Builders:Who's up for making me a fret?

[Ratrod]

Try the macro setting on your camera. It's the little tulip icon.

[hunter]

Is there actually any advantage to having a zero fret as opposed to a normal nut?

[Philly Q]

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!

[hunter]

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!

[FELINEGUITARS]

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)

[Philly Q]

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?

[Ratrod]

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.

[Lew]

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.

[Lew]

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? :)

[FELINEGUITARS]

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....

[Lew]

Ta, I'll bear it in mind  8)