A question that's been on my mind for a while.
Is there a way to add a zero fret to a guitar that doesn't have one, without getting a whole new fingerboard?
If no... does anyone know anyone who can make a fingerboard with a zero fret and gretsch appropriate position markers?
Thanks
Hmmm...Technically it can be done, but it would be a major pain in the keister!
You'd have to move your existing nut back a bit, which would require cutting the headstock face a bit. I'm not sure about a replacement fretboard, that seems like a whole lot of work just to gain a zero fret.
Someone a lot more knowledgeable about guitar construction should chime in, but I'm thinking it'd be a pretty big chore to install one..
You would have to install a zero fret at the point where your nut currently sits. this would require you to move the nut back. This would also involve extending the fretboard in some way so that you would actually have something to install the fret into.
If this is not done, your scale will be off behind the first fret, and all fretted notes will be sharp in relation to the tuning of the open strings. To put it another way, you would have to tune the open strings flat in order for the rest of the fret scale to play in tune.
I wouldn't bother. I can't think of any zero fret advantages that would justify that trouble and expense.
At least one member has gone to some extent to move his nut up to the zero fret location so he could get rid of the zero fret. (An easier operation than you're contemplating.)
tartan phantom said: You would have to install a zero fret at the point where your nut currently sits. this would require you to move the nut back. This would also involve extending the fretboard in some way so that you would actually have something to install the fret into.
Is this a do-able option? Or would that be more cost/effort than just a new fingerboard?
I have a Gretsch project ticking over in my mind, but I need to know what base model to use for the modifications. I'd like to be able to have a zero fret on the guitar as it will be as custom as possible without having it built for me by the factory. So I'm trying to work out what would be involved in conversion, to see if I just buy a Proline to mod instead of an Electro. If the costs are fairly comparable, then I'll just get a proline.
Thanks for the replies so far guys!
I believe some of the Country Gentlemen models already have a zero fret-- perhaps that would be a good place to start?
Sorry, meant to say that I need a double cut body.
However if I can find a double cut gent with real f-holes and a zero fret cheap enough it would certainly be a good starting point rather than using a 5122.
I'd say no!
The main reason for a zero fret is to provide a dependable string height in a production setting.
There may be some acoustic ramifications for players that use open strings a lot, but then again, not that much.
Find a luthier that's qualified to adjust your string height in a competent manner. You'll find your money much better spent.
In general, I'm in favor of a zero frets, but only provide a good production guitar. I can't think of a way that adding a zero fret to an existing guitar makes much sense.
Lee
I agree with the majority.
It ain't worth the time or expense
I had my `65 Tennessean done with a zero fret when I had the fretboard replaced with Ebony, just to keep everything the same as it had been before, but I wouldn't have one put on a guitar that had never had one.
Thanks for the answers guys 
I'm going to try and go with a double-cut-real-f-hole-sixteen-inch-already-has-a-zero-fret model I think.
Or at least try and find an old beat to hell double cut on ebay that's not going for too much.
Thanks again 
I could make you a fingerboard with a zero fret, but it will cause two things. It will move your fingerboard forward about 1/4". This will move the bridge back the same amount. Also, the neck extention will be too short. You would have to loose the 22nd fret. You would end up with a 21 fret model (do you really care?) where the bridge does not line up perfectly next to the points of the f holes. (Many don't anyway).
JD
