old rosewood acoustic guitar bridge that's been in the shop for quite some time. I've sawn off a piece, and this is now our nut blank. Here's the TRB-6P with the nut blank in place and strings on. Thanks to the StewMac String Spacing Rule, I've been able to pencil in the nut slots accurately and achieve correct string spacing.

Nut Slots Marked on Rosewood Nut Blank

Having settled that, starter slots have been cut into the rosewood blank and all six strings are spaced exactly as they should be. At this point, the difference in string spacing between the old brass nut and the rosewood replacement is rather obvious. The next step, then, will be to further widen and deepen the nut slots; and finally reprofile the blank.

Strings Sitting in Their Starter Slots

Comparing Old and New String Spacing

All's well that ends well. Nut work and setup have been completed, and this Yamaha TRB-6P Six-String Bass put through its paces. I'm satisfied with the way it plays, and have shared the good news with Albert. He's currently out of town, but should drop by to pick up his baby as soon as he returns. Who knows, he might be in the mood to treat me to a demo of sorts then, which I will be sure to record for posterity.

Final Setup Completed

The Whole Enchilada

Back in the Groove