Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Lew on July 06, 2009, 06:49:46 PM
-
I'm awaiting instructions from Vigier on how to get a replacement zero fret.
After a year it already has big divots and needs replacing... and that's no good!
If I send the Zero fret from Vigier to them who's up for making a stainless steel copy with the exact same dimensions... and how much does one ss fret cost? :D
-
did you sort this ??? its easier to do with the guitar than it is to copy a fret - so i say take the guitar to someone to get it done, the end result will be better. if you want a small amount of SS fretwire i may have some spare
-
Nah not yet. Thanks for the offer of wire. Thing is... I don't really trust anyone around here to do it and the zero fret in the Vigier is designed to be replaced by the user but you're probably right, it's just a pain in the bum :lol:
-
definately not a user replaceable part - especially if you want it in SS
maybe just send the neck to someone to do it - although that makes getting it all back together and playing right your responsibility
-
ah ok. I got that in my head from here http://www.vigierguitars.com/forum/message.php?id_question=2072
Maybe I'll just send the whole guitar to you when the time comes and you can take a note of the neck dimensions for when I get some cash :twisted: :p
:harp:
-
Is that Patrice Vigier himself who says "you can just change it, it is removable very easily without tool"? I don't see how it can be. I haven't seen one up close, but in pictures it looks like any other fret - and replacing frets is pretty specialised work. Not something I'd attempt!
-
let us know what vigier say about replacing it - maybe they do something different
-
Yea that's Patrice Vigier posting. The frets ends are covered by wood except for the zero fret but other than that it just looks...fret like to me. The extent of my modding/repairing starts and ends with fitting straplocks so I have no clue :lol:
-
The zero fret does look a bit different from the others, like it doesn't quite go the full width of the board. Maybe it's an oversized slot and/or the fret has no tangs and is lightly glued in place?
I wouldn't have thought that'd be ideal for tone/sustain though.
(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc86/Sirtoastalot/VigExCust05.jpg)
(http://image12.webshots.com/12/1/60/24/140516024aIYcqe_ph.jpg)
-
It's the same size all the way down(like a nut), so perhaps there's no tang then? It's also taller and wider than the other frets.
-
do you have a side on view Lew
I was sure it was just a slightly larger gauge of wire
the stainless will make it harder wearing but a nickel silver wir could be used in its place
-
I'll go take a pic of it now
-
My camera is beyond shite and these pics are probably useless... :lol:
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5956/p7070056.jpg
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/9251/p7070059.jpg
-
God, those are terrible pictures! :lol:
It does look like a very wide, deep slot though. Maybe you could just try sliding the fret out of the slot by pushing one end?
-
Yea, I'll give that a go next time I change strings. I'm sure I've got a lump hammer somewhere round here :lol:
It does look like a very wide, deep slot though.
Thanks for noticing.
-
Try the macro setting on your camera. It's the little tulip icon.
-
Is there actually any advantage to having a zero fret as opposed to a normal nut?
-
Is there actually any advantage to having a zero fret as opposed to a normal nut?
It perfectly matches the fretboard radius and eliminates any potential problems with fret slots being cut too deep or too shallow. And I guess it helps get the action as low as possible.
Tonally, it means the open strings have the same metal-on-metal sound as fretted notes.
But because the strings are constantly in contact with it, it wears out quicker than the other frets, which undoes most of the advantages!
-
Is there actually any advantage to having a zero fret as opposed to a normal nut?
It perfectly matches the fretboard radius and eliminates any potential problems with fret slots being cut too deep or too shallow. And I guess it helps get the action as low as possible.
Tonally, it means the open strings have the same metal-on-metal sound as fretted notes.
But because the strings are constantly in contact with it, it wears out quicker than the other frets, which undoes most of the advantages!
Thanks Philly, was a great learn for me here!
-
Is there actually any advantage to having a zero fret as opposed to a normal nut?
It perfectly matches the fretboard radius and eliminates any potential problems with fret slots being cut too deep or too shallow. And I guess it helps get the action as low as possible.
Tonally, it means the open strings have the same metal-on-metal sound as fretted notes.
But because the strings are constantly in contact with it, it wears out quicker than the other frets, which undoes most of the advantages!
Yes - agree with Philly on the easy action and tone issues
It does wear faster as it is in constant use but dont know if that negates the plus points
Eko acoustic guitars always had a great action usually because of the zero fret (and they were built like tanks)
-
It does wear faster as it is in constant use but dont know if that negates the plus points
Eko acoustic guitars always had a great action usually because of the zero fret (and they were built like tanks)
I was assuming as the zero fret wears you'd start getting some buzz at the first (although that would then start wearing in turn).
But I guess in practice they make the zero fret just a little taller than the others?
-
Another advantage is that you can cut the nut slots wider and deeper. This gives less friction or pinching on the strings so, in theory, you get better tuning stability, especially with a vibrato.
But then, I never really had any issues with a properly cut nut.
-
Try the macro setting on your camera. It's the little tulip icon.
Will do, ta :)
I'm not savy about the merits of a zero fret but what I do know is that this guitar has the most retardly low action ever but the tension on it is still really good - there are no flapping strings! The fret is taller and harder. I just sent an email to the UK contact for Vigier asking how to fit the zero fret.
-
heard back today and they said "The zero fret should just be able to slot in with no problems, it is an easy job to replace this item"
So the original message stands, is anyone up for making me a stainless steel exact copy? :)
-
Always easier to do on the guitar or with the guitar in front of you than to make one and send it off
The fret still has to be hammered or pressed in like a normal fret, and the old one still has to be extracted like a regular fret as far as I know.
If you are in our area - pop in - will be happy to do it for you, Or send us the neck....
-
Ta, I'll bear it in mind 8)