A Strandberg Boden Prog NX came in for a full setup. The nut slots had not been cut deep enough, so the strings rode on the nut instead of the zero fret. Slots filed to depth, setup completed.
- Instrument
- Strandberg Boden Prog NX, headless multiscale, zero fret
- Tech
- Dave Eastwood
- Customer complaint
- Full setup
- Diagnosis
- Nut slots too shallow; strings not seating on the zero fret
- Work performed
- Nut slots filed to depth, then full setup
- Parts
- None
- Outcome
- Strings seated on the zero fret, guitar set up
What Came In
A Strandberg Boden Prog NX in for a full setup. Headless, multiscale, zero fret.
What We Found
The nut slots had not been cut low enough, so the strings were sitting on the nut rather than on the zero fret. On a zero-fret guitar the nut only spaces the strings; the zero fret is meant to set the open-string height.
What We Did
Filed the nut slots down until the strings dropped onto the zero fret, then completed the setup.
Result
The strings sit on the zero fret and the guitar left set up.
Why does a zero-fret guitar need a low nut?
On a zero-fret instrument the nut does one job: keep the strings spaced. The zero fret sets the open-string height, the same as any other fret sets a fretted note. If the slots are too shallow the strings never touch the zero fret, open notes sit higher than fretted ones, and the design's main benefit is lost. Filing the slots to depth is the whole fix.
Related
- The Repair Vault
- Guitar Setups at Paul's Guitar Hideout
- What a Guitar Setup Includes and Why It Matters
- Kiesel Headless: Sharp Fret Ends After Dry Storage
- What Is Fret Buzz and How Do I Fix It
Bring It In
Headless or multiscale and it does not feel right at the first frets? Bring it in for a setup. Setups at the Hideout.
Paul's Guitar Hideout is located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If stairs are difficult or you're bringing in something you don't want to carry up, call or text us and we'll arrange access.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–5 PM
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com