Steel strings eating my frets

boondox · #1 01-02-2011, 08:37 PM

Since I started using Rotosounds and Prosteels I have been noticing some fret wear that I suspect will soon be a problem. Been playing almost 20 years, and have been through a dozen basses. Never seen fret damage like this before. The bass I'm talking about is a 60's RI Jazz with thin/vintage frets. It's a keeper, so I'm starting to get a little worried. I'm not sure if I should stop using steel strings, or just get the frets worked on every year or so. Any advice before I take it to a luthier?

madmatt · #2 01-02-2011, 08:45 PM

If you must use steel, use flatwounds.

bass_lord_mutha · #3 01-02-2011, 08:48 PM

Well, considering that Rotosounds have a surface not unlite a rat-tail file, this doesn't suprise me. I play on DR Fat Beams which are steel and just as Marcus Miller says "They don't eat my frets." You might give those a try if you haven't before and see what you think.

**DougD** · #4 01-02-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boondox

Since I started using Rotosounds and Prosteels I have been noticing some fret wear that I suspect will soon be a problem. Been playing almost 20 years, and have been through a dozen basses. Never seen fret damage like this before. The bass I'm talking about is a 60's RI Jazz with thin/vintage frets. It's a keeper, so I'm starting to get a little worried. I'm not sure if I should stop using steel strings, or just get the frets worked on every year or so. Any advice before I take it to a luthier?

Rotosounds have a rep for eating frets. Try a set of DR Hi-Beams or Lo-Riders They don't eat the frets nearly as bad. I've been using them for years and never had a problem. Also if you don't like the DR's try Fedora Victor Wooten signature set. I have them on my 62 RI and they sound and feel great.

funk generator · #5 01-02-2011, 08:56 PM

+1 on DRs.
i wasn't a fan of the victor wooten strings, but perhaps i need to try them on a different bass

Sorry doug, I have to be a bit of an A$$ here. Fedora is a hat

**DougD** · #6 01-02-2011, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funk generator

+1 on DRs.
i wasn't a fan of the victor wooten strings, but perhaps i need to try them on a different bass

Sorry doug, I have to be a bit of an A$$ here. Fedora is a hat

Never could spell that right

Same thing with Squier. Must be my Dyslexia

Did you try the Wooten set? I was surprised at how much I like em. I've been a di-hard Dr fan for years.

Stilettoprefer · #7 01-02-2011, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmatt

If you must use steel, use flatwounds.

+1

I like the sound flatwounds much more than roundwounds, they dont eat frets and wont tear up your fingers if you slide a lot.

boondox · #8 01-03-2011, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stilettoprefer

+1

I like the sound flatwounds much more than roundwounds, they dont eat frets and wont tear up your fingers if you slide a lot.

Got flats on my p-bass. I greatly prefer rounds. The brighter the better for me.

boondox · #9 01-03-2011, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bass_lord_mutha

Well, considering that Rotosounds have a surface not unlite a rat-tail file, this doesn't suprise me. I play on DR Fat Beams which are steel and just as Marcus Miller says "They don't eat my frets." You might give those a try if you haven't before and see what you think.

Thanks for the Fatbeam suggestion. Are they less raspy than the Lo Riders? I tried Lo Riders before but can't remember how smooth they were.

mdogs · #10 01-03-2011, 10:11 AM

Love DR's and I love Rotosounds and when the frets need crowning or replacing I just take it to my guy and get it done. No way that I am going to sacrifice sound for my frets...

Floyd Eye · #11 01-03-2011, 10:13 AM

I've been using Blue Steels for about a year now and I haven't noticed anything. Anyone else have problems with them?

bass_lord_mutha · #12 01-03-2011, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boondox

Thanks for the Fatbeam suggestion. Are they less raspy than the Lo Riders? I tried Lo Riders before but can't remember how smooth they were.

I haven't tried the steel Lo Riders, just the nickel. But between those two the Fat Beams are a bit more raspier but not much.

darkstorm · #13 01-03-2011, 09:25 PM

Those early fenders had soft frets from what Ive read. They show wear that the more modern frets dont. Ive been useing rotosounds since the 70;s. With no significant fretwear. Thin frets also wear more then jumbo from what Ive read. Though I like jumbos for other reasons. A refret would be a good option if you really love the bass.

Metal Mitch · #14 01-04-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougD

Rotosounds have a rep for eating frets. Try a set of DR Hi-Beams or Lo-Riders They don't eat the frets nearly as bad.

+1. I used Rotos for many years on my old Fender and the frets looked like they had tractor ruts running through them. I got new frets. And switched to flatwounds on that bass.