Zero Fret?

[parsonsj]

Can anyone explain the advantages/disadvantages of using a zero fret -- instead of the nut?

Thanks

 

[Greenman]

Makes an open string sound fretted when played.

 

[Rakie]

Makes an open string sound fretted when played.

yeah, its pretty self explanatory.

I'll add that it looks weird since its hard to visually get used to.

 

[Mike N]

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=250372&highlight=zero+fret

 

[Subculture13]

I can't.



(Subscribing)

 

[God of Rapture]

Makes an open string sound fretted when played.

And people actually want that?

 

[EpicSoundtracks]

And people actually want that?

some do.

i do.

 

[Subculture13]

And people actually want that?

I do. I am drooling at the thought.

I don't mind the sound of an open E, kind of like it actually, so I may or may not dig that. But I HATE the sound of an open A, mostly hate the D and loathe the open G. Whenever I need those notes I will almost always fret it instead, even if it makes things tough having to move around more than I'd like.

This is a very interesting idea.

 

[Christian Waiau]

And people actually want that?

its not something i personally need to have on a bass.. but i think it helps keep things even when you have an open note in the middle of a bass line. not a huge difference but nice to have at times IMO.

 

[Rakie]

And people actually want that?

it kinda make's everything sound Even and good so... ummm yeah, its a winner.

 

[Baryonyx]

It does make a difference to the sound, imo, listen to and open A then fret one and on the string and compare...

My Hohner has a zero fret, it's a nice feature that I'd like to see used more often.

 

[GlennW]

The main advantage is that you have the effect of the nut slots being as low as possible without causing string buzz. This allows you to set your action as low as possible. If your nut slots were .020" higher, for example, you'd never be able to get the action as low without further work on the nut.

 

[God of Rapture]

Interesting...

Not for me though. I have a brass nut on my bass for those open strings (especially B) to really pop.

 

[Phalex]

My understanding is that in the olden days it was a cheaper easier thing to do.

Now, it's a high end boutique type of option.

I doubt that it makes a lot of difference one way or the other.

 

[GlennW]

That's partially true, but the Gretsches of the 50s had them too, and they were considered high end at the time.

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