Fret size/type question

[Gully Foyle]

Hi all,

So, I'm having a custom neck made for my SS Jag, a nice v profile with a p nut width.

One of the things I've got to decide is type of fret, and I've never really considered the fret itself in any detail.

Can anyone educate me on the pros and cons of various options?

Many thanks

 

[lz4005]

Frets are like bridges. They can be made with different mass, height, width, and out of different materials. All of which will impact how the instrument plays and sounds.

Larger, higher mass frets will give you more sustain and a more 'piano-like' overtone structure, just like a high mass bridge.
Tall frets will let you push down and bend better/easier, if that's a thing you're into.
Lower mass frets are more like what was on "vintage" instruments, and contribute to that sort of feel.
Stainless steel frets will be a lot more expensive, but will probably last forever.

You should try out some other basses with different kinds of frets and see which you like better.

 

[iiipopes]

I prefer starting out with a taller conventional fret so there is ample amount to dress as the frets wear. Lee Sklar likes the precision of mandolin frets. If you like the feel of Fender-style frets, there is no reason not to continue to use them.

But as above, try different basses with different frets to see what you think and feel about them.

 

[lz4005]

Lee Sklar likes the precision of mandolin frets.

Will Lee tried that once too. He said they were great until he needed a full refret in under a month.

Which is to say that different playing styles may not be compatible with all fret types, and there's trade offs to be made for durability.