Does anyone know what fret wire should I use for a zero fret? If I'm using med/med for frets, what should I use for the zero fret?

Views: 624

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

The largest you can find. Gitty has one called jumbo pyramid that I use.

I usually use a finishing nail (4d).

 Most six stringers have a zero fret the same size as the other frets, to get the lowest action possible. 

I have used the same size as the others and a jumbo fret. Same size will get you a lower action. A jumbo fret is easier to do. Less fret leveling required to make it work.

The annoying thing about Zero Frets is having to make a string guide for all the strings.

Which is why I use a Brass or Steel bolt for a nut. Has built in guides. Just have to cut a channel for the bolt.

I use Gitty super jumbo for the zero, medium/medium for the rest. Intonation is solid, tuning is smooth and stable and I'm pretty sure it helps with sustain too. Big fan!

The two that I have made, I used jumbo fretwire. Tight, high enough to slide...

Something i've been meaning to post here for a while now and kept forgetting to. Since i started zero fretting it has been my regular method generally using medium/ medium wire for all frets, i get a very good low action, but, as i have a damaged left hand and struggle to fret with any more than 1 finger, at the most 2, i tend to mainly use a slide and the medium/ medium combination is tough to use unless i raise the bridge to a point where fretting any where above the 5th fret is very sharp. To get around this, and keep a good low action for others to use I got some 4mm aluminium tube from a hobby supplier, cut it to the length of my zero fret, then sanded it until it was a "c" section, then slide it over my zero fret under the strings and it raises the strings around 1mm at the nut, it works well and takes seconds to add and remove plus a quick tuning tweak 

They are traditionally same size as rest, if you use search function of this forum you'll come across a bevy of past experiences from members FYI, good luck.

That's true.

Most of these gits don't have a trussrod and most that do have one have a non-adjustable type. So it's really better to have a zero fret that's a little bigger to lessen the chances of fret buzz. Especially after the wood ages and everything moves a bit since most of these gits use new wood instead of aged/seasoned.

I've got a boxful of eyeglass metal temple pieces of all colors and sizes. Looks promising for zero frets.

RSS

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


Forum

Busking Songs...

Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods on Wednesday. 7 Replies

crossover guitar.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies

Tune up songs

Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies

Duel output jacks

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies

How to Get Your Own Music on Spotify

Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 21. 2 Replies

Latest Activity

Southern Ray commented on Crazed Fandango's photo
Thumbnail

Frethound 4 String

" I was gonna say, "Sweeeeeeeeeet" as well, but that was taken. Very nice. I too love…"
1 hour ago
Southern Ray replied to J. D. Woods's discussion Are metal frets necessary?
" Any other questions, just ask. "
2 hours ago
Southern Ray replied to J. D. Woods's discussion Are metal frets necessary?
" Hello JD, welcome. I'm a fifty year failed six-string player that got into building and…"
2 hours ago
BrianQ. replied to J. D. Woods's discussion Are metal frets necessary?
5 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Crazed Fandango's photo
Thumbnail

Frethound 4 String

"Burn baby burn! Top looks hot Crazed; sporty headstock too. Excellent build."
5 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Ghostbuttons's photo
Thumbnail

Four projects

"You are a busy guy Warren! Outstanding builds and each one unique; well done."
5 hours ago
AGP # commented on Crazed Fandango's photo
Thumbnail

Frethound 4 String

""Sweeeeeeeeet", love the burning on the Body, have a Build on the Bench at the moment,…"
6 hours ago
AGP # liked Crazed Fandango's photo
6 hours ago
J. D. Woods replied to J. D. Woods's discussion Are metal frets necessary?
8 hours ago
Glenn Kaiser commented on Glenn Kaiser's video
Thumbnail

GK less Paul Diddley Bow

"Often quite true Uncle John :) -Glenn"
9 hours ago
Gary O'slide posted videos
10 hours ago
Uncle John commented on Glenn Kaiser's video
Thumbnail

GK less Paul Diddley Bow

"Ha, Ha.  Less is more."
11 hours ago

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->