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The 0 fret string behind the nut

So I put a fret where the nut would have gone normally. I tested with a string on for intonation etc...all good. Now how do I keep the strings in place just after the (fret/nut)? Hence the 0 fret. I want to add a regular looking nut and file grooves to keep the strings in place.

My big question here is how do I keep the nut spacer from acting like a nut ( wont it hit the spacer as the frets are all the same size?)instead of a string tree or more a spacer sorta speak. Does the nut piece (being used as a spacer) go lower (via filing or placement) than the 0 fret? Higher? I don't get it I don't wanna have the nut be the nut. Some basic concept I am missing here. So once again so far the nut is regular fret. I have a bit of space just after that fret (headstock side) where I want to keep the strings going straighter to their respective tuning pegs. I wanted to use a nut for a string spacer but have it NOT function like the nut of the guitar.
Should the grooves filed be lower than the nut(the 0 fret?)

Thanks and sorry if I repeated myself here ...also how far away should the string spacer be away from the fret? Does it matter?

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Permalink Reply by Scott aka Farmer Ted on June 6, 2016 at 8:34am

Short answer, yes, the bottom of the grooves in the nut should be lower than the top surface of the zero fret.

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Permalink Reply by Jon Leslie/Runaway Veal Music on June 6, 2016 at 9:06am

That's what I was looking for ...it's hard to see by pics alone. Sometimes it looks as though the nut (fret) sits lower...

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Permalink Reply by gary herget on June 6, 2016 at 9:42am

When using a zero fret the nut becomes more of a string spacer. I cut mine deeper than the top surface of the fret board to make good contact with the zero fret.

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Permalink Reply by Jon Leslie/Runaway Veal Music on June 6, 2016 at 10:42am

Thanks Gary ...I realize my question was so long winded... String spacer goes lower than 0 fret

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Permalink Reply by Jon Leslie/Runaway Veal Music on June 6, 2016 at 11:00am

Anything bad with using redoak as a string spacer on a zero fret or it that going to just wear out way too quick?

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Permalink Reply by Jim Saraceno on June 8, 2016 at 2:06am

I use maple for my fretboards so I use maple scraps for both my string spacers and bridges. I've had no problems with it and I would assume red maple would be just as good.

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Permalink Reply by Hal Robertson on June 8, 2016 at 4:57am

I use scrap oak left over from the fretboard for my string spacer/nut. Yes, slotted below the zero fret (just a steel nail on this cbg - using super jumbo fret wire on recent builds). Just to keep the strings lined up.

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Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on June 19, 2016 at 12:22pm

Hal, that's an elegant looking nut/zero fret setup...

the best,

Wichita Sam

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Permalink Reply by Jon Leslie/Runaway Veal Music on June 18, 2016 at 3:40pm

Well my using a fret as a nut spacer did NOT go well.
Either I have not filed the fret as a spacer low enough or something else is wrong. I wanted to use a fret as a spacer because I didn't want the electric strings to grab into the wood...but now I have to remove the fret (spacer) or really go at it ...if I go deeper I may get buzzing...if I remove the fret completely I'll have a fret line...after it's been stained and ting oiled in pretty darn thick...
I shoulda listen and just let the strings bite into the wood. I'll take a pic. Any suggestions appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Jon Leslie/Runaway Veal Music on June 18, 2016 at 3:42pm

Here's a pic...I didn't really file into the wood much at the spacer area

Attachments:

image.jpeg, 1.9 MB

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on June 18, 2016 at 5:58pm

Hi Jon, I would suggest removing the fret, saw through the fret slot so it becomes the end of the fingerboard and in its place fit a "spacer nut" made out of bone, brass, plastic or even a hardwood like ebony or maple. Violins etc. have wood nuts.

Cheers Taff