Because they just heard of it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't cheapo Indonesian acoustics start this build method?
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Zero Fret ... What Does It Do?
- Thread starter Sternodox
- Start date
Thanks for posting. I was too embarrassed to ask.
No slots?? I can imagine all sorts of intonation issues especially when you have an aggressive plucking technique.
I've heard all the plusses and benefits listed in this thread.
I've also heard that the zero fret wears down faster than the rest due to it being taller. Not sure if thats true, or if thats a real issue.
I've also heard that the zero fret wears down faster than the rest due to it being taller. Not sure if thats true, or if thats a real issue.
Don't worry, I'm sure I'll ask waaayyyy dumber stuff!
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
I love the tone difference between fretted notes, and open notes from a nut. An open string rings and blooms really well where fretting wouldn't.
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My Sandbergs have cut grooves in the 0 fret. I also added a tiny bit more on my E string, so F was a bit easier to push down and and gave it an easier feel.Just a tiny bit more.
A good way to check to make the feel better is to hold down the 3rd fret note normal like playing a G, and with your other hand, tap or push, i tap to feel for a gap on the string (above the first fret!)(so your actually on the fret wire when you tap and there should be just a bit more than a piece of paper or 2 pieces gap when you tap. String should have some space, but not much. Do this on each string, 3rd fret hold the note, tap string down over the first fret wire, 1st fret wire.
If there is a big gap you might consider filing your nut a bit and keep checking or your zero fret if you have one.
A good way to check to make the feel better is to hold down the 3rd fret note normal like playing a G, and with your other hand, tap or push, i tap to feel for a gap on the string (above the first fret!)(so your actually on the fret wire when you tap and there should be just a bit more than a piece of paper or 2 pieces gap when you tap. String should have some space, but not much. Do this on each string, 3rd fret hold the note, tap string down over the first fret wire, 1st fret wire.
If there is a big gap you might consider filing your nut a bit and keep checking or your zero fret if you have one.
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Provided that the break angle of the strings over the zero fret is good I don't see that being the case. A zero fret could be stainless anyway which would make that problem even less likely.
On the other hand regarding the commonly claimed benefits of zero frets, I'm growing skeptical that they make much difference concerning inconsistency in sound between open strings versus fretted strings.
Based on your experience with those do you believe there's much of a discernible difference between those two basses versus how open strings/notes sound compared to fretted notes on other basses that do not have a zero fret?
They don’t need to be slotted. The nut takes care of maintaining string spacing on that end of the neck. But some builders do slot them. I suspect it’s more to differentiate their product from their competitors and avoid the unfair stigmata zero frets acquired due to them being associated with cheap asian import guitars back in the 60s.
I haven't done a direct comparison as all of my instruments are different from each other and have different strings.
LOL!! I've already tossed a boatload of my own on this board.
The subject at hand was zero frets. Somehow I missed the connection that is was either or and thought these blanks were used in conjunction with a zero fret. Thanks for the info. Now you know why I was afraid to ask..LOL!!
For those contemplating a zero fret 'after the fact' as it were, other than ZeroGlide, and much cheaper, there is Sintoms zero fret out of eastern Europe. The idea is you put a fine notch/groove in your existing nut, following the radius
at the level of a protruding ridge on an asymetrical fret up that butts up against the face of the nut. The tangless zero fret's protruding ridge wedges into the fine groove scored in the face of the nut and scale length change is miniscule.The change in scale length is so miniscule you may not have to tweak at the bridge at all.
The are 3 fret heights in the tangless zero fret, and you just choose 1 that gives the desired action you want over the 1st fret. https://tlcguitargoods.com/en/sintoms
There is an official stockist in the U.S Sintoms Zero Fret - NS - without Tang - Arc
From the horses mouth
Done on a guitar, but the idea and mode of doing it explained.
at the level of a protruding ridge on an asymetrical fret up that butts up against the face of the nut. The tangless zero fret's protruding ridge wedges into the fine groove scored in the face of the nut and scale length change is miniscule.The change in scale length is so miniscule you may not have to tweak at the bridge at all.
The are 3 fret heights in the tangless zero fret, and you just choose 1 that gives the desired action you want over the 1st fret. https://tlcguitargoods.com/en/sintoms
There is an official stockist in the U.S Sintoms Zero Fret - NS - without Tang - Arc
From the horses mouth
Done on a guitar, but the idea and mode of doing it explained.
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To take it one step further, MTD uses a buzz feitin nut, which is compensated to help with intonation, but uses zero fret at the same time which basically makes the nuts designed purpose meaningless as its just a glorified string retainer?
