Question about replacing or repairing a Brass Rail Zero Fret

[101Volts]

The zero fret for my Brass Rail Deluxe is worn down, Particularly under the Low E string. How should one replace the zero fret for a Brass Rail without damaging the brass bar and/or neck if it's possible to do so? I'm not sure if the zero fret is actually part of the bar or if it's just attached to the neck and bar. Should I ask Bill Gruggett about this?

Austin

[oipunkguy]

i would assume it's like any other fret, but i've never seen a brass rail up close. i would refer to bill or adam before doing anything if it was me. if you need a temporary quick fix you can remove the string, tape off the surrounding area around the zero fret with blue painter's tape, and then add a small drop of super glue on the slot of the zero fret. let it dry, making sure the guitar is sitting level so the glue doesnt drip. once it's dry, string it back up. Ive done this several times for musicians that have come to me for help right before a show and didnt have time for me to do major work. hope this helps.

[101Volts]

Thanks Aaron, That sounds like a decent way to temporarily fix a zero fret but I don't think superglue would have the same tone as metal, If I need to I'll detune all of the strings by one note and use a capo on the first fret. I'll ask Adam about this next.

Austin

[raygun85]

I would wager one of two possibilities:

1) Semie nipped the fret tang on the portion in the middle that rests over the brass rail

or

2) he slotted the fingerboard with the brass rail pre-installed (this would make more sense)

If he did the latter, then you should very much be able to do a typical fret job on it. If in doubt - take it (or send it) to a luthier. Bill Gruggett is good, Eugene Moles (Gene's son) is a pretty handy guitar tech, Terry MacArthur is master luthier IMHO.

[Bob Shade]

There were a few different ways that the Brass Rail zero frets were constructed. It would be best if you were able to post a pic to show which version it is.

As a side note, the frets do mount into the brass rail, the tang is still on the fret. The way it is done is the brass rail has 3 tiny holes drilled across the rail which created a slot for the tang to grab into.

I am restoring a brass rail now that Gene Moles made into a GM Custom. I am restoring it back to original condition. It is fairly close to completion.

Bob

[raygun85]

Wow, those holes would had to have been pretty darn small so they wouldn't be exposed. I wonder what size drill bit they used? That would've taken forever to do. Brass is typically relatively easy to machine, it seems like it would have been simpler just to cut the slots into the brass right along with the fretboard.

[olrocknroller]

If you are going to replace the zero fret, and want extended life from the replacement, I suggest stainless steel. Nokie uses a stainless zero fret on his tremolo equipped HitchHikers to better withstand the sawing action of the strings created by each application of tremolo.

[101Volts]

Here's a pic, Click on it to see it a larger version:



I asked Adam about this, He said that the "Zero Fret" Should actually be a piece of inlayed brass. He suggested an easy fix: Cut a shim out of some thin brass and slide it between the strings and zero fret.

Mine is the Brass Rail Deluxe #10, For reference. And thanks for the discussion about refretting a Brass Rail, It's good to know.

Austin