The Zero Glide Replacement Nut System borrows the "zero fret" concept to reduce string contact in the nut by up to 93%, increasing tuning stability, playability, and open string tone. It only takes a few minutes to install with absolutely no permanent alteration to your instrument. For Fender Style "Jazz Bass".
Also available in Black Delrin.
Note: May not fit specific models. Check the sizing guide to be sure.
My old nut was too high. And I didn't want to buy 6 nut files. This Zero glide was much, MUCH cheaper, and it was an easy instal. I taped some 400 grit sandpaper to a plank I had laying around. Sand sand sand, check the fit, repeat. I tried each fret it came with and chose the jumbo. I consider this a major upgrade to my home built super strat.
An inexperienced guitar tech worked on the nut of my Guild M75 Aristocrat electric and I ended up with a "sitar" sound on my high E string and a dead G string and bad intonation. A friend recommended Zero Glide and that company recommended this particular nut.
Installation was not particularly difficult for a handy guy, but took two hours and involved sanding nearly 1/8 inch off the bottom of the new nut and 1/16th plus off each side while being careful to keep it even. The video on the company website helps. Once fitted correctly you decide how big of a 'zero fret' you want. There are four of different sizes in the package. I tried them all and found that the smaller ones provide very low action at the nut (which is nice), but require a higher action up the neck to clear the first fret where the strings can rattle. I ended up using the largest fret provided as it allowed me low action where I need it. Once you have it figured out you trim the zero fret to length and glue it
Just put one of these on an old beater of a cheap strat-clone kit that I use to experiment with "creative" wiring. Suddenly its in tune up and down the neck and stays that way after using the trem as well. It cost half the price of the kit but it has significantly improved the value of the instrument to me. It required a little sanding of the back of the nut but nothing drastic. I dont have many dedicated luthier tools so the fret wire is not trimmed perfectly (but the look is in keeping with the overall "relic'd" appearance of the guitar). The question now becomes can I get a discount if I order these in bulk?
I have 3 instruments with a Zero Glide nut that I play regularly on shows and in jam sessions. My Gold Tone OB 150 has one as standard equipment from Gold Tone. Next is my Martin D custom Acoustic and next is my Washburn M3SWK F body mandolin. I did the install on those last 2 instruments. YES, you WILL have to do some fitting. Follow the instructions to the letter on this. YES, you may find it to be a pain but the gain is more than worth it. Once the Zero Glide is installed and once you start playing a few tunes, you will wonder why you have not installed a Zero Glide nut a lot sooner.
No more string binding issues, no more graphite in the slots or any grease either. You don't need that stuff anymore. No need for nut slot files either with a Zero Glide unless you get one un-slotted. You will still have to fit the Zero Glide nut so you can make it a part of your instrument. No getting around that. It is all part of the fun so enjoy the pain and take your time with the fitting. Once that is done, the action at the first fret will be perfect. Your tone will be better. You will get some sustain you haven't had before. The Zero Glide nut should be the ONLY nut to go on your instruments. I like what it does for playability and tone.
$39.99