Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I like the unmodified body, but I like the idea of a zero fret, oh well. I will probably lean towards a zero fret. I think that's a great idea for all their basses.

oddly enough, I feel the non bound versions look more modern

Although I never had any instrument with a zero-fret, I always liked the concept. Especially since I have had instruments that had a noticible sonic difference between an open string note and a fretted one.

Also no problems with uneven nuts and no wear over the years either, and also the same tone as you point out John. Also the string would be very low over the first fret.

A zero fret is just a cheap way for a maker to build an instrument as it eliminates the time necessary to properly cut the nut. It's a total compromise of string geometry- the G string simply doesn't have the same arc of travel the E string does, yet the zero fret forces the height to be the same and can't be adjusted.

One positive point of a zero fret is that the open string tone is closer to that of a fretted note.

I totally agree with John.
Plus, I'm sure that if you fit a zero fret to an existing guitar not designed to have one (= Sir Paul's?) you'll be messing something up to some extent.

choosing an open string as opposed to the same note fretted is an option I like for the effect. I suppose a zero fret bass wouldn't be for me, though I like the C64s very much.