The Zero Glide Replacement Nut System borrows the "zero fret" concept to reduce string contact in the nut by up to 93%, increasing tuning stability, playability, and open string tone. It only takes a few minutes to install with absolutely no permanent alteration to your instrument. For 12 String Guitar (For Taylor Guitars).
Also available in Black Delrin.
This is one of those things that you ask yourself why has no one thought of this before, but it likely would have been very difficult to produce on a volume scale without CNC machines.......I put the ZB4 on a Washburn parlor guitar and was amazed at the difference in tone clarity, sustain and definition as well as tuning stability and the lowest possible action.........What more could you ask for for one single mod??.....Zero Glide makes several different sizes etc to fit just about any guitar, so be sure you get the right model for your instrument. The unslotted ZB4 requires slotting, so it does require some skill and proper files. I would recommend letting a tech install if you have no experience or tools. I do predict that some of the major instrument makers will be using this in the near future. Why did'nt I think of this. JB/Texas
Had tuning stability and buzzing issues after ten years on my first bone nut. Also have always been bothered by open string vs. fretted string sounds. I play mostly flat picking/crosspicking styles and Travis style picking. The consistency of the note makes both more enjoyable for me. No buzzing lower action smoother tuning smoother playing easier bending etc... Have all been a result. Took me about two hours to get height and width of nut and fret correct. Had to get a smaller get shipped from gold tone and their customer service was the easiest I have ever experienced. Had part in two days and I am satisfied.
I wrote another review about Zero Glide and my Gold Tone OB 150 banjo. As many already know the Zero Glide Nut is standard equipment on the OB 150 banjo. Gold Tone has this nut on other instruments too. I like this nut system for a lot of reasons. I installed a Zero Glide nut on my Martin D custom and I even installed a Zero Glide on my Washburn M3SWK F body mandolin. Those stock plastic nuts on many of the entry level pro instruments just does not cut it. You are cheating yourself and your audience out of a lot of tone and sweetness that ears should be hearing. The Zero Glide nut does a world of wonders for my instruments. Do yourself a favor and get one on your axe. You may love it. I know I do. I am addicted to Zero Glide.
I bought a Gold Tone OB 150 Masterclone banjo that is equipped with a Zero Glide nut. This nut is amazing. YES it will help with tone. No more string binding with Zero Glide. Ever notice on a new instrument how when you are tuning up and on occasion you hear a sound like a string is catching in the slot You will not have that issue with Zero Glide. Once you actually play an instrument with a Zero Glide nut you will notice some differences. You may want to outfit all of your stringed instruments to Zero Glide. No need for slot files to set the action at the nut side of the neck. No more smoothing out string slots with high dollar files that snap really easy. No more using graphite or grease on the nut. Zero Glide takes care of that. Might be the first healthy choice for a nut for your instrument. Get one and install it. You will love it.