Such frets...
 

How are such frets made?
I find them interesting at least from a purely visual point of view.
They can be found more often on very high-priced Strats.

http://viento.zenfolio.com/img/s/v-10/p2445497231-3.jpg

I'm not really sure what you are asking.

Are you asking about the fingerboard, rather than the frets themselves?

Your photo shows a maple fingerboard that was finished with a lacquer-like surface finish. Much of the finish has been worn off, revealing the whiter-coloured maple beneath the yellowed finish. There is some wear in the fingerboard, itself. There appears to be (dark-coloured) dirt/grime adjacent to the frets.

That appearance appeals to some as a "patina". To others it is simply worn and dirty.

Those dark colored shades adjacent to the frets is what I ment.

It was a way the fender custom shop started making a relic looking fretboard.

I was told, so it could be wrong, they rubbed a black polish/stain into the fretslot before fretting up

Steve

@ Charles and Steve:
Thanks for your explanations!
So the dark surroundings of the frets are "only" a stylish addition
to the relic look of the fb, but I like it. :wink:
But unfortunately you can't hear it...:lol:

If I ever get tempted to make a Strat or Tele neck myself,
(I have only made a couple of acoustic guitar necks until now)
I will think about medium-sized frets and also about such dark edges.
Unfortunately, the only thing missing for me now are
the templates for it and the appropriate wood.:rolleyes: