Zero Glide - Zero fret

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mrstwinkle

Posts: 551
Joined: May 14 2017

Zero Glide - Zero fret

((((First up, full disclosure. Review is based on an open packet which was sold cheap to me as it was missing sandpaper. It might in retrospect be missing one of the frets as the instructions mention 4, and only 3 came included. However as instructions seem to cover whole range and assume a non-classical in other parts, this could be misleading.))))

At 52mm wide the fret wires and nut fit almost exactly the width of my Bernal Serrania without modification. Quite a bit of filing to get it in the nut slot was needed (width-wise). It also needs ideally some sort of metal file to tidy the shape up afterwards as in the raw, it is quite tall and angular.

Installation is fairly easy as long as you're not too fussy about appearance. File it down and shove it in. They do recommend a dab of glue but I've just left it wedged in.

Setting up is also relatively easy - choose the fret which suits the height you're after. This -could- be a problem on a flamenco. On mine, it was the smallest/shortest and possibly is still a tiny fraction too high. Suspect the assumption of classical setup rather than flamenco could be the issue here.? As the fretwire butts right up against the nut, you can't file it in situ. (Reading caveat at start, my pack -may- be missing one fret however so this may be an unfair criticism. )

The frets are silver so if looking closely it doesn't match the bronze coloured fret wires on the others, which is something to consider (I hadn't thought of this...)

Another consideration is that the nut is pre slotted. In the case of mine, the slots are a tiny bit closer together than the ones on my previous nut. Only 1mm or so at outer edges, but if you're particular about this, it could be an issue. In playing, I can't say I actually noticed any difference to be honest.

Soundwise, like they claim, it sounds like you've put a capo on. Surprisingly tonally different, even considering I'd just put a new set of strings on. I like it, but can see some feeling otherwise.

Unexpected advantage is the guitar gets into tune and holds it much quicker when changing strings.

Necessity -no. If you have a really well cut high quality nut, I doubt you'll notice the difference. In my case, there was a definite improvement in clarity and consistency of tone which personally I like.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date May 12 2018 19:48:44