Author Topic: Zero-fret question (Read 310 times)

rogertvr · « **on:** January 28, 2004, 12:21:03 PM »

This is ever such an easy question (I suspect) if you're in the know. Trawling around in Google hasn't given rise to a satisfactory answer - so I've come to the people that know!

What is a zero-fret and what is its purpose? I've never played or owned a bass that is fitted with a zero-fret.
I'm currently looking for another bass or two for my 40th birthday present (yes I know that the Dargon's Wing isn't even in the UK yet). I've been floating around in the Status Graphite website and I notice that both of the basses that I am interested in (the Stealth and the Buzzard) are fitted with a zero-fret.

Cheers,

Rog

811952 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 28, 2004, 01:10:02 PM »

A zero fret is essentially an easy way to make sure the nut is the correct height, regardless of string gauge. Some folks prefer them because they are sometimes alleged to make the open string sound more like a fretted note on the same string. I've built a couple of basses and used zero frets because it was easy to get a good setup. Alembic's adjustable nuts (I can't believe I got to use that in a post) make this a moot point in my book...
PtJoII

kungfusheriff · « **Reply #2 on:** January 28, 2004, 01:11:35 PM »

Its purpose is to make the sound of the open string as much like the sound of a fretted note as possible. There may also be an effect on the action, but I'm not sure.

alemboid · « **Reply #3 on:** January 28, 2004, 01:18:34 PM »

A zero fret acts as a string nut would-except that instead of being made of bone, brass, or graphite, it is made of fret wire. Reason: so open strings sound the same or much like fretted notes. There is usually a nut behind the zero fret that acts as the string guide to align the strings for proper spacing over the zero fret.

My personal view is that a metal nut or zero fret is about equal in affect.

By the way, you may note that the zero fret is a hair taller than the first fret to allow proper clearance of the string over the first fret.

Bryant

811952 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 29, 2004, 01:15:27 PM »

The zero fret should technically be exactly as high off the fingerboard as the first fret - the slight bow of the correctly adjusted neck provides the proper clearance over the first fret. Otherwise, the first fretted note is both harder to play (requires more pressure) and is out of tune relative to the open string. Also, if you're inclined to play directly or nearly over the fret (a lot of fretless players do when playing fretted), then you get a buzz on the second fret from the increased angle from zero fret to first fret. On a fretless, the nut should be at fingerboard height..
John