Photos

Comments

• 

  Dave Lynas May 13, 2016 at 4:51am

  Old goat John... Watch your back...
• 

  Uncle John May 12, 2016 at 10:14pm

  Dave, I thought your banjos were CALF skin, not cat skin.
• 

  Dave Lynas May 12, 2016 at 9:43pm

  Thanks for the ideas Uncle. In other words , you could use a cat for the zero? Or just the skin?...
• 

  Uncle John May 12, 2016 at 9:18pm

  A frequent problem with zero frets is string hop.   But good guides and /or planning can prevent that.   The last one I did, I started with a jumbo and then replaced it with what the rest or the frets .  I suppose that could very.  I got a nice low action for finger chording.  But bolts, bone and other methods have their merits too.  Lots of ways to 'skin a cat'.  
• 

  Dave Lynas May 12, 2016 at 6:08pm

  I think the zero fret should be a tad higher than the first fret. Maybe a jumbo fret then a thin fret for the first. On my first two attempts, I had to add a tooth pick to the zero to get it high enough.
• 

  Dave Hutch May 12, 2016 at 3:40pm

  Gary W go ahead and steal, sharing ideas is what it's all about! Cheers
• 

  Gary W aka Rev. Bluejeans May 12, 2016 at 2:51pm

  Good point, John - - I need to incorporate the Zero Fret concept on an upcoming build.  I think you're a big proponent of those.  In your experience, should the Zero fret be higher than your standard frets?  I laid out a CAD sketch, and based on a 25" scale length and some rules of thumb (dime clearance at the 1st fret, quarter clearance at the 12th), it seems that the zero fret should be about 0.050" higher than the standard frets.  What's your experience, as I've read conflicting reports.....
• 

  Uncle John May 12, 2016 at 8:08am

  Gary, the same idea (saddle/ string guide) works on the nut end too.
• 

  Dave Lynas May 11, 2016 at 9:14pm

  Very nicely made. Designed and cleanly done.
• 

  Gary W aka Rev. Bluejeans May 11, 2016 at 10:33am

  Agree with Uncle John.  GREAT string guide/saddle combo.  I may steal this!