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#2
11-12-2021, 05:08 AM
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It was very common on European steel strung guitars, maybe gut strung as well, I don't know for sure.
It avoids the necessity of cutting the slots in the nut so accurately and the nut becomes little more than a spacer. Break angles must have been different somehow.
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! 
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#3
11-12-2021, 06:06 AM
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It's funny but there are people who attribute the 0 fret to low-quality guitars from Europe, however there are luthiers who miss the use of the 0 fret and some of them renowned continue to use it.
I know, for example, Olav Loef who uses it on his magnificent guitars. Do you know any other luthiers who continue to include the 0 fret on their guitars?
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2023 Loef 00 13 fret 2018 Loef Dread SS 12 fret 1972 Yamaha FG-75 Red Label 2017 Kremona Romida rd-c
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#4
11-12-2021, 06:19 AM
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It is uncommon but far from rare. A number of well-respected luthiers employ a zero fret, some regularly, some upon occasion. I do not associate it with cheapness on any way,
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The Bard Rocks Fay OM Sinker Redwood/Tiger Myrtle Sexauer L00 Adk/Magnolia For Sale Hatcher Jumbo Bearclaw/"Bacon" Padauk Goodall Jumbo POC/flamed Mahogany Appollonio 12 POC/Myrtle MJ Franks Resonator, all Australian Blackwood Blackbird "Lucky 13" - carbon fiber '31 National Duolian + many other stringed instruments.
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#5
11-12-2021, 06:48 AM
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I had a very early Yairi dreadnought with a zero fret. Built in '72 or so, only A-Y I've ever seen with one. One of the best playing guitars I've ever owned.
Shoulda kept that one.
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2002 Martin OM-18V 2012 Collings CJ Mh SS SB 2013 Taylor 516 Custom
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#6
11-12-2021, 06:48 AM
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Quote:
I have a mandolin with a zero fret, I don't know if this is common or not.
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#7
11-12-2021, 06:51 AM
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"On paper" it seems obvious that it's an improvement. But tradition and ignorance trumps science and knowledge I guess. People aren't used to seeing them. They are strange and therefore "bad".
Frankly, I can't understand why they aren't almost mandatory.
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Fazool "The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter" Taylor GC7, GA3-12, SB2-C, SB2-Cp...... Ibanez AVC-11MHx , AC-240
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#8
11-12-2021, 07:26 AM
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I had understood that it is the most correct way to try to match the tone and resonance of each string both open and fingered. The only thing that is needed is that it be high enough to allow filing and thus give the correct height to each rope. And the replacement is easier than that of the nut, since it would not be necessary to redo the grooves, simply remove the worn fret, place a new one and file it.
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2023 Loef 00 13 fret 2018 Loef Dread SS 12 fret 1972 Yamaha FG-75 Red Label 2017 Kremona Romida rd-c
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#10
11-12-2021, 11:46 AM
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I have a cheap overbuilt nylon that I converted to SS and it has a zero fret and a Yamaha neck on a bass that has a zf. I see no problem with it and built a electric guitar with a zf (almost finished) and can see making more with it.
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Fred
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#11
11-12-2021, 11:59 AM
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Many Gretsch guitars have a zero fret, including the Country Gent.
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#12
11-12-2021, 12:04 PM
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I have a Gretsch 6120-1959 that has a zero fret. It's one of the best playing guitars I have. I do not notice any difference, but I would not shy away from a guitar that had one. I do not think its a budget item either. Its just what Gretsch was doing then. Makes sense and as with anything as long as its done correctly has benefits (I am not good enough to know, just enjoy playing). I noticed that Stew-Mac sells a individual zero fret to install on guitars.
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#13
11-12-2021, 04:33 PM
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Quote:
https://antoinepayen.fr/
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#14
11-12-2021, 04:51 PM
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I think they are a great engineering solution, that eliminates many of the nut’s set-up variables. Not sure why they are not more widely employed, other than lack of familiarity, like Fazool mentioned.
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Dave F ************* Martins Guilds Gibsons A few others 2020 macbook pro i5 8GB Scarlett 18i20 Reaper 7
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#15
11-12-2021, 05:55 PM
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Bob Taylor stated in one of the past issues of "Wood & Steel" that he actually likes zero frets but wouldn't choose to use one because the guitar purchasing public is very conservative and prefers tradition designs.
I'd say that sums it up. I use them when I build instruments, but sometimes opt for the traditional nut for the same reasons.
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