Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

On the new 4001c64s, what is the functionof the zero fret?

To look like McCartney's. A zero fret was added but not by the factory.

Hello Andy and John. The functional significance of the zero fret, beyond cosmetics, is that it allows an open string to sound fretted. I have not heard the difference between a zero fret and a non-zero fret Rickenbacker bass. Perhaps those who have will be able to comment on any differences in tonality. John? Mark?

My take on a zero fret is this ;

Why is it done ?

Answer , it is less work and takes less talent .The depth of the slots is unimportant as long as the string touches the top of the fret .The slots are cut off the guitar , the ends of the nut trimmed to fit .Anyone with a saw can make a zero fret .
It is really fast to make .The zero fret itself must go in AFTEr the rest of the guitar is fretted and then those frets leveled .It must also be .015 taller than the rest of the frets.See Gretsch for a classic example of this (the 1960's guitars)
I find that most nuts made with zero frets are sloppy in spacing .The D and G strings (3rd and 4th ) on Country Gents is famous for being wider than the rest of the string spacings.

To specificly answer what is the purpose of this ?
As Sir Paul was used to the tone of the Hofner basses , and standard nuts do wear out from tuning ,I am sure that he felt that this was a tone improvement and he also would never have to deal with the nut wearing out .Also a big of 'Mojo' throw in .The Hofner had this vibe and he wanted to carry it over to the Rick .

Why did the Wal 5 string not get this treatment? or his Jazz bass ?
or any other basses ? The vibe reason and the WAL makers he could talk to , and I am sure they sold him on the nut material used for the 5 string .Maybe having some kind of special quality to 'hear' the low B .
Due to that ......those got left alone .
AND....the Rick was already not stock any more and a test bed for ideas.

Mark: Thanks for the interesting comments. Just as a follow up, it would seem that Paul must have got over the need for the zero fret on Rickenbackers as we know he has a Model 4001 and a Model 4004 without it. It would be great to see an interview with him one day that addresses this issues.

Thanks guys! that was exactly what I was looking for

cheers!