How to Choose New Frets

[tomana]

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[ZekeM]

the important thing is to make sure the fret tang is the proper size for your slots. as far as the physical properties of the fret that is on top of the fretboard, well thats up to you and your preferences. Most frets have tangs of about the same size. Just check on that and make sure you get the right size fit there. use whatever material and size that pleases you. I personally like large frets.

[paul678]

Originally Posted by tomana

At this time I don't need to do a re-fret but was reading about it. Fret material comes in many different sizes and radius ... which one to choose? Can a thinner or wider fret be used than what is being replaced?

Wider frets obviously last longer, and wear longer, but the
intonation will not be as precise.

Thinner frets have better intonation, but will wear out quicker,
and will require a fret job sooner.

0.02

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by paul678

Wider frets obviously last longer, and wear longer, but the
intonation will not be as precise.

Thinner frets have better intonation, but will wear out quicker,
and will require a fret job sooner.

0.02

Hey, it's not obvious to me why wider frets would last longer?

Steve

[arie]

Originally Posted by Mr Fixit eh

Hey, it's not obvious to me why wider frets would last longer?

Steve

larger contact area/radius due to the increased width of the fret.

[paul678]

Originally Posted by arie

larger contact area/radius due to the increased width of the fret.

Yes, and this picture explains why the intonation will be off
more for wider frets:




Like everything else in life, there are tradeoffs with fret wire...

[redir]

Fret radius is not an issue when selecting frets as the radius is made by the tech to match your fret board. The frets I get are typically just straight lengths of wire and I have a radius jig to bend.

Wide write might last a bit longer but tall wide would be the best

I like jumbo write on electric and regular on acoustic.

I have yet to use stainless steel write but if you want longevity it cannot be beat. Evo wire is also very good stuff.

[Grenade]

With proper fet crowning and dressing wider frets are no different than narrow when it comes to intonation untill they are worn and need attention again.Wider, taller frets are easier to bend on. I prefer 6100 fret wire on all my guitars. Fret tang size is very important. Older Martins with a square bar instead of a tuss rod use thicker or thinner fret tangs to add or remove relief in the neck. How they ar installed plays a huge part in removing them without damaging the fretboard. Some Fenders were pressed in from the side instead of from the top. This may help. http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_supplies.html

[Mr Fixit eh]

Thanks to all - very helpful explanations.

Steve

[Tom West]

EVO and stainless steel wear less and thus last longer.
Tom

[nate clark]

If the owner of the guitar is ham-fisted, then really large frets are going to make it harder for them to play without accidentally bending the strings.

[pfox14]

I like narrower frets - preferably .080". As mentioned, they provide better intonation without sacrificing too much when it comes to wear length and the need for re-fretting.