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Do I need a nut ?

Posted by Tim Pannabecker on March 27, 2019 at 1:18pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

i am finishing a build and the nut is tough to use.  Can I use a zero fret and screws for string alignment?

ihave included a couple pics.

thanks for your advice

Tim

3184DA6C-8B0D-4A5E-A6B4-A60FACC43D65.jpeg

5A3DA199-B260-401D-B3C9-50B232596526.jpeg

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Tags: Nutless, fret., zero
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Replies

  • Daniel Walter March 31, 2019 at 6:17pm

    thanks guys. seen a lot of zero frets moved down a bit on the neck. that almost seems more accurate. ?

  • Paul bailey March 31, 2019 at 12:24pm
    Hi Daniel. I’ve seen some using medium medium fret wire and then using a jumbo fret at zero position with great results. I’m no pro myself but just passing along what I’ve come across in my own research on the subject. Hope it’s of some help.
    • Taffy Evans > Paul bailey March 31, 2019 at 5:50pm

      Hi, Paul Baileys way is what would do too. I would then dress the zero fret down to get the string action I want over the first fret.

      For good intonation the centre of the zero fret (the crown) would be in a position that matches the front edge of a nut. The same applies to bolts as nuts.

      frets with flat tops can move the scale length a fraction.

      Taff

  • Daniel Walter March 31, 2019 at 12:15pm

    from what i understand, the zero fret should be exactly where a real nut would be, then the string guide behind. what i'm not sure of is how much larger the zero fret has to be than the regular frets. i've used different sized finishing nails to get it right, but was wondering about the fret sizes? would like to do it more professionally. 

  • Blues Frog March 28, 2019 at 7:04pm

    I agree that you can use a zero fret for your nut. If the contact point for your strings is correct and you have your intonation set then why not.

    However looking at the picture my concern is the gap where the nut was. It could be a week point. I would try and fit something in there that is level with the headstock as added support.

    Other than that it sounds like you got a working git. Would love to see the whole thing in a pic.

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