Carvin SB5000 / SB4000 Roll Call...Part 5!

[Jarrett]

Uh oh, he's talking about swapping necks around! GET HIM! TB PILE UP!!!

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That mob looks familiar

 

[Jarrett]

I quite like my stainless steel frets. More money, though not significantly, but worth it in my opinion.

I like my SS frets as well. I'm not opposed to trying to low wide if I got the opportunity, but the reality of that happening is pretty slim. Until then, just going to stick with what I know.

I've got an old Warwick with frets that are lower and wider than most. Due to that its a little tougher to play especially in the upper registers than my SB5000 with the SS medium jumbos.

I don't get gas for $3000 dollar basses

If you do, just go play one and you will appreciate your SB even more.

 

[smeet]

I like my SS frets as well. I'm not opposed to trying to low wide if I got the opportunity, but the reality of that happening is pretty slim. Until then, just going to stick with what I know.

I'm not concerned with durability, as I play so lightly my frets will outlast me. Do SS frets make a difference in sound or playability?

 

[Vic]

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That mob looks familiar

LOL!!

 

[TonyP-]

I'm not concerned with durability, as I play so lightly my frets will outlast me. Do SS frets make a difference in sound or playability?

Yes they do actually.
They tend to be a little brighter. IMHO

 

[Vic]

Yes they do actually.
They tend to be a little brighter. IMHO

+1

Also, just like with the feel of the strings, they feel different. Someone who does tremolo or more significant string bending will notice a little difference in the sliding there, too.

 

[smeet]

Interesting. I don't know where to try these things out, so can you qualify that? I assume it's a subtle difference? And is it a hi-fi, airy type brightness, or a clanky, mid-hi brightness?

Thanks!

 

[Vic]

Interesting. I don't know where to try these things out, so can you qualify that? I assume it's a subtle difference? And is it a hi-fi, airy type brightness, or a clanky, mid-hi brightness?

Thanks!

IMHO, it only matters on impact, so it's only really gonna' affect slappers, tappers, and/or someone who uses a lot of fret sizzle in their style. But it's a harder metal so it's gonna' be at the very upper end of brightness. I don't think it'd make a noticeable difference on the string once already fretted and plucked (again, for example).

I've played on these a little bit, and I think they're nice, but I wouldn't categorize them as a huge change from the traditional stuff.

 

[Jarrett]

I'm not concerned with durability, as I play so lightly my frets will outlast me. Do SS frets make a difference in sound or playability?

Also, just like with the feel of the strings, they feel different. Someone who does tremolo or more significant string bending will notice a little difference in the sliding there, too.

I've never heard a noticeable difference in tone and have had a few that were in know say that there isn't a difference in tone, but knows. If it is brighter, thats preferable to me. I prefer having plenty of high end. I can always dial that out if the mood strikes me, but you can't really go the other way if its not present to begin with.

Durability is nice, but the feel SS is what draws me. I do incorporate bending and vibrato into my playing as well as some right hand fretting/tapping and that just seems to work better when I have nice smooth, gliding frets.

If I didn't play above the 7th fret, I really doubt I could discern a difference in fret material. But when I start going higher on the neck and using somewhat more unorthodox technique, I find that it seems more expressive to me. And I dig that. Anything I can do to free myself up on the instrument is a step in the right direction for me.

 

[Corey Y]

I have two basses with stainless steel frets and I haven't noticed any difference in tone, but others might have. I try to avoid fret noise of any kind in my setup and my playing style as much as possible, I don't tap, and all my basses have different pickup configurations. So there's no ideal basis for comparison on the fret material alone. If I had two of the exact same bass with only the fret material different I could give a more confident assessment of the affect the stainless steel has on tone. I have it purely for the durability, because I have had dented, worn and tarnished frets on instruments in the past and it really bothers me.

 

[Jarrett]

Can't believe we are about shut down #5 on SB thread. Who knew people would talk about a dang Carvin so much

 

[Vic]

Regarding SS vs nickel frets... I will say take my comments in the proper light... I'll readily admit I think the difference is subtle.

 

[TonyP-]

Regarding SS vs nickel frets... I will say take my comments in the proper light... I'll readily admit I think the difference is subtle.

+1

But definitely noticeable to percussive style players.

Its part of the instrument that actually is contact with the string, how can it not affect vibration . Its like saying tires don't make a difference on a car.

I have built a lot of basses mostly J styles and done my share of comparisons and will say that it does. Just stating my $.02.

I come in peace

 

[Jarrett]

Me too. I'm not here on behalf of the SS fret union or anything I doubt fret type is going to make or break any bass.

 

[swspiers]

Can't believe we are about shut down #5 on SB thread. Who knew people would talk about a dang Carvin so much

+1 ( and pm me if you get tired of that new fretless SB5000)

 

[smperry]

Closed and continued here: Carvin SB5000 / SB4000 Roll Call...Part 6! - TalkBass Forums