Nut Challenges - Cigar Box Nation2024-03-28T20:49:50Zhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/nut-challenges?feed=yes&xn_auth=noI'm on board with the zero fr…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2017-03-20:2592684:Comment:28272392017-03-20T20:49:44.823ZTom Thttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/TomTemple
<p>I'm on board with the zero fret idea as Wayfinder stated. There are many advantages, but here are a few:</p>
<p>1. No String Buzz: Nuts are a common cause of string buzz, even on commercially built guitars. Sure, a knowledgeable builder can carefully file and shape the string grooves in the nut to fix this, but the zero fret removed the nut from the string performance equation. </p>
<p>2. Precise Action Height: A zero fret set the action very accurately. It is possible to file each nut…</p>
<p>I'm on board with the zero fret idea as Wayfinder stated. There are many advantages, but here are a few:</p>
<p>1. No String Buzz: Nuts are a common cause of string buzz, even on commercially built guitars. Sure, a knowledgeable builder can carefully file and shape the string grooves in the nut to fix this, but the zero fret removed the nut from the string performance equation. </p>
<p>2. Precise Action Height: A zero fret set the action very accurately. It is possible to file each nut groove to achieve correct action height, but, again, it is a precision hand operation. Not needed with a zero fred.</p>
<p>3. Depending on how you approach your zero fret, you can end up with an easily adjustable action height. This is really nice when you want to fret the guitar and need low action, then want to play slide and need some extra action height. Using music-wire for a zero fret means you can easily change wire diameter and thus action height (see previously posted photo).</p>
<p>I avoided the zero fret for several years, then gave it a try. After that, there was no question that it was the best way to go for me.</p>
<p>There is no question that with practice, patience and some spare nuts to work on, you can achieve a buzz free nut with good action height. That being said, why not adopt an improved approach to the nut function that works every time and does not require a surgeons hand. It seems that commercial guitar guys like StewMac feel the same since they recently added a zero fret kit for high end Fenders.</p>
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<p></p> I don't see the point in doin…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2017-03-20:2592684:Comment:28273112017-03-20T19:04:57.325ZPaul Craighttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PaulCraig
<p>I don't see the point in doing a zero fret myself. Even if you use a zero fret, you still have to make string guides to keep the strings from wandering/moving around. I think a nut looks better than having a zero fret and several screws to keep the strings in place.</p>
<p>A nut has built in string guides - slots that also make the string height right.</p>
<p>The reasons why people have problems making a proper nut are: 1. They haven't researched how to make a proper nut. 2. Don't have any…</p>
<p>I don't see the point in doing a zero fret myself. Even if you use a zero fret, you still have to make string guides to keep the strings from wandering/moving around. I think a nut looks better than having a zero fret and several screws to keep the strings in place.</p>
<p>A nut has built in string guides - slots that also make the string height right.</p>
<p>The reasons why people have problems making a proper nut are: 1. They haven't researched how to make a proper nut. 2. Don't have any proper tools or skills with said tools to make a proper nut.</p>
<p>Any job/project worth doing, is worth doing right the first time. Do your research. Don't be afraid to ask questions before starting and have the patience to get the knowledge before jumping in.</p>
<p>A secret to all is:</p>
<p>If you want a quick and simple solution to this topic, use a bolt/screw for your nut laid across the fretboard. It has built in guides and has a fulcrum point at the top so you don't have to cut angled slots. The threads come in different pitches to allow for bigger strings or you can simply file it to fit.</p> Gee, and violin was my first…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2017-03-20:2592684:Comment:28271122017-03-20T17:32:06.798ZJLhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/JL239
<p>Gee, and violin was my first instrument, d'oh!</p>
<p>Gee, and violin was my first instrument, d'oh!</p> I'm with Wayfinder on this on…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2017-03-20:2592684:Comment:28266602017-03-20T11:39:26.765ZFomhorachhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/Fomhorach
<p>I'm with Wayfinder on this one. Zero fret all the way, string space holder behind the zero fret.</p>
<p>You can get really creative with the space holder</p>
<p>I'm with Wayfinder on this one. Zero fret all the way, string space holder behind the zero fret.</p>
<p>You can get really creative with the space holder</p> not sure why anybody would ma…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2017-03-20:2592684:Comment:28268262017-03-20T11:35:14.507ZFomhorachhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/Fomhorach
<p>not sure why anybody would make jokes, the results speak for themselves.</p>
<p>not sure why anybody would make jokes, the results speak for themselves.</p> Practice, practice, practice.…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2017-03-18:2592684:Comment:28251432017-03-18T07:50:26.193ZChickenboneJohnhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/ChickenboneJohn
<p>Practice, practice, practice..but I usually use a chisel to finish off the "shelf". With a decently wide chisel you can pare down the shelf in a couple of overlapping passes, and it's much easier to get a nice flat, crisp surface this way than with a file. You can work accurately right into the junction between the neck and the fretboard, cleaning up any remnants of glue squeeze-out . You need a very sharp chisel and a fair amount of nerve to do it, but once you get started doing it this way…</p>
<p>Practice, practice, practice..but I usually use a chisel to finish off the "shelf". With a decently wide chisel you can pare down the shelf in a couple of overlapping passes, and it's much easier to get a nice flat, crisp surface this way than with a file. You can work accurately right into the junction between the neck and the fretboard, cleaning up any remnants of glue squeeze-out . You need a very sharp chisel and a fair amount of nerve to do it, but once you get started doing it this way you realise how accurate it can be.</p>
<p>I know various people will say that a table saw or bandsaw or router is the way for real accuracy, but there is a lot more room for error using power tools. Bandsaw blades flex a lot, and with table saw and routers there can be a surprising amount of play in the bearings and mounts. Also any guide, jig or fence system needs to be well designed for the job, but even then it will have some play in it, and also relies on the steadiness, sensitivity and accuracy of the hands feeding the work across the blade and through the guide or jig. A good hand tool, a practiced hand and a keen eye can do the job more accurately, more safely, and in terms of set-up time, more quickly than a power tool.</p> One way to control a file bet…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2017-03-17:2592684:Comment:28249562017-03-17T23:54:58.712Zdarryl kernaghanhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/darrylkernaghan
<p>One way to control a file better so your dominant arm does,nt take over is to draw file the material, hold the file horizontal, at about 45 degrees to your work and pull towards yourself, it is an old method of leveling engine block head joints without machining</p>
<p>One way to control a file better so your dominant arm does,nt take over is to draw file the material, hold the file horizontal, at about 45 degrees to your work and pull towards yourself, it is an old method of leveling engine block head joints without machining</p> Takes lots of practice to not…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2017-03-17:2592684:Comment:28250192017-03-17T20:11:19.546ZPaul Craighttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/PaulCraig
<p>Takes lots of practice to not file like your fiddling a Violin. LOL </p>
<p>Takes lots of practice to not file like your fiddling a Violin. LOL </p> I'm curious to learn how you…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2017-03-17:2592684:Comment:28243672017-03-17T11:55:00.387ZJLhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/JL239
<p>I'm curious to learn how you file a nut slot dead flat freehand, I can never seem to not wobble a little and get a little bit convex?</p>
<p>I'm curious to learn how you file a nut slot dead flat freehand, I can never seem to not wobble a little and get a little bit convex?</p> And a side shottag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2017-03-17:2592684:Comment:28243252017-03-17T02:17:33.229ZShawnhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/Shawndenman
And a side shot
And a side shot