I was changing the strings on my bass today and the nut fell off, it's an older one without screws. I put it back in place and put on new strings.  Is it OK to just let the string pressure hold it in place, or should I glue it in place? If gluing is required, what type of glue is recommended?  Thanks!

Rob, just a little moisture may reconstitute the old glue... I'm not sure what glue they were using back then, but I'd try that first. Like you say, string tension will hold the nut in place. The glue just needs enough tack not to slide sideways.


Which bass we talkin' here? 

Would have been superglue back then as now. The bond is brittle, and just a drop or two will set it in place.

The glue is there so it doesn't fall off when you change your strings, but it's fine to leave it the way it is.

Great, I'll put a drop of superglue on it to hold it in place.  Thanks for the replies!

For a minute I thought you were talking about me!