Fret wire sizes?

[KingRazor]

I'm curious as to people's opinions on the size of fret wire. This question is more for builders or people assembling pre-built bass parts.

From what I've read, short and fat is the way to go, but I want some more opinions.

[trunkshope6]

i really like vintage thin wire because i feel more neck that way,but am realizing that they are easily worn as time goes on,medium jumbo also are very popular

[pedulla-2007]

I wanted 2 order a bass neck from Warmoth, but was unsure of fretwire size.Interesting topic.

[KingRazor]

I'm thinking about going with stainless steel frets. My thought is, I'm going to replace my strings eventually anyway, so I'd rather have the strings wear out before the frets. Strings seem easier to replace.

[Willicious]

Originally Posted by trunkshope6

i really like vintage thin wire because i feel more neck that way,but am realizing that they are easily worn as time goes on,medium jumbo also are very popular

+1
My first couple of basses had medium-jumbo frets. Then I got a Jazz with vintage frets. The smaller frets just feel less obtrusive to my hands, and my playing feels more fluid. Vintage frets can be had in stainless steel for wear resistance, but fret work from your luthier will likely cost you more, as the frets are a physically harder material.

As far as OP's question goes, fret dimensions are like wood, finishes, neck widths, pickup designs, etc. – no one option is better overall, it's all a matter of personal preference. Best to hit a well-stocked store and try basses with different wire, preferably with similar-gauge strings.

If you're the adventurous type, you could always fret your neck with mandolin wire, like Lee Sklar did with his P Bass.

[KingRazor]

Unfortunately there's not really anyway to tell how thick the fret wire is on a guitar at a shop.

From the sound of things, wide frets are optimal, but the height of them appears to be personal preference. Depends on whether you prefer the feel of touching the string to the fingerboard or touching it to just the frets.

I think the added durability from the steel frets would be worth the extra cost in fret work for the initial setup.

I think I'd probably like a lower fret height, because the closer the strings are to the frets the more they seem to rattle and buzz.

[Bernie Connors]

I dig smaller fretwire. Banjo or mandolin is the way to go for me. To me, it plays easier and just feels better and smoother under the fingers. IMO, of course.

[j-raj]

Originally Posted by Bernie Connors

I dig smaller fretwire. Banjo or mandolin is the way to go for me. To me, it plays easier and just feels better and smoother under the fingers. IMO, of course.

I have banjo frets on my Nordy and it is killer.

[Willicious]

Originally Posted by KingRazor

Unfortunately there's not really anyway to tell how thick the fret wire is on a guitar at a shop.

A quick comparison of vintage to med-jumbo:
Grab a Fender Classic-series bass, or American Vintage 62 P or J, and compare with a Fender American Standard P or J.

I think the added durability from the steel frets would be worth the extra cost in fret work for the initial setup.

Indeed. Especially if you happen to play round wounds.

I think I'd probably like a lower fret height, because the closer the strings are to the frets the more they seem to rattle and buzz.

The space between a string and a fret (action) is a function of your instrument's set up, and exists independent of fret height.

StewMac has diagrams which give you a bit of an idea of how the different fretwire sizes and profiles compare to each other.

[darkstorm]

I like jumbo best for both bass and guitar.

[Bernie Connors]

Originally Posted by j-raj

I have banjo frets on my Nordy and it is killer.

Yep. The Paul Turner Nordy I owned for awhile had banjo frets and they played great. I really dig the feel!

[joeyl]

I used to use the Dunlop 6150, but it feels too tall under my fingers, like massive speed bumps. I have since switched to SS 6230 vintage style. Small frets but with the added hardness of ss so that I don't need a fret dress too quickly.

[j-raj]

Originally Posted by Bernie Connors

Yep. The Paul Turner Nordy I owned for awhile had banjo frets and they played great. I really dig the feel!

I think that was my reasoning behind the choice of Banjo frets... either that or because of a past Lee Sklar interview.

[stingray69]

In addition to StewMac's site, Warmoth's fret wire size chart is useful for a visual.

[KingRazor]

Originally Posted by stingray69

In addition to StewMac's site, Warmoth's fret wire size chart is useful for a visual.

That's where this question came from in the first place.

[B String]

Originally Posted by j-raj

I think that was my reasoning behind the choice of Banjo frets... either that or because of a past Lee Sklar interview.

I understand Lee wanting Banjo frets. He's built a career on his glissando ability. Smooth as a baby's butt.

[BurningSkies]

My two main basses are banjo fretwire and while you can go smaller (mando) I really love the banjos. Good if you have a lighter touch and definitely smooth and precise.

[fu22ba55]

Originally Posted by stingray69

In addition to StewMac's site, Warmoth's fret wire size chart is useful for a visual.

Just so you know, I'm a "vintage" guy. I always wind up selling anything I buy that's been made after 1980.

I also like high action, and I have a super-heavy touch.

I don't like the 6105 fret wire. I find it's too tall. I like to feel the fingerboard.

Even though 6150 is what's on my '79 Jazz, I find it too broad. It only works on my Jazz since the frets have been ground down so much.

I think 6130 is the perfect balance for me. It's what's on my '79 Music Man, and it's what's on my '77 Gibson, and it just works.

I recently had a USACG neck made with 6130 wire, and it's great.

Talk to your local luthier/setup guy about SS fretwire. It's a pain in the butt for them to fretdress.

I'm a nickel string guy, so I go with nickel frets. I like frets that get broken in. I like fret buzz now and again. I don't want my bass to sound like a midi controller. I want it to sound like a human being is playing it, so fret buzz is OK in my book.

[j-raj]

Originally Posted by B String

I understand Lee wanting Banjo frets. He's built a career on his glissando ability. Smooth as a baby's butt.

Yep true dat!

[fu22ba55]

Does anyone have measurements for banjo wire? How does it compare to the Dunlop sizes?