Why aren't frets made of a stronger material?

[AmericanEagle]

Why aren't frets made of a stronger material?
It seems to me that frets wear-out more easily
than they should. Why not make them out of a stronger material?
The only issue I see is that strings may wear-out a bit faster,
but isn't it much more easy and inexpensive to replace strings than frets?
Yes, it is.
Thoughts?

[Larry Pattis]

You're apparently unaware of the Jescar EVO product, and also stainless steel fretwire.

[teleamp]

Are two issues that come to mind to me...

I would like to have a guitar fretted with FMI instead of metal, I know it could be done, all that is needed is time and a lot of money.

Frets are a maintenance issue, unless you like SS.

[RustyZombie]

Why many manufacturers aren't offering it is a combination of higher cost and their customers either not demanding it to outright refusing to buy guitars with stainless steel or EVO.

The common reasons for people rejecting stronger fret wire are possibly increased string breakage (which is silly for the reason you mentioned), that it's not the "traditional" material (never a good reason in of itself), and claimed tonal changes.

[teleamp]

Oh yeah, and as LP mentioned, the new stuff.

[teleamp]

Originally Posted by BlackmoresNight

Why many manufacturers aren't offering it is a combination of higher cost and their customers either not demanding it to outright refusing to buy guitars with stainless steel or EVO.

The common reasons for people rejecting stronger fret wire are possibly increased string breakage (which is silly for the reason you mentioned), that it's not the "traditional" material (never a good reason in of itself), and claimed tonal changes.

Harder material is hard on the tools of the trade and the craftsmen that use them. Silly me for not fully reading the OP.

The bottom line is the main Key for most builders, if you want to upgrade, or redesign, go for it.

[FrankB2]

It might be more difficult to level EVO frets, let alone crown them. That means higher costs.... I guess.

[DanPanther]

Originally Posted by teleamp

Are two issues that come to mind to me...

I would like to have a guitar fretted with FMI instead of metal, I know it could be done, all that is needed is time and a lot of money.

Frets are a maintenance issue, unless you like SS.

Have you ran into issues with SS fret wire ?
Dan

[Bingoccc]

FMI is actually annoyingly soft. It would not last very long. Bone is much more durable. I had an FMI saddle once. It had deep notches in no time.

[teleamp]

Originally Posted by DanPanther

Have you ran into issues with SS fret wire ?
Dan

Yes, but I am one of the few who despise them...

Zing and string wear if you really want to know...

I see the appeal, but, they just don't work for me. And, yes I ordered a Tom Anderson with them, I am not bs'ing...

[teleamp]

Originally Posted by Bingoccc

FMI is actually annoyingly soft. It would not last very long. Bone is much more durable. I had an FMI saddle once. It had deep notches in no time.

Thanks, I did not know that. And your info is very timely as I am getting a new saddle in a couple of weeks, I wonder how bone frets would work?

[Rodger Knox]

It's my opinion that the initial assertion that frets wear out too quickly is incorrect.

How many here have played a guitar enough for it to need a refret? I'm sure there's some that have, how long does it take? My '56 J50 has thousands of hours of play time, and it could stand a refret, but it doesn't need one.

I'm not saying they don't wear out, but ten or fifteen years of regular play doesn't seem too quick to me.

[teleamp]

Originally Posted by teleamp

Yes, but I am one of the few who despise them...

Zing and string wear if you really want to know...

I see the appeal, but, they just don't work for me. And, yes I ordered a Tom Anderson with them, I am not bs'ing...

Plus, they get scratched very easily and user maintenance is much more involved, plus my tech refuses to work with and he's a keeper.

[teleamp]

Originally Posted by Rodger Knox

It's my opinion that the initial assertion that frets wear out too quickly is incorrect.

How many here have played a guitar enough for it to need a refret? I'm sure there's some that have, how long does it take? My '56 J50 has thousands of hours of play time, and it could stand a refret, but it doesn't need one.

I'm not saying they don't wear out, but ten or fifteen years of regular play doesn't seem too quick to me.

I replace my guitars within 6 months, or have them refretted after a year, I can't seem to let up for anything.

[6L6]

When it's time for a refret, I always have it done in SS. I've never noticed any change in tone.