Standard height for zero fret?

constantine

Hello all, I'm trying to figure out if my zero fret is too high. My first fret in relation to the low E string is about 2 mm. Seems a little high and I am fighting the guitar a bit for playability but was wondering if anyone had any opinions on the standard height really for the first fret to the low E string which obviously is dependent on the height of the zero fret. Thank you

pdg

The zero fret should function more or less like any other fret (well, maybe a bit higher, maybe not). So, you could put a capo at the first fret and measure the height of the string above the second fret, to get an idea. Maybe also try the capo at the second fret and measure the height at the third fret, for comparison.

crookedpinky

I asked a respected builer of Selmer stlye guitars about the height of the zero fret and he told me that he uses the same fret wire on all of his frets including the zero fret.

Twang

Zero fret has to be slightly higher than the other frets or you will likely get a “back buzz”. I speak from bitter experience. I think this height difference is usually carved into the neck rather than having a higher fret. Don’t know this for sure though

Twang

If you hold down 2nd fret on low e string. There needs to be a tiny gap between said fret and zero fret or you’re asking for trouble.

constantine

Thanks @Twang when I do that the gap is about 2mm which I think is on the high side

Twang

Yes that does sound high. The gap only needs to be tiny

Twang

I wonder whether the way forward might be to get a luthier to shape the fingerboard at the zero fret to get a lower action. I don’t see a height difference in the zero frets on my guitars compared to the other frets. The raised zero fret seems to be the result of the shaping of the fingerboard.

hopefully an expert will wade in here and clarify/correct the above.

Twang

Lowering the zero fret might increase the break angle which means you may have to raise the bridge which might mean the guitar will sound better!

no guarantees though

Bones

I'm not sure exactly what the question is but all the frets should be "dressed" the same. There is no difference and that includes the zero fret. All the frets are the same. The zero fret is just another fret. The tops of all the frets (when the strings are off for "dressing") should be dead level (a straight line) from one fret to all the others along the path of each string. I hope that makes sense it's kinda hard to describe.

constantine

That makes perfect sense bones thanks