Nuts, and zero frets, Oh my

Granny Gremlin · July 13, 2015, 08:59:45 AM

So, there was that Gibson nut thing this model year that seems like a complete failure, but I have always been a fan of (properly executed ) zero frets or brass nuts. I never understood why the zero fret seemed to only be used on cheap import instruments (something of a stigma I suppose; we here at [insert premium American brand of choice here] have better workmanship so we don't need this) which ignores the fact that there are some significant benefits.

Anywho, now there is this product from Stew Mac:

http://www.stewmac.com/Materials_and_Supplies/Nuts_and_Saddles/ZerO_Glide_Nuts.html?lac_guid=39829e61-a428-e511-9fbd-bc305bee17b9&utm_campaign=NPA_M703

I must say, I am intrigued. I like the idea (adding a zero fret or even a brass nut to an instrument without one is impossible/difficult). Aside from the price (which seems a bit ridiculous for a peice of molded plastic; the actual fretwire is not even included from what I can tell with a cursory glance - and that would make sense because how are they to know what guage you use), I 'm wondering what people think.

Basvarken · July 13, 2015, 09:53:13 AM

I do think the fret is included. Otherwise it would be pretty useless wouldn't it

The descripition suggests it is included:
"Strings glide freely on the polished fret, and return to tune fast and reliably."

Dave W · July 13, 2015, 11:51:18 AM

The Zero Glide website has a lot more info. Each kit comes with four different fret heights.

The problem with the 2015 Gibson "zero fret nut" assembly is that they apparently used a brass for the fret itself that's softer than a typical nickel silver fret, so there are many reports of grooves worn in the zero fret.

Gretsch used a zero fret on some high end models for many years.

Granny Gremlin · July 13, 2015, 12:21:41 PM

Thanks for the details there - in addition to including some fretwire, it looks like the nut part itself is bone too, so that makes me feel better about the price.

Anybody tried one on any type of instrument?

Dave W · July 13, 2015, 11:08:23 PM

First post here has a review from someone who actually installed one a few months ago. Doesn't answer the question of how durable they are.

Chris P. · July 14, 2015, 03:01:53 AM

Cool invention!

Not only lower priced basses used them. Burns basses have a zero fret. Mr. Burns was seen as the British Leo Fender (I would prefer the British Les Paul) and made expensive basses with lots of nice touches. Gretsch was already mentioned.

Apart from the cheap German basses of the past, the popular German brand Sandberg uses a zero fret too. And some more boutique builders nowadays.

And of course the Rick of Macca, but that is aftermarket.

patman · July 14, 2015, 06:51:17 AM

They have been an aftermarket Mod for banjos for years.

uwe · July 14, 2015, 04:14:38 PM

I don't mind either way. That an empty string sounds different to a fretted one never bothered me though, take up keyboard playing if it does.

Granny Gremlin · July 14, 2015, 04:48:40 PM

It's not just that. There's setup/maintenance benefits too.

patman · July 14, 2015, 05:07:55 PM

agreed about setup... the zero fret would eliminate obsessing over nut slot depth

uwe · July 14, 2015, 05:09:54 PM

I have files for that.

But I do like the concept of nut sluts. Must be another great American invention.

patman · July 14, 2015, 06:30:22 PM

It's the risk of typing after having a couple "Over the Rhine's"...(beloved Cincinnati Beer)...affectionately called OTR's

gweimer · July 14, 2015, 06:42:45 PM

The Magnatone Hurricane also had one.

uwe · July 15, 2015, 04:45:56 AM

Quote from: patman on July 14, 2015, 06:30:22 PM
It's the risk of typing after having a couple "Over the Rhine's"...(beloved Cincinnati Beer)...affectionately called OTR's

No reason to be all coy about it, you already have a dictionary entry, congrats:

http://de.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=nutslut

"Top Definition

nutslut

Someone, usually a woman, who is both mentally unhinged and promiscuous.

That Rachel's such a nutslut: I wouldn't let her within a mile of my fiance."

* * * * * *

Cunning linguists in this forum everywhere!

"... who is both mentally unhinged and promiscuous" = Best of both worlds really.

copacetic · July 17, 2015, 12:52:29 PM

I always thought when first seeing the brass nuts in the early 70's that the idea was to have even sound open and fretted and no wear and tear. Bruce Johnson told me he would not build a bass without a zero fret. The Hofner bass always had them. Inhave a Yamaha BB 2024 which has some very modern approaches on body build, string angle through body AND using the same material for both frets and the nut. The sound is definitly even open and fretted.

In the Stewmac article and the website for these fellows there is no mention of bass anywhere I could find. Strange that....