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

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...

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.

Thanks Gary ...I realize my question was so long winded... String spacer goes lower than 0 fret
Anything bad with using redoak as a string spacer on a zero fret or it that going to just wear out way too quick?

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.

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.

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

the best,

Wichita Sam

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

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

Thank you!!! I think there's no choice.

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