I am thinking of making one of my builds a zero fret model, and having the bridge not be notched as well. Is there a down side to not having notches? Will it buzz more? Is it essential to have the little "sub nut" behind the zero fret to hold the strings in place?
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My Tenor CBG has a zero fret. The string spacing is determined by the spacing of the tuning pegs (I just happened to get it right). As long as the string-break down to the tuner is steep enough, you shouldn't have problems with the strings wandering (unless maybe if you're a "superbender"). I'd say, that notches are a bit more essential at the bridge because the force of most people's picking can move them around quite a bit.
A lot of my dulci-strummers are zero fret and either a small brass bar saddle on a wooden bridge or a bracc cotter pin leg for a saddle. Spacing is controled by a "nut"/spacer at the headstock end and string termination on the the tail end. I have never had buzzing problems.... and have only had the spacing problems when I used too light a string and didn't tension up enough.
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Go for it...
But if you put a nut there above the zero, it can hold your strings in place and no notch on the zero is necessary.