I need to save my frets!

K-Funk · #1 09-03-2008, 08:52 AM

Like all of you, I'm a solid advocate of fantastic tone. However, I am very paranoid of my frets getting munched on by uber-coarse strings. I don't want flatwounds, I'd just like a nice, smooove roundwound that sounds good, last a good long while, and more importantly, saves my frets!

My Stingray, MIM Jazz, and Warwick Flashback are very adaptable to just about any string out there; however, my two Warwick 5-strings are very picky eaters. I've filed out the part of the bridge that accepts the ball-end of the string, so it'll accept some "less tapered" strings. Nonetheless, all I can find to fit are DR Long Necks and Dean Markley SR2000's. The thing is, I've heard of people using all kinds of strings on their Wicks, from Lo-Riders to GHS Boomers to D'Addario Chomes! How is this possible??

Anyway, I need some good fret-saving roundwounds, and I'd generally like to keep all my basses on the same brand of strings, if possible. I've heard DR's don't eat frets, but they're stainless steel. Any input, or other reccomendations?

Thanks!

Fretlessboy · #2 09-03-2008, 09:07 AM

I would try a nickel round wound of half wound then.

K-Funk · #3 09-03-2008, 09:12 AM

I'm currently using D'Addario XL's on my MIM Jazz and my Stingray; they sound great, but they don't last long at all. However, for the last couple of months I've had DR Long Necks on my Fortress One 5-string, and they still sound fresh and sound quite a bit better than the D'Addario's.

But will DR strings mess up my frets due to being stainless? They sound outstanding, and I'd really like to put Lo-Riders or Long Necks on all my basses; however, I'm just concerned about my frets getting munched.

alexei · #4 09-03-2008, 09:22 AM

i'd work on a lighter touch if I were you.
Mi basses frets are still in perfect condition after a few years playing.

Bassamatic · #5 09-03-2008, 09:32 AM

Try the Elixir strings. The Nanoweb coating provides a smooth sound, protects your frets and fingers and makes the string last longer so the higher cost is not an issue. I have them on my Warwick $$ (AND my P and my Cirrus) and they sound great!!

Mushroo · #6 09-03-2008, 09:34 AM

Your frets are designed to come into contact with bass strings. Nothing to be "paranoid" about. If you need a fret job more than, say, every 5 or 10 years, something is wrong with your technique... how often are you getting yours repaired??

CElton · #7 09-03-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K-Funk

I'm currently using D'Addario XL's on my MIM Jazz and my Stingray; they sound great, but they don't last long at all. However, for the last couple of months I've had DR Long Necks on my Fortress One 5-string, and they still sound fresh and sound quite a bit better than the D'Addario's.

But will DR strings mess up my frets due to being stainless? They sound outstanding, and I'd really like to put Lo-Riders or Long Necks on all my basses; however, I'm just concerned about my frets getting munched.

Try the Nickel Lo-Riders...

K-Funk · #8 09-03-2008, 10:01 AM

I use a pretty light touch.... when I was learning how to play, I heard somewhere that you should be able to play without your thumb touching the back of neck. If you're pressing harder than that, you're pressing too hard.

All three of my Wick's are from the mid-90's, and have minimal, if any, fret wear. My Stingray is from '86, and shows zero signs of fret wear (it probably had a refret or a good fret job at some point). I haven't caused any fret wear on these basses since I've owned them, my main concern is if I'd wear out my frets too quickly from using stainless DR strings.