Thanks for the helpful and honest review, was thinking of getting one of these as I like a zero nut but now I think I'll custom fit a bone one like you said

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks

They should have used custom fret-wire specifically design for this nut, so the bottom edge would be square and fused the two together. If I were to have this installed, I would have it done during a professional setup or have the luthier, do as you had said, and use a bone nut with fret wire to create a zero fret nut.

I really like your honesty about the zero glide nut. I have a 59 Gibson C-1 nylon string guitar that has the original zero fret nut on it. To be honest, it’s plays perfectly and has excellent intonation, even though it was never kept in a case and has had lots of repairs to the body due to getting stepped on, beer spilled on it, etc. I thought about putting the nut you review here on my Tele. I installed a Tusq nut recently and I didn’t get it perfectly done. I think some fine sanding on the bottom will make it right. But from what you said, because I’m not a luthier and don’t have nippers, or experience bending fret wire, I’ll pass on the zero glide. But man, my old Gibson plays so nice, I’d love to get the Tele playing like that. Thanks for posting this one.

It's fantastic.

I recently installed one of these on a guitar with a flat nut slot and 12 inch radius. I'm not a luthier, but careful, and it took me hours. I needed to glue it in place (and the fret as well) twice to get it right. I did manage to (phew!), but it was a lot of work, and I thought afterwards that I could have paid a luthier to make me a nice nut (I don't have nut files either, which is why I tried it). In the end, it sounds pretty good--much better than the old nut I removed (80's Hamer original nut). But I think you're on target-it's not user friendly, a lot of work, and if I had a smaller radius neck and/or radiused slot I would be concerned not having a fret bender either, and getting the bottom right. All in all, I found your review rather helpful, and actually indicative of the bother involved. I feel lucky that I got it done! I think that it's not a high end upgrade, but I could do it myself, and did get nice action from it, so there's that!

@joeking433

Жыл бұрын

It will wear grooves in no time, right?

@stewartcohen7683

Жыл бұрын

@@joeking433 Post-script. The end of the nut (plastic) cracked off the low e string a couple of months later. Never got to see how long the metal lasted. I have since installed a couple of guyker metal nuts, one brass, one titanium (alloy). Definitely some work, but nice ring and very solid tone transfer to the wood. And if the guitar is appropriate for the nut you buy (they have a pretty good spread of shapes), not quite so much work, but I did borrow some nut files.

Gr8 Honest review..🎯

I want to personally.thank you sir. They almost had me sold on this for my banjo. My Washburn B-17 came with a plastic nut which isn't so good on a 1,600 dollar banjo. I'm not a luthier and they are hard to come bywhere I live so I guess I'll be sending it off to either have a real bone nut or a Graphite one. Thanks alot before I went screwing up my banjo.

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

3 жыл бұрын

I'm happy to have helped you. Have you tried Stewmac.com for a replacement nut?

@banjomanToddTaylor

3 жыл бұрын

These are awesome! I have them on all of my banjos, the nut part is bone! not plastic easy installation,

Thanks for the video. No affiliation with the manufacturer at all, just doing some research. It seems to me that the offset tang on the fret wire is necessary in order to properly locate the crown of the fret in the correct position at the front of the nut slot. The "real" fret wire would not work in this application, because the crown would be slightly offset toward the headstock. As a result, the scale is slightly off, and the guitar would never play in tune, even if you cut the multi-stepped nut you discussed. Also, wouldn't a few small drops of glue should hold everything in place so it doesn't just fall out. After all, that's what most manufacturers/builders do with a traditional nut, though many overdo it.

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

3 жыл бұрын

To be honest I threw it away soon after trying it out for a week or two. If my memory serves me correctly the height of the crown was still directly over the tang. The tang was offset along with the crown so that there would be more room for the string spacing portion of the nut. I wouldn't recommend trying to fill a 1/32 gap with glue either. A properly fit nut is essential for resonation and tone. I still like the idea of the zero glide nut but it needs a little more engineering to be correct in my opinion. Thanks for the reply.

@davidmiller2719

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly what the Zero fret installation guide stated. I watched the official video.

Fitted mine to a Martin 000-28. No problems works perfectly. The great advantage of the zero fret is that the action on an open string is the same as a fretted string (on any fret) and very low without making difficult adjustments. The nut is only used for string spacing so material not as critical as conventional nut. In my case string tension ensured that the zero fret followed the correct radius. I haven't glued mine in but the issues re gluing or not is exactly the same as for a conventional nut. I have made conventional nuts for my guitar using expensive nut files etc. Using a luthier to do this for me was impractical since I wanted to try different actions and find the best action for me .Multiple trips to the luthier to do this impracticable. The zero nut is the perfect solution for all of this.

@rbt5785

2 жыл бұрын

Hey John. I'm interested in putting the ZeroGlide on my Martin Custom D-28. I do understand that this nut essentially guarantees perfect and uniform string action across the top the fretboard, but doesn't this mean everything else has to be absolutely perfect too in order for the guitar to work properly? Saddle height, nut height, neck bow/truss adjustment, and neck angle all work together. By installing this nut, don't you essentially corner yourself in at these other points of adjustment? I dont know, maybe I'm not thinking about this correctly, so just wanted to ask. Thanks

@John-dp8oh

2 жыл бұрын

@@rbt5785 The zero nut takes care of any "nut height" issues. If any other adjustments are required then these are the same as with a conventional nut. You definitely do not "corner" yourself in anyway in this regard. Looking at this another way, the action that you will achieve with a zero nut on the open strings is exactly the same as you get if you capo on the first fret.

@rbt5785

2 жыл бұрын

@@John-dp8oh Ok, the capo comment cleared it up for me. Sometimes this can be confusing! Can’t believe something so simple hasn’t been more popular much sooner

@John-dp8oh

2 жыл бұрын

@@rbt5785 This of course assumes that you install a zero nut fret exactly the same height as your existing other frets. You are provided with a selection of fret sizes with the kit. My recollection is that even the smallest provided was slightly bigger than what I wanted and so I went back to the supplier and obtained a slightly smaller one. I really wanted the lowest action possible and I think I achieved this. I have now used it since October 20 and am really pleased. Another point worth noting is that I used the ZS-14 set. This is not one that Zero Nut describe as being for a Martin but one that I chose as corresponding to the string spacing closest to the conventional nut that was previously installed and I wanted to replicate this. Zero Nuts website provides dimensions for all available nuts.

@rbt5785

2 жыл бұрын

@@John-dp8oh Thanks for the tip on which one you used for a Martin. I’m very curious to see whether this installation creates the need for changes elsewhere on the guitar. Lower action increases fret buzz likelihood which is remedied with bow/truss adjustment and can leave action at bottom frets high. You haven’t found this to be an issue?

I just saw your video. I have installed two of these, both on Telecasters and both with a 7.25" radius neck. Your criticism of the products lack of customization, especially for the Fender line since everything is pretty much the same with regard to the neck width, etc. my main complaint is the same thing you brought up, having to form the fretwire to the 7.25 radius is rediculous. You have a radius forming die. I had to do it by hand and I soon found out that you have to cut relief slots in the tang. If you dont, the fret wire will curve away from the straight position because the the tang is being bent as well but has no place to go so you end up with a curved fretwire that will not fit. The fact that they use normal fretwire instead of stainless steel also means that over time, and a short one at that, the fretwire will be grooved from the strings being tuned which means foor me, another hassle with handforming now a stainless one which is harder Im sure to hand form. A good idea but lacking in product integrity and design. That being said, I do like the way both Teles sounded afterward. And you must glue the pieces in or it will begin to rock back and forth and NOT hold a tune very well. Overall and in theory I like the zero fret concept. I have a couple of older archtops that have them. AT one time that was what the makers were utilizing. but somewhere along the line the nut as we know it gained popularity.

I don’t know, man. The ZeroGlides that I bought all had bone nuts. I had never done a nut before but they went in with no issues following the directions. I find that they really help with tuning stability.

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

Ай бұрын

They are nice for tuning and a true tone but I mostly did not like the way that they were mounted. I have made my own several times since this video was published doing them the way that I suggested. Just a much cleaner install and look.

I'd like to try making my own with maybe a Graph Tech TUSQ blank or a durable brass blank and real fret-wire.

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

3 жыл бұрын

I actually did a graphtech nut and stainless fretwire. It sounds great but.....man what a job!

@joeking433

Жыл бұрын

Zero Glide/Frets wear grooves in a couple days. That's why none of the major guitar brands use them. Kiesel and Gibson used to offer stainless steel zero frets but quit for that reason.

The Zero Glide Nut is basically a Zero Fret attached to the nut which reduces the String contact by up to 93% (or more depending on your model). They're available for everything.

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

3 жыл бұрын

They are available for everything but really need to be more of a specific "form fit" than they are. I agree with you as far as the string contact and they do what they are advertised to do. I only wish that they were not so cheap and generic. It would not take that much more effort to make them a good quality product.

@RockStarOscarStern634

3 жыл бұрын

@@bradfordstringedinstrument8688 It's quite a cool tool, and I imagine that all string instruments need this Zero Glide nut so that the strings slide smoothly, and easier action.

@RockStarOscarStern634

3 жыл бұрын

@@bradfordstringedinstrument8688 They have to phase out all the regular nuts and stick with the zero glide nut.

@RockStarOscarStern634

3 жыл бұрын

@@bradfordstringedinstrument8688 They have to phase out all of the regular nuts & just stick to using Zero Glide Nuts (even on fretless instruments). The Roller Nut is a Zero Glide Nut with Rollers.

@joeking433

Жыл бұрын

They suck. They wear grooves in no time and then you get buzzes. Even the stainless steel Zero Glide zf's. Do you work for Zero Glide, I see you all over these Zero Fret/Glide videos posting lies?

Great video...Did it help the tuning when using the tremolo?

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

3 жыл бұрын

It did make tuning easier

@RockStarOscarStern634

3 жыл бұрын

@@bradfordstringedinstrument8688 This really makes a big difference on how the Guitar plays & holds tune.

Before watching your video I saw the installation video for Zero Glide which answered most or all of your objections. It seems you might not have followed the instructions. Using a rotary tool instead of a sanding block can be bad. They show how to sand, size and secure the fret wire. No offence, but for a real review, you should probably follow the instructions. I am purchasing one for my worn nut on my Ibanez artcore hollowbody. It has intonation issues on B and E. And,, it is plastic. I will follow the instructions though. I'm betting on an improvement.

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

3 жыл бұрын

I followed the instructions but also went the extra mile to make it a good installation. If you look at their finished product verses mine you will see that mine is a much cleaner install. I wanted to like it.

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

3 жыл бұрын

I did use a sanding block for shaping the nut. I only used to rotary tool to get into the ballpark. I also went over that in my video.

@joeking433

Жыл бұрын

Zero Glide zf's wear grooves in a couple days. That's why the major guitar brands don't use them.

What is your favorite nut material?

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

2 жыл бұрын

100% natural unbleached cow bone is my go to for sure! It is cheap, easy to work with, and a great "base" to start from when you are looking for a certain sound out of an instrument.

@zyxwfish

2 жыл бұрын

@@bradfordstringedinstrument8688 Thanks! I installed one years ago on 24 fret tele I made from scratch. Indeed there is nothing wrong with it.

Can't hear you

buy a DanElectro.. they have zero nuts and work great.. I wish I could buy one of them for other guitars

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

3 жыл бұрын

Zero glide nuts are for turning a guitar that doesn't have a zero fret setup into one.

@kirbonite

3 жыл бұрын

@@bradfordstringedinstrument8688 yeah I know More manufacturers should learn from dano imo. Never heard of anyone replacing or filing one of their nuts although I know their Instruments are plagued with other issues but this video did help me decide to keep my graphite nut for now. Thx for that

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

3 жыл бұрын

I do love the Dan Electro sound as well! I am so glad that I could help. Please let me know if I can help in any other way as well.

@kirbonite

3 жыл бұрын

@@bradfordstringedinstrument8688 Thanks, I will ask a question. I have a Squier guitar that I've put a graph tech nut on. fits good. I don't have(can't afford nut slotting files). The nuts are pre slotted.. I always have the same issue with the B and E string slipping out when doing bends on the first four frets. I'm considering moving the string tree forward about 1/8 of an inch. is this acceptable ?

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

3 жыл бұрын

Moving the string tree probably will not help. Most likely the nut is for a Fender not a Squire. The Squire is metric and usually a little smaller than a Fender. I have a Squire strat that I put a Fender neck on and had to change the tremelo as well to fix the same problem.

Stew Mac sells these for cheaper and must be better.

@ikigai47

2 жыл бұрын

Actually SM sells them for 16 dollars more than you can get them anywhere else

Did you remove the Zeroglide and reinstall you bone nut?

@bradfordstringedinstrument8688

3 жыл бұрын

Yes after a few weeks of trying it.