Which SS is easiest on the frets?

[Solarmist]

I love the sound of steel rounds, but am a little worried about fret wear. I've used DR HB's and D'Adds's ProSteels, and found the ProSteels a bit softer.

What do you guys think?

[adamrobertt]

You're obsessing. Your frets will be fine.

[John Wentzien]

ROTOS!

[knuckle_head]

Steel is steel - whose won't matter as the strings will be harder than your frets and the eating will commence. Your playing style will have a greater affect on fret wear than the brand of strings will.

[251]

Originally Posted by Solarmist

I love the sound of steel rounds, but am a little worried about fret wear. I've used DR HB's and D'Adds's ProSteels, and found the ProSteels a bit softer.

What do you guys think?

I use Dean Markley FretMasters on fretted & graphite fretless basses. I always liked the gritty, hi-fi, Blue Steel sound. The round wrap has been burnished over the fret board to reduce abrasion. They are not available everywhere & I had 1 large online string supplier tell me they are out of production. Not so. Customer Service at Dean Markley says they are definitely available. Any shop can order them.

[Hollywars]

Some people say DR's wear down fretboards/frets less.

[stflbn]

People are over-zealous worrying about fret damage from strings. You'd have to play your bass slap style a very long time every day for a long long time for it to become a problem. How many basses do you see here or on ebay with grooves wore in the frets from string wear? I cannot honestly ever remember seeing one.

Don't worry.

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

Steel is steel - whose won't matter as the strings will be harder than your frets and the eating will commence.

I thought strings with the smallest gauge outer wrap might produce the least friction. I was asking because I've never used steel for any length of time before.

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

Your playing style will have a greater affect on fret wear than the brand of strings will.

I have a pretty light touch other than bending; non-slapper.

[Beefbass]

Fender 7350's are probably some of the smoothest stainless rounds I've ever played. Ken Smith rockmasters didn't feel rough to me either.

[eyecandy]

DR~

[Meatrus]

Originally Posted by stflbn

People are over-zealous worrying about fret damage from strings. You'd have to play your bass slap style a very long time every day for a long long time for it to become a problem. How many basses do you see here or on ebay with grooves wore in the frets from string wear? I cannot honestly ever remember seeing one.

Don't worry.

+1, I have never seen any fret damage on any bass under 20 years old. Of course I'm not saying it doesent happen, but it must be with some serious playing if it does. I dont think there should be any reason being bothered about steel strings, unless you play all day every day for the next 10 years+, and your bass is priceless. I use Rotos and havent noticed any problems in two years of using them.

[bass12]

Keep in mind that some frets wear out faster than others. But hey, if your frets wear out just get a refret!

[251]

Originally Posted by bass12

Keep in mind that some frets wear out faster than others. But hey, if your frets wear out just get a refret!

Do you do that often? What do you suppose it would cost?

[John Wentzien]

Serious..I just switched to Dunlop SS.
They do feel a LOT smoother than Rotos.
Seem to keep the "Zingy" sound longer...and I don't see any wear on the frets.

[Solarmist]

Thanks guys

[bass12]

Originally Posted by 251

Do you do that often? What do you suppose it would cost?

I've never had to have it done on any of my basses. As far as the cost is concerned, I couldn't tell you.