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 Taylor Style Guitar.
Also available in Black Delrin.
Note: May not fit specific models. Check the sizing guide to be sure.
I bought two of these, one Gibson-style and one Fender-style for two of my favorite project guitars, an Epiphone LPX and my Jazz-O-Caster parts guitar. The Gibson was a near drop-in, needing only some trimming and shaping for a perfect fit. The Fender was slightly more challenging, as the neck on the Jazz-O-Caster never saw the inside of any Fender-approved factory! It required a 1/32" shim underneath for a proper fit, and some sanding to make room for the tang. There was a marked increase in the brightness of tone for both instruments, as well as improved intonation. This is MUCH easier than installing a traditional nut, and nearly foolproof IF you follow the instructions. Thanks, Stewart-Macdonald, for stocking such a well-engineered product.
The Zero Glide performs like the manufacturer claims it will. It took less than one hour to complete the installation and have the guitar playing. The nut I removed was cheap plastic and the thin wires had cut down into the nut to the point that there was severe fret buzz on the open strings. The Zero Glide cured that and has all of the strings at the same level. I used a disc sander to shape the nut to length and height in a few minutes. About five more minutes and the nut was polished. The installation looks good. I suggest a person view the manufacturer's installation video before doing the installation.
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.
Had tuning stability and buzzing issues after ten years on my first bone nut. Also have always been bothered by open string vs. fretted string sounds. I play mostly flat picking/crosspicking styles and Travis style picking. The consistency of the note makes both more enjoyable for me. No buzzing lower action smoother tuning smoother playing easier bending etc... Have all been a result. Took me about two hours to get height and width of nut and fret correct. Had to get a smaller get shipped from gold tone and their customer service was the easiest I have ever experienced. Had part in two days and I am satisfied.
$34.99