How to Replace Zero Fret?

[HKmatt]

Hi all,

Just received my replacement hardened zero fret from Patrice for my Shawn Lane Master (thanks Patrice). Now just wondering how to replace the fret myself.

 

Any special tools I need, or can someone put something on Youtube that would help? Or write the steps on the forum?

 

Seems that the standard fret pullers (like the ones shown in the StewMac link below) would not work due to the zero fret being close to the guitar nut (or does the guitar nut need to be removed and if so, how?).

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tools/Special_tools_for:_Fretting/1/Fret_Puller/Details.html#details

 

 

If I take the guitar and replacement fret to a guitar shop, anything they need to be advised of to do the job. I've yet to find a decent guitar technician / luthier in Hong Kong, so if anyone does know of one in HK, let me know :-)

 

Many thanks!

 

Matt

 

 

 

[nickeroo]

Hi HKMatt, On my Shawn Lane Master neck, the zero fret slides out very easily. Maybe yours does, have you tried it?

[HKmatt]

I'll take a look if I can slide the fret out when I change the strings soon. Didn't seem to be too loose though previously, so not sure how you would move the fret out. Does anyone from Vigier out there, or anyone else, have any other suggestions on how to replace the zero fret? It would be good to know the correct procedure for this, and I'm sure I'm not the only one with a similar requirement. Again, many thanks. Cheers Matt

[Victor E]

HiThe zero fret has smooth leg (no "fret tang"), so there is no need for a special tool. You can easily remove it with a small flat screw driver.

[HKmatt]

Thanks Victor E, So, you use the small flat edge screw driver to slide the fret out? I'd still like to get more info on how to do this with more step-by-step instructions (don't wanna ruin my fretboard!). Again, thanks. Matt

[nickeroo]

It is not hard.Remove strings or loosen them.Push out zero fret. Using small screwdriver if necessary. Push from the side . If you have problems, you can report back here.

[1Patrice Vigier]

Use something that you can insert under the head of the fret (something thin) and it will come out immediately.I would suggest a blade cuter, but at your own risk

[HKmatt]

  Ahhh... that did it !       Many thanks Patrice !    

[grndwazoo]

Though I have changed zero frets several times on my Indus (and I appreciated this thread...thanks), I am not able to do so on a used Shawn Lane Expert I just received. I can get a blade cutter (and even a very thin screw driver) under the head of the fret as usual, but this one will not budge. Any guidance will be very much appreaciated.

Thanks,

Paul Bence

Monterey, CA

[nickeroo]

Did you try gently tapping it out from the side? Screwdriver on fret tang, gently hammer on screwdriver?

[yuri1973]

for future reference, this video...

https://youtu.be/OvD5NpRN2tQ

 

(looks like the zero fret on the video has tangs/teeth btw)