2.8 Zero fret Bell bronze 260mm

How to install your Zero fret with a tang.

Prep:
With your fretboard design, keep in mind that you will need additional length at the top for installing the zero fret And the nut. The distance you want to keep between the zero fret and the nut should be minimum 0.8mm, but out of fear for tear outs when cutting the zero fret slot or your final nut, it would be sensible to keep at least 5mm or a bit more distance. If you want to leave additional space, be reasonable and don’t make the bridge between your zero fret and the nut -which guides your strings – too long.

Shape your nut and cut the slots a little deeper than you would normally do. The nut functions only to keep the strings in place and guide them smoothly to the tuners. Make sure the slots are smooth to avoid strings jamming when you’re tuning them. You can finish the sides completely, or finish them after gluing the nut in place.

Set your neck flat with your trusrod, in a ‘neutral’ position.

Mark all your fret positions, including the zero fret position. Take your fret saw and cut the fret slots as you would normally do. Please note that the tang of this zero fret is 0.7mm, you can use your 0.5mm fret saw, but have to widen the slot to fit.

Sand your radius into the fretboard with your radius block and starting with 80 grit sanding paper. Check your progress by parking diagonal lines with chalk frequently till you remove new applied chalk with one or two strokes of sanding. Continue with 120 grit and repeat and at least with 240grit. You can polish your fretboard further for a smoother result with 400 and 600 grit.  The Kovax Assilex is a miracle worker and a joy to use for this purpose.

You can cut your zero fret to fit, but make sure to leave a little room for tolerance in case the zero fret moves a little during installing. You can also cut it after installing.

Install:
First install your regular frets, level them, crown them and clean the sides. You can already polish them, or do this after installing the zero fret.

Place the zero fret with the tang in the slot. Gluing is not necessary, but we do recommend it.

To secure it into your fretboard, you can apply force with fret press, but protect your zero fret with a cloth to avoid scratches. You can also use a hammer. Because the pre-wired radius is smaller than most radii, it should set nicely in place when you place force from the center on to the outers. If you use a hammer, use a specialized pen driver, or protect the zero fret by placing a wooden block on the zero fret.

Clean the sides with your fret file till they are level with your fretboard.

Complete:
Polish your zero fret with 0000 steel wool or with Kovax Buflex Dry 3000. Make sure to protect your fretboard.

Install your nut and bridge.

Before placing the strings, don’t forget to condition your fretboard with some lemon oil or fretboard conditioner. Tune the strings and check string height and intonation and adjust where necessary with the trusrod and bridge.