New Zero Fret Already Wearing Out?

HKmatt · 09 Sep 2009 13:12

I've just replaced my zero fret with the "hardened" one that sent out to me from Vigier, however...

After playing for just an hour, I've noticed that there is already a groove developing on the zero fret on the third string !

When I bend the third string I now get a pinging sound (similar, but not as bad, as my previous zero fret that was just replaced)...

I was under the impression that the hardened zero fret would not have this issue !?

Could it be that my replacement fret is NOT actually hardened ? Would I be able to get another one sent out ?

Any thoughts / suggestions would be welcome, thanks!

CheersM@

09 Sep 2009 23:09

Where did you get it?

HKmatt · 10 Sep 2009 01:47

Hi Patrice, this was the zero fret you posted to me in Hong Kong...
Could it be you sent out a non hardened zero fret by mistake? Doesn't seem that a hardened zero fret should have any wear and tear problems after just one hour of playing.

CheersM@

mattbowman · 17 Oct 2009 17:22

I'm having the same issue. I got a replacement zero fret from Patrice(very quickly by the way so thanks so much), but i'm having the same problem as before with the high E getting caught on the fret and causing a creaking sound every time I bend. There is also a groove in between the E and B. This was the hardened steel fret as well, but it's still not working right. Any thoughts?

HKmatt · 18 Oct 2009 09:33

I believe that the new zero frets are stainless steel.
Patrice sent me out a new stainless steel zero fret and also a new nut. Seems a lot of the squeaking noise I was getting on the 3rd string was because the actual nut slot was wide or something. When I replaced both the zero fret and the nut, the squeaking went away.

HOWEVER, I have also noticed that the zero fret is starting to wear a bit too. I don't think this is the prefect solution, and I'd be very surprised if other players are not experiencing some wear on their zero frets.... I'm gonna see how it goes for a while and then make a decision on next step regarding this guitar...

23 Oct 2009 07:03

The zero fret is the best system ever despite this little problem. You cannot have a guitar without a zero fret and with a non locking tremolo that stays in tune. I'm ready to change my zero fret from time to time for this big advantage. The minimum that we can give to music is to play it in tune , I cannot handle a guitar out of tune.

mattbowman · 23 Oct 2009 07:09

Patrice, I love my guitar, I think it's the most amazing instrument i've ever played! Do you have any advice though in regards to the whole issue of stopping the high E from creaking every single time I bend it? I have a replacement zero fret that you had sent out to me, but the issue of the creaking came back shortly after I had it installed?? Thanks

Matt
nhgtrman@gmail.com

HKmatt · 23 Oct 2009 07:45

It could actually be the Nut and not the zero fret. I had both my zero fret and nut replaced (Patrice sent them out to me here in HK and I replaced them myself). After that the squeeking went away. I do think that Patrice is on the ball with any issues, and if there are any updates to the design/materials, then it would be if we can be informed

I still get some minor squeeking from the string tree and I think this may affect my tuning for the high E and B strings. I believe Patrice may recommend to keep the string tree screw a bit lose, which gives it some kind of "give" or springy-ness, but I find that when setup like that, there is more squeeking.
I've ordered a roller string tree and also a graphtech string tree from StewMac to see if either of those helps with the tuning and squeeking. Seems that the string tree could be the weakest link for the Non-locking guitars. See how it goes...

Cheers

megalodon · 01 Nov 2009 20:51

HKmatt wrote:The zero fret is the best system ever despite this little problem. You cannot have a guitar without a zero fret and with a non locking tremolo that stays in tune. I'm ready to change my zero fret from time to time for this big advantage. The minimum that we can give to music is to play it in tune , I cannot handle a guitar out of tune.

What if it's a fixed bridge guitar? Fixed bridge guitars stay better in tune so would the zero fret then still be necessary?BTW: I never use my tremolo on my Vigier Indus and if I would have known that there was a fixed bridge version, I would have bought that.

david5150 · 27 Aug 2011 13:58

What about sandpaper to resolve tiny wear out?

Do you recommend it?

27 Aug 2011 14:52

HKmatt wrote:What about sandpaper to resolve tiny wear out? Do you recommend it?

Yes if you sand in the length of the fret

HKmatt · 28 Aug 2011 11:06

What type and grade of sandpaper do you recommend?

Any web link to a specific brand?

Cheers

28 Aug 2011 11:56

The one you can find in a car repair shop.Grade 1200

30 Aug 2011 15:59

Sometime you think it is the zero fret that makes the click when in fact it comes from the nut that is not adjusted perfectly. If the nut is too wide the stings goes from one side of the slot to the other side and make the click when it hit it. This means the nut must be not too narrow, not too wide. If it is too narrow, it does not make the click but the guitar may go out of tune like the other guitars, if it is too wide the string may make a click. Some people prefer to have the click and no tuning problem, so they put a rubber band after the nut to damp the click sound.

Dna-yay · 04 Oct 2011 09:49

I am having a similar problem guy's, i have had my vigier for about 3 month's and already i noticed the other day that the zero fret has got some pretty deep groove's in (especially the G string) while the rest of the fret's are intact. Is it possible to get a replacement Patrice?

04 Oct 2011 10:10

Yes

Dna-yay · 10 Oct 2011 16:41

Sound's great Patrice, do i have to private message you with my details? Also are there any Vigier guitar tech's located in the UK as i think i might need some fret's replaced and i would rather take it to someone who know's how to work on a Vigier than some normal guy who will change the fingerboard radius if i got a re-fret etc?

Ben · 10 Oct 2011 17:58

I can recomend some good luthiers in the UK - we have a good Vigier dealer network, or there are some great independent UK luthiers I can piont you towards as well....for all things Vigier contact me here; vigieruk@vigierguitars.com Cheers. Ben.

Dna-yay · 11 Oct 2011 12:20

Hey Patrice, have spoken to Ben and he has given me all of the information i need and was very helpful

Thanks Again

Dna-yay · 01 Nov 2011 15:27

Hey Ben, i was just wondering as i still have yet to order my new zero fret. Is it possible to order one in gold? As i was thinking when i change my fret's i might choose some gold Jescar fret's and would like them all to match up.

Ben · 01 Nov 2011 21:03

HKmatt wrote:Hey Ben, i was just wondering as i still have yet to order my new zero fret. Is it possible to order one in gold? As i was thinking when i change my fret's i might choose some gold Jescar fret's and would like them all to match up.

Sorry, our zero frets are not available in gold.