Larger Frets?

Kurtmon · #1 01-14-2006, 07:52 PM

In the FEB 06 edition of Guitar World, Yngwie Malmsteen,says he uses the biggest Dunlop frets available ( In the Universe ) I have very large hands, I am wondering if this would also work for a bass?

The Clap · #2 01-14-2006, 09:19 PM

I can't stand Yngwie Malsteem, ("Unleashing the f&#%*#% fury" on flight attendants and all) and I definitely prefer small frets. I don't think there's a necessary correlation between hand size and fret size preference, it's a more technique and style related factor.

Try out basses with large and small frets and see which ones you like! I picked up a Lakland 55-02 last month and the smaller frets are wonderful to play on. That said, I don't notice much of a difference between fret sizes when it comes time to just play.

Kurtmon · #3 01-14-2006, 09:27 PM

Which Basses are known for the largest frets?

Kurtmon · #4 01-17-2006, 01:27 AM

AnyOne?

PhilMan99 · #5 01-17-2006, 08:01 AM

With Carvin, you can select the fret-size you want...

Chasarms · #6 01-17-2006, 08:41 AM

G&L L2500s have jumbo frets.

Juneau · #7 01-17-2006, 08:43 AM

It depends on year, but most Fender's use Jumbo frets. If you go back older, vintage frets were much smaller. And I agree with the above poster that fret size is more a matter of technique. I prefer small frets, my current bass has Banjo frets on it, which are smaller than vintage bass frets. Id like to try Mandolin frets as well. But I play with a pretty light touch, and super low action. I can imagine if you slapped a lot, you might like higher action and bigger frets to give things a bit more deffinition, and make muting easier. It does affect the sound as well, as far as tone. The smaller frets have a woody buzz in them. Think fretless muwha, but not as pronounced. While the larger frets will produce a more metallic, crisp sort of sound. Just generally speaking there, you can get all sorts of tones out of both with playing technique and pickup/pre-amp combos.

Kurtmon · #8 01-17-2006, 01:53 PM

Thanks for the info...I have a 2004 Fender Jazz MIM, What size would these be considered? I would be intrested in trying some of the larger frets available

Juneau · #9 01-17-2006, 02:05 PM

They would likely be jumbo or medium-jumbo sized I would guess.

pickles · #10 01-17-2006, 06:11 PM

The biggest drawback to small frets is that they need to be replaced sooner (since you'll run out of fret to level and dress), and they seem to be a little more sensitive to setup. I have a lakland bass (with vintage wire) that started fretting out in one position, and the only solution was a refret. I refretted with the tall dunlop wire, and now it plays clean and clear in all positions. I DO notice a difference in feel and tone, but not a lot. The tone is a little less "woody" and a little deeper and brighter, with more sustain.

Juneau · #11 01-18-2006, 09:39 AM

Actually, it depends on your playing style. With my lighter touch, my frets dont wear at all really. If you really dig in a lot, do a lot of bending and things that will put stress on the frets, then yes, they will wear quicker. But if you lighten up a bit in your approach, smaller frets will last plenty long.

pickles · #12 01-18-2006, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juneau

Actually, it depends on your playing style. With my lighter touch, my frets dont wear at all really. If you really dig in a lot, do a lot of bending and things that will put stress on the frets, then yes, they will wear quicker. But if you lighten up a bit in your approach, smaller frets will last plenty long.

True, actually it was my bass' prior owner that played with a heavy touch. My point was that with jumbo wire you can level and dress many times before needing a refret. With the smaller wires you may only be able to successfully level once or twice before there isn't a functional amount of fret left .... and a refret costs 3x what a level and dress does!

Juneau · #13 01-18-2006, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pickles

True, actually it was my bass' prior owner that played with a heavy touch. My point was that with jumbo wire you can level and dress many times before needing a refret. With the smaller wires you may only be able to successfully level once or twice before there isn't a functional amount of fret left .... and a refret costs 3x what a level and dress does!

I agree with that as well. If you play hard, you might want to consider the larger frets. But if you dont, you likely wont have any wear issues with smaller ones is all I meant