Hofner Bass - Zero Fret

[Dobroguy]

I added a zero-fret to my kit bass neck today. There are lots of interesting comments about this on the Net ranging from they don't do anything to Love them, improves the tone & intonation. Anyway, I like learning things the hard way. This took some delicate work. I installed a .025 shim between the bottom of the fret tang and the neck. The maple block (fret board extension) behind the fret is glued to that shim as well as the head stock. I added slightly thicker fret wire than the rest of the frets to allow for fine tuning later on. Once I add the strings, I may simply add slots in the maple block to keep the strings in-line, or I could add a notched nut if necessary.

I hope this all turns out well in the end as I saved myself quite a few bucks compared to buying a commercial zero fret kit.

[tippie53]

they don't really do anything they do not improve intonation
what they do it help as taking the nut slot out of the equation for those that have issues setting up a nut. Most of the time zero frets are on lower end instrument.

[Dobroguy]

John, thanks for your reply. the thing that convinced me to go zero was numerous bass players reported that tone was improved for them. Perhaps it is more noticeable at bass frequencies?? So, I believe the zero fret has that potential especially over the cheap plastic nut that came with my kit. I could have just made a bone nut but as I mentioned I like learning how to do new things.

Also, I would be remiss to not mention my double hip and double knee surgeries. I just can't afford to lose any more bone (wink).

I made a nut from Walnut that's a little beefier than the thin plastic nut. I'll be using regular short bass strings rather than the kit supplied strings, which are much thinner. The purpose of the nut is simply to hold the strings in place.