Zero fret: what's the big deal?

[Mahcks]

Every once in a while I'll see a bass here that has a zero fret, and I just sit there guessing what the point is. Best I can figure is that it's supposed to make open notes sound like fretted notes.

 

[mdogs]

Yep and there are tons of threads about this topic that a search will reveal.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I think that's about it, works too. My Steinberger has one, sounds very consistent open or fretted notes. It's not important enough to influence me buying a bass with or without though. I suppose it kind of sets the string action at the nut end in a permanent way.

 

[Mahcks]

Yep and there are tons of threads about this topic that a search will reveal.

I've been having issues with the search all morning. Probably because I'm on mobile.

 

[yodedude2]

i don't understand why a zero fret isn't the standard. (other than leo fender not using it, of course.)

 

[M.R. Ogle]

i don't understand why a zero fret isn't the standard. (other than leo fender not using it, of course.)

No kidding. Waaay too many guitars and basses come right out of the factory with a nut that's not cut right, and a zero fret would seemingly fix that AND be easier to manufacture.

 

[blowinblue]

A zero fret makes the biggest impact on a fretless bass.

M. M.

 

[lz4005]

i don't understand why a zero fret isn't the standard. (other than leo fender not using it, of course.)

They're harder to install correctly than a regular nut. And much more difficult to adjust to individual players' preferences.

They also got a bad reputation because they were on a lot of low quality instruments in the 60's and 70's.

 

[Mahcks]

Are there any basses in production that use them?

 

[AMp'D.2play]

Are there any basses in production that use them?

MTD (Michael Tobias Design). both the USA and the imported Kingston lines.

 

[Eilif]

I can't think of any others that currently use them, but basses with a metal nut are designed with a similar goal in mind and I think there are several Warwick basses that have them. I've got a metal nut on my T-40 and I like the way it sounds.

 

[Dan Knowlton]

I LIKE them - I had a MTD 535 that was nothing short of AMAZING!
The metal nut in my family is my brother! (Hi Haji!!!)

Dan

 

[blowinblue]

Elrick.

M. M.

 

[svp]

My Human has one

 

[Peacefrog35]

Hofner uses them on their German and contemporary basses.

 

[chrisbacardi]

Epiphone Viola Basses have a zero fret

 

[Brother Goose]

A zero fret makes the biggest impact on a fretless bass.

M. M.

That really makes sense. Like most mid-grade fretless players, I use open strings for drones and reference tones and they LEAP out in the mix!!!

LISTEN TO ME I'M AN OPEN STRING!!!

 

[wcriley]

I'd much rather have a zero fret than the poorly cut nuts that are typical on bass guitars in the $500-$1000 range.

 

[ii7-V7]

They also got a bad reputation because they were on a lot of low quality instruments in the 60's and 70's.

I like them a lot, but for the reason above they have a bad rap.

 

[lz4005]

I'd much rather have a zero fret than the poorly cut nuts that are typical on bass guitars in the $500-$1000 range.

If a manufacturer can't get a nut right what makes you think they'd get a zero fret right? And if they're wrong they're much more difficult to fix.