Fretting about frets

[LReese]

Re: Fretting about frets

Here's something interesting about recent Gibson frets. Apparently, they did do some controlled testing to see if cryogenically treated frets would outlast normal frets. They claim it's 4 times more durable.

2014 + Gibsons now have these frets. Supposedly, the tone isn't effected because it's still the same metal, not something different.

http://www2.gibson.com/News-Lifestyle/Features/en-us/Why-Cryogenically-Treated-Frets-Are-Better.aspx

Interesting - Time will tell.

The articles I've read mentioned specifically work hardening NS wire to make it more wear resistant. Cryogenic treatment is supposed to relieve stresses. It might work, just call me skeptical.

 

[Big Flannel]

Re: Fretting about frets

No I have a life beside the forum. Which you seem to forget.

It must be a hard life... you know, living in a secret lab environment and all.

So, how about that data?

 

[CTN]

Re: Fretting about frets

Yeah... this idea that stainless steel is somehow just as soft as nickel silver completely contradicts all the established wisdom in the industry on the difference between the two materials.

Warmoth's site indicates that their nickel silver fretwire has a hardness rating (on the Vickers scale) of 170, whereas their stainless steel wire has a rating of 300 +/- 20. that's a bit under twice as hard as the nickel silver wire. Unless the methodology was completely screwed up, non-representational of playing conditions and totally unscientific, the "lab results" should reinforce and correlate to the differing hardness ratings between these two materials. If it doesn't, then the experiment is completely freakin worthless.

 

[Oinkus]

Re: Fretting about frets

Cryogenic treatment sounds like total B.S. to me but I could be wrong. Tried those Kerly strings that are cryo treated, first set broke one while installing, not even up to full tension. Didn't seem to last any longer or have any noticeable properties that differed from any other string? Not a huge fan of the current ways of the all mighty Gibson corp nowadays either but that's a different dead puppy.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Fretting about frets

This thread wins for Most Appropriately Titled Thread of the Year. :werd:

 

[Top-L]

Re: Fretting about frets

If they are worn down that much, probably just best to have it refretted. I have always enjoyed the frets the most when freshly replaced; crown/levels never seem to be 100% in my experience - thjey are usually making the best of a bad situation, trying to stretch out the life of the frets and there are some compromises.

A refret for an unbound rosewood board can usually be done for 200-250 depending on locale. Some guys will charge much more.

Stay away from the plek. The plek promises great results but the price of a plek crown/level is usually same as a refret. (I would rather just have a refret) A skilled luthier with new frets can work wonders on the action/playability. The plek machine does all the grunt work but it doesn't make decisions for the luthier, and lets them take some shortcuts that a luthier normally wouldnt make. Used to be a fan on the plek.. no more.

Also, IMO, this is the reason to play unbound rosewood boards. They are so much easier to refret, you can have the frets done yearly if you need it without damaging the binding or risk pulling apart the board if maple.

Unbound rosewood + frequent refret ftw!

 

[hydro]

Re: Fretting about frets

Got my ol' girl back today and she is playing like a dream. Action is still great, feel is much more precise, no fret buzz. He also put nickel strings on it. I always used Ernie Ball 10s; which are stainless wound. To me, it's a nice change - not so much of that sour, bright sound that new strings bring. More rolled off highs and a heavier all around sound. I think I am a convert.

 

[LReese]

Re: Fretting about frets

Awesome - Fresh, nicely done fretwork is a pleasure to play on...

But - where's the fret porn? Freshly polished frets are so....

 

[hydro]

Re: Fretting about frets

ahahaha

Not sure pictures will do it justice, but...

 

[LReese]

Re: Fretting about frets

She's got a glow about her!

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: Fretting about frets

I think I've done more testing than you have. In a controlled lab environment at the University of Amsterdam as well as road testing for YEARS two exactly the same guitars but one with SS frets and the other with NS frets. I even have a log with the hours I spend on each guitar: virtually the same. And I don't squeeze that hard, either. and yes, I use the same strings.

Just trying to wash away the hogwash and bull****talk and replace it, as much as possible, with data that I actually measured and logged.

Would you like to share this data? You took the time to collect it, your using it as debate fodder so now please present it. If you are going to cite your data as an authority it needs to be presented for review.