• From: Illinois
  • Registered: 2008-06-15
  • Posts: 52

Topic: disscussion about frets...

hey everyone, heres a dandy question for ya.  since i started playing the guitar, i've only ever played on the old vintage sized frets, little ones.  that was fine until here for the last 4-5 months.  i've started to learn more and better licks, and just all around better lead playing.  i sat in with someone the other night and played their guitar, it was a strat similar to mine but had bigger frets ( medium jumbo i think???  if thats right )  anyway, it juts seemed soooo much easier to play. especially with heavier strings. just wondering if anyone else noticed the same thing i have.  maybe its in my head. i dont know, i've never really messed with it.  anyway, dont know where i'm going with this, just thought i'd try to get you alls opinions.  do you seem to think larger frets are easier to play on?,  sound better?  bend easier?

one thing i would like to ask....to any guitar techs or someone with plenty of experience:

  my guitar is one i bought in pieces and put together myself.... its actually the first i ever had myself..   anyway, after that show the other night,. i've really been thinking hard on re-fretting my neck. but the guitar i played and liked not only had larger frets, but it had a larger radius,  i'm assuming why thats why it felt meatier.  the tone mine has is really sweet, not really bright....just a nice warm tone.  i'm contemplating just putting a new neck on altogether and being done with it.  how much do you think the tone would change if i put a larger radius neck with larger frets on it?  might it get brighter? warmer? maybe not change at all.  and what difference would a rosewood neck bring to the mix?  i realize this is probably tough to ready and follow along, lol. get from it what you can, lol.  just looking for input/opinions before i make any rash decisions.      if it helps any the body is swamp ash, and yea it has texas specials in it. ( i always loved the sound of them P/U's) 

thanks to all that read this mess

brian- IL

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: disscussion about frets...

Here is my experience with fretsizes.

The only guitar I've needed to refret was a '79 explorer. The frets were so worn down that your finger was rubbing the fretboard. Now its one of my best guitars. My bro has a 25th Anniv. Les Paul, and he loves his frets worn down. they're like the tops of a school bus.

If you ever play any 80's ibanex guitars or Jacksons, they'll have HUGE (tall & wide) frets. I have found those are pretty easy to play. But that's not to say that others are not.

For the record, I asked Joe what he has and he said medium "martin style" frets.
I got jumbos or super jumbos on my Explorer, I forgot the #1501 or something?

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Registered: 2008-04-02
  • Posts: 671

Re: disscussion about frets...

Don't over think it Bro. If you like the way the bigger frets feel, go for the replacement neck. As far as affecting the over all tone of the guitar I think that would be minimal plus there are tone controlls on the thing. It will however most definately affect the way it feels as you already know. If it turns out that you don't like what the new neck is doing for you, you can sell it on ebay and reinstall your current one. Sounds like a win-win situation that may have a positive affect on your playing.

Go for it man,
fuzzy

Rock On and Keep the Faith

Jack Loves Patty Loves Joe

4 Reply by ModTourMan (edited by ModTourMan 2009-02-06 20:46:51)

  • From: South Brunswick, NJ USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 133

Re: disscussion about frets...

I have always loved Gibsons with low, flat frets.  My old 70's era Les Paul Double Cut Special Reissue had the REALLY low "fretless" frets.  I guess I got used to them.  My 2001 R8 Historic has taller frets but the crowns are pretty flat and to my liking.  They are still tall enough to let me raise the action a bit for better tone.  I've grown to like this fret size the best.  They seem a bit smaller than the frets on current Historics I have played.  My rosewood Stratocaster neck, on the other hand, has a 9.5" radius and beefy medium jumbo frets you described.  I don't feel as comfortable with a Fender scale so I feel I need the taller frets.  I may never embrace the Fender scale or guitars as much (believe me, I have tried!) but I would like to try a Telecaster with the low,vintage frets and 7-1/4" neck radius.  Maybe that's the ticket (for me, anyway).

Russ B.
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  • From: Colorado Springs-Colorado
  • Registered: 2008-07-04
  • Posts: 1,047

Re: disscussion about frets...

I love big frets. I play an SRV strat and it's perfect for me.

I'm afraid that's all I can add here.

-E

"It makes it sound like the amp is about ready to explode, that's because it IS about ready to explode." -Joe

"I've come all the way from Colorado... Long way from my home. Give me the hammer that killed John Henry..." The Ballad Of John Henry
  • From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: disscussion about frets...

There's actually 4 or 5 (More maybe?) things to take into consideration:

    Fret Height

    Taller Frets can allow for a very light touch. Similar to a scalloped Fretboard. However, tall Frets can also make it easier to push too far down, and make all your Notes play "Sharp". So, good for a light touch.

    Fret Width

    Can allow for Big, Sustaining Notes. Also, can become so wide and flat, that they will not have a good "Crown". This can lead to Notes that play either Sharp or Flat. Not a problem, if you maintain the Fret Dressing. But, good to be aware.

    Fretboard Radius

    Flatter (Larger) Radii can be much easier for Single Notes, and quick runs. Rounder (Smaller, more "Vintage" Styled) Radii may make it easier to Chord.

    Maple VS. Rosewood VS. Ebony Fretboards

    Maple is very hard, and bright sounding. Notes seem to "Pop" out of the guitar.
    Rosewood is a little softer. Can give more Warmth to your Tone. Maybe a little softer "Attack" from your Notes.
    Ebony is kinda "in the middle" between Maple and Rosewood. (To me, anyways). Nice "Pop", and a little more "Warmth".

    Neck Wood

    Generally, Maple VS. Mahogany

    Maple = Hard, Bright, very Stable (Straight grained. Flamed or Curly not as stable. But, still pretty solid).

    Mahogany = Warmer, Softer. May need a little more attention. Like Truss Rod Adjustments. (NOT a lot more trouble. Just something to be aware of).

    Neck Profile

    The shape of the Back-Side of the Neck. Small, Large, Round, "V", Assymmetrical, etc? "Boat Neck", ""C", "V", etc.
    Each feels different, and has it's merits.

    Scale Length

    "Gibson" (24 3/4")
    "PRS" (25")
    "Fender" (25 1/2")
   
    Longer Scale Length = More Note Definition, Higher String Tension
    Shorter Scale Length = More "Blending" between the Notes, Softer Attack, Less String Tension

    Nut Width

    How wide is the Neck, at the Nut? Wider String Spacing is great for Arpeggios, and Fingerpicking. Narrower? Maybe better for Strumming, etc? Big Hands? Small Hands?     

    Neck Construction

    Bolt-On, Set Neck, Neck Through

    Bolt-On (Like a Fender):
    Snappy, more "Punchy", and more Note Definition

    Set Neck (Like a Gibson):
    Warmer, Softer Attack

    Neck Through (Like a Jackson):
    Very Warm. Like a Set Neck, but more pronounced differences as compared to a Bolt-On style construction.

    So, you want to play a BUNCH of guitars, of different makes and construction styles. Different Neck Profiles, etc. Time to "Go To School", and find what you really like, right now. (Of course, it will probably change, over time. So, go for what you like NOW).
    Make sure you compare "Apples To Apples", and not "Apples To Oranges".


    I would also HIGHLY RECOMMEND you find someone with a Neck that has a "Compound Radius". Like a Warmoth Neck.
    Smaller, more Curved Radius, down by the Nut. Great for Chording in the lower Frets.
    Larger, Flatter Radius, up higher on the Neck. Won't "Fret Out" when bending in the higher Frets.


   
    Hope this helps a little.

Early 80's 1957 U.S. Vintage Reissue Stratocaster (Surf Green)-Warmouth Soloist  Pearly Gates Neck, Pearly Gates Bridge- Larrivee D-03 (Mahogany/ Spruce)
Carmen Ghia Head- Marshall 112 Cab W/G12H 30  or  Custom 4 X 6v6 Head  or  Budda Twinmaster Plus Head-Traynor 212 Cab w/Eminence Texas Heats. 
Mo'D-Eternity-Blues Pro- Timmy-BYOC Chorus/Vibrato- TC SCF- Korg DT 10 Pedal Tuner

7 Reply by Slidewinder (edited by Slidewinder 2009-02-08 01:29:43)

  • Registered: 2008-11-01
  • Posts: 103

Re: disscussion about frets...

Changing a neck will have an effect on your sound but not necessarily in a negative way.
You're talking about medium jumbo frets which are considered a modern type of fret but not really big. You've already tried them and say you like them so that's one issue you don't have to worry about. If you get an allparts or warmoth neck with the same specs as your own, maple back with rosewood fingerboard, if that's the case, those are both good quality necks although I'd go with Warmoth if you can spend the extra dollars. Warmoth has many more options when ordering and though also more expensive I've never had a bad warmoth neck and even with options like a brazilian rosewood board, bone nut pre-installed, custom radius, and the neck pre drilled to match your body's neck pocket it's still cheaper than a full fret job and you get a great neck.

I wouldn't worry about changing necks if you get one that's good quality.

  • From: Illinois
  • Registered: 2008-06-15
  • Posts: 52

Re: disscussion about frets...

thanks everyone for taking the time to read this.  budda,  are you a guitar tech??   i may have to resort to you more often, lol.  you seem to know one heck of a lot about all this stuff.   i'm currently on the look on ebay for a different neck.  also thinking about starting to build another strat, one piece at a time as i can afford it.   i dont guess anyone knows what kind of pickups were in joes old gold guitar would you?  that thing had sweet tone.  i thought i was into fralin's @ that time but i might be wrong.  heck they're probably special wound.

  • From: N. Little Rock, AR.
  • Registered: 2007-03-02
  • Posts: 463

Re: disscussion about frets...

Not a Tech. Just someone who likes to tinker around with my guitars, amps, pedals, etc.

    If you want to get a little deeper into how these things work, I'd suggest you buy an old Squier, etc. And practice modifying and improving things on it. A "Test Monkey" guitar. One you're not afraid of screwing up.

    Also, every guitarist should own this:

http://www.stewmac.com/shopby/product/0570

     It's a must, just for basic knowledge. Even if you never do any repairs or adjustments yourself. You will know what a good Tech should do, when you take your prized guitar in to the "shop" to be worked on. Also, just a basic, working knowledge of how your guitar operates, will benefit you in many other ways.

    P.S.
Check out the other parts of theat site I linked (Stewart-Macdonald). It's got a LOT of great stuff!

Early 80's 1957 U.S. Vintage Reissue Stratocaster (Surf Green)-Warmouth Soloist  Pearly Gates Neck, Pearly Gates Bridge- Larrivee D-03 (Mahogany/ Spruce)
Carmen Ghia Head- Marshall 112 Cab W/G12H 30  or  Custom 4 X 6v6 Head  or  Budda Twinmaster Plus Head-Traynor 212 Cab w/Eminence Texas Heats. 
Mo'D-Eternity-Blues Pro- Timmy-BYOC Chorus/Vibrato- TC SCF- Korg DT 10 Pedal Tuner