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?

Views: 954

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

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.

RSS

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


Forum

crossover guitar.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 21. 11 Replies

Tune up songs

Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies

Duel output jacks

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies

How to Get Your Own Music on Spotify

Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 21. 2 Replies

CB Bass Guitar

Started by Mi Rankin in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Justin Stanchfield Jan 27. 5 Replies

Latest Activity

BrianQ. commented on Dar Stellabotta's video
1 hour ago
BrianQ. liked Dar Stellabotta's video
1 hour ago
Southern Ray commented on Southern Ray's photo
Thumbnail

Project Punch!

" Thank ya again Keith!"
3 hours ago
Southern Ray commented on Southern Ray's photo
Thumbnail

Punch Project!

" Thank Ya Keith!"
3 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on AGP #'s photo
Thumbnail

AGP #527 - ''Led-Zep 2''

"This build really strung you along Alan! Reminded me of all my fishing line experiments; a lot of…"
5 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on A.D.EKER's video
Thumbnail

Im Troubled (Tribute) Mc K Morganfield by BCB - A.D .Eker 2024.

"Diggin’ the slow blues. I like that last pic Andries! Look at all those cool guitars. Yeah!!!"
5 hours ago
Dar Stellabotta posted a video

A Cigar Box Guitar Six Stringer Built by Louie Lamanna

This video is the unboxing and the demonstration of a beautiful, six stringer built by Louie Lamanna. Join Louie and I June 15 at the second annual Pittsburg...
6 hours ago
Doug Thorsvik commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

Hail the Resurrection Day: 2-String Violin Chugger Cigar Box Guitar

"Happy Easter to you too Andries! The passion is definitely in full swing. Turns out I’m…"
7 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on Doug Thorsvik's video
Thumbnail

Hail the Resurrection Day: 2-String Violin Chugger Cigar Box Guitar

"Happy Easter Doug ! the Passion is in full swing !"
7 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on Ricky D's photo
7 hours ago
A.D.EKER commented on A.D.EKER's video
7 hours ago
Keith Rearick liked Doug Thorsvik's video
11 hours ago

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->