Trying to understand zero fret. - Cigar Box Nation2024-03-28T17:48:36Zhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/forum/topics/trying-to-understand-zero-fret?feed=yes&xn_auth=nohttp://hcw3.com/wordpress/?p=…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2016-01-29:2592684:Comment:25041202016-01-29T17:14:29.569ZBama Houndhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/BamaHound
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<p>That is the blog post for fret placement that Harrison Withers had. I say had because I get a 404 error. Post not found. I see what is happening with the zero fret thanks to Wayfinder,Tom T, Chickenbone John,yourself and others.I am getting a low profile on my strings using the method I am using so I will prolly stick with what is working, using the old idea of, "If it ain't…</p>
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<p>That is the blog post for fret placement that Harrison Withers had. I say had because I get a 404 error. Post not found. I see what is happening with the zero fret thanks to Wayfinder,Tom T, Chickenbone John,yourself and others.I am getting a low profile on my strings using the method I am using so I will prolly stick with what is working, using the old idea of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".Thanks to all that replied. BH</p>
<p></p> I usually use finish nails fo…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2016-01-29:2592684:Comment:25040892016-01-29T15:05:12.186ZPrimitive Acousticshttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/TomThompson
I usually use finish nails for my zero frets when building with medium height frets and the action has been very close every time.
I usually use finish nails for my zero frets when building with medium height frets and the action has been very close every time. Have to admit,i'm not overly…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2016-01-29:2592684:Comment:25038702016-01-29T14:18:31.549Zdarryl kernaghanhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/darrylkernaghan
<p>Have to admit,i'm not overly fascinated with string tensions,but if we're discussing zero frets,angled bridges,action height and intonation,but ignore string tension,it's sort of like playing baseball with a hockey puk</p>
<p>Have to admit,i'm not overly fascinated with string tensions,but if we're discussing zero frets,angled bridges,action height and intonation,but ignore string tension,it's sort of like playing baseball with a hockey puk</p> Hi Wayfinder.
String tension…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2016-01-29:2592684:Comment:25038682016-01-29T14:10:25.950ZTom Thttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/TomTemple
<p>Hi Wayfinder.</p>
<p>String tension is not something I obsess over, but it was interesting to check it out from time to time to get a "feel" for normal tension ranges.</p>
<p>This web site <a href="http://wahiduddin.net/calc/calc_guitar_string.htm" target="_blank">String Tension Calculator</a> makes checking tension pretty much a no-brainer.</p>
<p>I also like to use it when I'm planning to do something out-of-the-box like putting a wound 0.022" high G on my three stringer (and yes, it does…</p>
<p>Hi Wayfinder.</p>
<p>String tension is not something I obsess over, but it was interesting to check it out from time to time to get a "feel" for normal tension ranges.</p>
<p>This web site <a href="http://wahiduddin.net/calc/calc_guitar_string.htm" target="_blank">String Tension Calculator</a> makes checking tension pretty much a no-brainer.</p>
<p>I also like to use it when I'm planning to do something out-of-the-box like putting a wound 0.022" high G on my three stringer (and yes, it does have a good bit of tension, but sounds great).</p>
<p></p> The bridge (string guide at t…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2016-01-29:2592684:Comment:25040022016-01-29T13:06:48.039ZTom Thttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/TomTemple
<p>The bridge (string guide at this point) is loose in this photo. I tapped it against the fret board with a touch of glue after I saw the photo. It is intended to be mounted the same as any normal nut (i.e. square against the end of the fret board).</p>
<p>Sorry for the confusion. That's what I get when I shoot photos before my third cup of coffee.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The bridge (string guide at this point) is loose in this photo. I tapped it against the fret board with a touch of glue after I saw the photo. It is intended to be mounted the same as any normal nut (i.e. square against the end of the fret board).</p>
<p>Sorry for the confusion. That's what I get when I shoot photos before my third cup of coffee.</p>
<p></p> Interesting Tom,in your pic i…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2016-01-29:2592684:Comment:25037662016-01-29T12:48:53.650Zdarryl kernaghanhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/darrylkernaghan
<p>Interesting Tom,in your pic it appears the nut is set rearward on the bottom string,much like a bridge might be set,is that a working example,or am i reading it wrong?</p>
<p>Interesting Tom,in your pic it appears the nut is set rearward on the bottom string,much like a bridge might be set,is that a working example,or am i reading it wrong?</p> Hello Bama Hound.
When I fir…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2016-01-29:2592684:Comment:25039952016-01-29T12:33:35.559ZTom Thttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/TomTemple
<p>Hello Bama Hound.</p>
<p>When I first heard about zero frets I didn't think much of it. I couldn't see any big advantages and having ultra low action at the first fret didn't sound like a good combination for slide work. Slowly, I began to understand some of the big advantages of this design. But, in a slightly different configuration.</p>
<p>Instead of installing a fret at the zero position, I used a piece or round "music wire".…</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hello Bama Hound.</p>
<p>When I first heard about zero frets I didn't think much of it. I couldn't see any big advantages and having ultra low action at the first fret didn't sound like a good combination for slide work. Slowly, I began to understand some of the big advantages of this design. But, in a slightly different configuration.</p>
<p>Instead of installing a fret at the zero position, I used a piece or round "music wire".</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/306525335?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/306525335?profile=original" width="721"></a>This offered several advantages.</p>
<p>First: Music wire is available in a number of different diameters, so I can set the action exactly where I want or I can change the action height without a lot of hassle.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/306526280?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/306526280?profile=original" width="721"></a>Second: If I need to make small intonation adjustments, I can turn the wire at an angle until I get it right.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/306527241?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/306527241?profile=original" width="721"></a>Once I have things adjusted like I want, I file a very shallow groove in the finger board to position the zero pin.</p>
<p>I've used this system on a number of guitars over the past year and like the flexibility and adjust-ability it offers.</p>
<p>So, now you have one more option to confuse things.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p></p> Still thinking,but now i've a…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2016-01-29:2592684:Comment:25038422016-01-29T09:29:49.881Zdarryl kernaghanhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/darrylkernaghan
<p>Still thinking,but now i've added drinking,given all the above we should be pretty close,the next variable is string tension,if all strings were in equal tension[lets say 18 lb] to reach the desired open note,theoretically you should have a straight bridge,problem now being,when you fret the octave,[or any fret],although all the strings bend the same amount,due to gauge differences,there's a variation in added tension,which on a low action i'd have thought minimal.In the case of a 3…</p>
<p>Still thinking,but now i've added drinking,given all the above we should be pretty close,the next variable is string tension,if all strings were in equal tension[lets say 18 lb] to reach the desired open note,theoretically you should have a straight bridge,problem now being,when you fret the octave,[or any fret],although all the strings bend the same amount,due to gauge differences,there's a variation in added tension,which on a low action i'd have thought minimal.In the case of a 3 stringer,would setting the bridge to note,both open and the octave on the middle string,then tune the outer strings to the octave only be a better compromise? B.T W for a good blog on string tension Harrison Withers did a fair deal a couple of years ago,and should be searcheable</p> I'm probably reaching beyond…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2016-01-29:2592684:Comment:25035182016-01-29T00:06:50.699Zdarryl kernaghanhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/darrylkernaghan
<p>I'm probably reaching beyond my knowledge here,but a few thoughts.Zero fret will most likely reduce the need for compensation at nut end to the minimum reasonable level,leaving you with only the saddle to mess with to get pretty good results,beyond that you probably need to start angling frets,but then with a string change your stumped again.I'm really just thinking out loud here,so any comments,yay or nay appreciated</p>
<p>I'm probably reaching beyond my knowledge here,but a few thoughts.Zero fret will most likely reduce the need for compensation at nut end to the minimum reasonable level,leaving you with only the saddle to mess with to get pretty good results,beyond that you probably need to start angling frets,but then with a string change your stumped again.I'm really just thinking out loud here,so any comments,yay or nay appreciated</p> Think of it this way. The con…tag:www.cigarboxnation.com,2016-01-28:2592684:Comment:25031562016-01-28T21:39:32.563ZDavid McQueenhttps://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/DavidMcQueen
Think of it this way. The conventional nut does three things. First, it sets one end of the scale, the saddle setting the other end. Second it sets the string height at the neck end. Third, it spaces the strings at the neck end. Zero fret splits these functions in two. The fret itself sets the string height and scale length and the slotted string guide sets the string spacing. It makes things simpler.
Think of it this way. The conventional nut does three things. First, it sets one end of the scale, the saddle setting the other end. Second it sets the string height at the neck end. Third, it spaces the strings at the neck end. Zero fret splits these functions in two. The fret itself sets the string height and scale length and the slotted string guide sets the string spacing. It makes things simpler.