Just wanted to say how much i appreciate the quality of your craftsmanship. You should be proud to show any of the instruments I have seen in your videos. They also sound great, keep doing what you love. Thanks for the videos. 👍
I like your videos Michael because your methods seem logical and simple compared to other videos that seem unnecessarily complicated. The other thing is that you don't 'rabbit' (irrelevant chatter). You get right down to it! Super-dooper!! Lastly you have a similar humour to our London humour - you don't take yourself TOO seriously.
Excellent video! I do things very similar to this. What I do different is, first, I install all the frets except the zero fret and level, crown and polish them. Then I install, crown and polish the zero fret. It's easier to level the other frets when the zero fret isn't there. Thanks for a very informative video!!
Hi Michael, I use a Zero Fret (or named German Fret too) on my builds too. Thats much easier than other methods in my opinion. And - you are right - you have to use some spacer to keep the strings in position. Brilliant Video 👍
Nice Job! I like the "0" fret and use a jumbo as well. If you think about it, when we do a bar chord then that fret becomes a "0" fret. So you could use the same frets that the guitar has for the "0" fret, but if you want to use slide as well, then the jumbo really facilitates that as you don't get as much fret knock with the slide when you use a Jumbo fret as zero fret. Carving bone nuts take a LOT of time and Zero Fret is THE way to go. Thanks for your video!!!
So if you're using bone to create a string spacer for the zero fret, why not just use the bone as the nut itself? I much appreciate all the info you provide... you're an inspiration.
Hey SFG, When you drill the holes in the headstock for the tuner pegs, do you center the holes on the 3 string lines (centerline and 1/2 inch to the right and left)? Or do you offset the tuner peg holes so that the string lines go past the tightening side of the tuner peg (when you righty tighty)? At (14:00), it seems that the upper machine head (with the string retainer) is a lefty. Is that correct? What type of glue do you like to use for the string spacer?
Hi Michael, I saw one of your other videos on dog bowl resonators but they were a few years old so didn’t know if you’d read comments on ones that old. Anyway, just wanted to ask, do you use a preamp when you use piezo pickups?
Great info video! Thank you! Can you put a link or info on the exact medium and jumbo fret wire you used for the proper height? And where to purchase? There are many available seems like.
Hello Mike can you tell me what size is zero fret wire you use I can never find any big enough I need to be about 0-012" bigger than frets thanks for all you do I am on build No9 now.
What I get confused with is that the fingerboard is cut flush to mate with face of the nut, which is the "witness" point for the strings, while the center of the actual fret slot is the witness point of the strings, the center of the fret. How do we compensate for that?
The bone spacer has nothing to do with scale length or nut placement, It is NOT actually the NUT, it just keeps your strings straight and spaced. The center of the ZERO fret is the actual NUT. 😀 M~
I don't have to file groves for each string for every guitar. It make the string height ( at the nut) the same on every guitar. Its a personal preference really. 😎
If I’m going to go ahead and use a bone nut as a string spacer, what advantage is there to using a zero fret? I can see it, if using a piece of wood or using something like eye hooks to act as spacers. But if using bone, why not just go ahead and shape the bone to serve as the nut? I’m asking out of curiosity because I’m still not sure what using a zero fat does vice using a traditional bone nut.
Thanks Rob, For me, the zero fret gives me a consistent string height at the nut. Using a bone nut means I have to cut the string slots a certain height for each string, which in most cases will be different every time from guitar to guitar. It works for me. It may not be for everybody. 😎 M~
@@SouthernFireGuitars , I can see that. I’ve been seeing people do the zero fret, so it’s something I’ve been looking at. I’m just trying to understand the pros and cons. Your video here is a great video and I enjoyed watching it.
@UCiUk8aUl2FXsL%F0%9F%98%80EGi81Os0hQ Try one out, see if you like the way it plays. You can always take the the zero fret out and add a different nut.
I have a question I hope you can help me with. My recently built cog is in an open D. But when I press the 12th fret my tuner registers a D#. It does the same in an open A and open G. Why is doing this?
Your intonation sucks lol, Check out this video and I'll show you how to set it so your CBG is in tune all the way up the fret board. th-cam.com/video/pfCJCT7O9s8/w-d-xo.html
@@SouthernFireGuitars if I'm good on the 12th but still sharp on the first fret, should I file the nut a little? Thank you for the help. You are a scholar and a gentleman. I also love your swamp slide rifs.
Learn how I build my Cigar Box Guitars - 2 hour Pro Builders WorkShop www.southernfireguitars.com/pro-builders-w
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I love this channel, you can tell this man loves what he does, and it’s incredibly inspiring to watch, never stop Michael, we love what you do
Thanks brother. M~
Just wanted to say how much i appreciate the quality of your craftsmanship. You should be proud to show any of the instruments I have seen in your videos. They also sound great, keep doing what you love. Thanks for the videos. 👍
Thank you, Norman. M~
I like your videos Michael because your methods seem logical and simple compared to other videos that seem unnecessarily complicated. The other thing is that you don't 'rabbit' (irrelevant chatter). You get right down to it! Super-dooper!! Lastly you have a similar humour to our London humour - you don't take yourself TOO seriously.
Thank you John. I appreciate that! M~ 😎
Thanks for this videoI always wondered about zero frets now I have a better understanding. Really like the learning videos.
You are a Great Teacher!
Amazing work Michael ❤
Great vid. Awesome playing.
I just started a project where I plan to use a bone nut. Thank you for the info.
Your welcome Don, that's awesome, Good luck with the build. M~
Thanks Mcheal as always. I learn something new every time I watch 😍
Thanks Paul. M~
That looks fantastic!!
Excellent video! I do things very similar to this. What I do different is, first, I install all the frets except the zero fret and level, crown and polish them. Then I install, crown and polish the zero fret. It's easier to level the other frets when the zero fret isn't there. Thanks for a very informative video!!
Thanks David. M~ 😎
That was swwwwweeeet Michael!!
Finally some explanation of the zero fret
The guitar sounds good. That first part sounded like tito and the tarantulas.
Looks like it will do a fine job.Sounds good 👍
Thanks Heather. M~
Hi Michael, I use a Zero Fret (or named German Fret too) on my builds too. Thats much easier than other methods in my opinion. And - you are right - you have to use some spacer to keep the strings in position. Brilliant Video 👍
Great tip! Thanks. M~
Nice Job! I like the "0" fret and use a jumbo as well. If you think about it, when we do a bar chord then that fret becomes a "0" fret. So you could use the same frets that the guitar has for the "0" fret, but if you want to use slide as well, then the jumbo really facilitates that as you don't get as much fret knock with the slide when you use a Jumbo fret as zero fret. Carving bone nuts take a LOT of time and Zero Fret is THE way to go. Thanks for your video!!!
Thanks. Good info. M~
Thanks! You are a nice guy and funny. A funny nice guy lol. Thanks for your channel
Thanks Leon. I appreciate that! 😎
Thanks for sharing your knowledge Michael
Excellent video Michael!! Love your Cigar Box Guitars!!
Thank you Kurt. M~
Filing the frets sounds like the Tardis.
Awesome 🤩🙏 sloppy is a no !
Great video
Great tip with the depth slot
The saw is a bit pricey, it was around $72 when I bought it a few years ago, but worth every penny lol
Good insider information. I am getting ready to build my first CBG. I recently bought some boxes from some old guy in Florida. 🤔
Thanks Dan. That sounds like me lol Good luck with your build. M~ 😀
Nice one me ole mate.
Another great instructional video buddy😊Cheers from a scorching hot central Texas😅
Thanks John, it was only 103* here the other day lol
This is a pro-job! Thats for sure..... 🥵
Another great video Sir. Thank you very much
Good video cheers...
One of your best! How you still have all your fingers I’ll never know. Keep ‘‘em coming.
Thanks. I'm very careful with my fingers, I need them to play guitar lol
@@SouthernFireGuitars You are an inspiration on that 3 string for sure. Sounds great and I learn lots of tricks.
So if you're using bone to create a string spacer for the zero fret, why not just use the bone as the nut itself? I much appreciate all the info you provide... you're an inspiration.
Good question, and my answer is, because the zero fret as the nut gives me a constant string height every time. 😎
Thanks man. I always wanted to know a zero fret was.🤔👍👍✌️
Cool....👍
Hey SFG,
When you drill the holes in the headstock for the tuner pegs, do you center the holes on the 3 string lines (centerline and 1/2 inch to the right and left)?
Or do you offset the tuner peg holes so that the string lines go past the tightening side of the tuner peg (when you righty tighty)?
At (14:00), it seems that the upper machine head (with the string retainer) is a lefty. Is that correct?
What type of glue do you like to use for the string spacer?
Liking the idea of a zero fret
Thanks Shadow, give it a go. M~
Hey Michael. What is the advantage of the zero fret? Would the sound be crisper or no difference? It looks nice.
Thanks Gary. For me the advantage is I get a consistent string height from guitar to guitar.
Hi Michael, I saw one of your other videos on dog bowl resonators but they were a few years old so didn’t know if you’d read comments on ones that old. Anyway, just wanted to ask, do you use a preamp when you use piezo pickups?
Ive never used a pre amp with a piezo pickup. M~ 😎
@@SouthernFireGuitars Thank you M.
Great info video! Thank you! Can you put a link or info on the exact medium and jumbo fret wire you used for the proper height? And where to purchase? There are many available seems like.
Thanks Makertime, The jumbo and the med/med fret wire can be found here CBGitty.com/SF You can use promo code SOUTHERNFIRE for 10% off. M~
@@SouthernFireGuitars Thank you sir!
FIVE STARS ,,,, thanks :)
Hello Mike can you tell me what size is zero fret wire you use I can never find any big enough I need to be about 0-012" bigger than frets thanks for all you do I am on build No9 now.
Not sure of the size, it doesn't say. But I got this from MGBGuitars.
What I get confused with is that the fingerboard is cut flush to mate with face of the nut, which is the "witness" point for the strings, while the center of the actual fret slot is the witness point of the strings, the center of the fret. How do we compensate for that?
The bone spacer has nothing to do with scale length or nut placement, It is NOT actually the NUT, it just keeps your strings straight and spaced. The center of the ZERO fret is the actual NUT. 😀 M~
Watch out for them 'gators Michael
I'm always watching for them lol
@@SouthernFireGuitars it's all of that swamp blues. It drives them wild
@@johnwashburn3793 I believe so lol
what is the reason to use a zero fret? what does it do that a nut dont?
I don't have to file groves for each string for every guitar. It make the string height ( at the nut) the same on every guitar. Its a personal preference really. 😎
If I’m going to go ahead and use a bone nut as a string spacer, what advantage is there to using a zero fret? I can see it, if using a piece of wood or using something like eye hooks to act as spacers. But if using bone, why not just go ahead and shape the bone to serve as the nut? I’m asking out of curiosity because I’m still not sure what using a zero fat does vice using a traditional bone nut.
Thanks Rob, For me, the zero fret gives me a consistent string height at the nut. Using a bone nut means I have to cut the string slots a certain height for each string, which in most cases will be different every time from guitar to guitar. It works for me. It may not be for everybody. 😎 M~
@@SouthernFireGuitars , I can see that. I’ve been seeing people do the zero fret, so it’s something I’ve been looking at. I’m just trying to understand the pros and cons. Your video here is a great video and I enjoyed watching it.
@UCiUk8aUl2FXsL%F0%9F%98%80EGi81Os0hQ Try one out, see if you like the way it plays. You can always take the the zero fret out and add a different nut.
Are the strings supposed to touch the zero fret?
Yes, the Zero (Jumbo ) Fret is the NUT. The Bone Spacer is JUST a String Guide.
♍️📐⚡️🤘🕊️
You should definitely wear a mask while working with bone.. don't want to calcify your lungs.
I have a question I hope you can help me with. My recently built cog is in an open D. But when I press the 12th fret my tuner registers a D#. It does the same in an open A and open G. Why is doing this?
Your intonation sucks lol, Check out this video and I'll show you how to set it so your CBG is in tune all the way up the fret board. th-cam.com/video/pfCJCT7O9s8/w-d-xo.html
@@SouthernFireGuitars Thank you. Will this help the intonation at the first frets?
@@mosfet51 Yes, as long as your frets are placed in the correct place,. M~
@@SouthernFireGuitars if I'm good on the 12th but still sharp on the first fret, should I file the nut a little?
Thank you for the help. You are a scholar and a gentleman. I also love your swamp slide rifs.