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Fretwire size..

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by throbgod13, Jul 22, 2009.

  1. Jul 22, 2009 #1
    throbgod13

    throbgod13

    Mar 26, 2005
    Texas
    what is the most common size fretwire that a majority of builders use??

    if you use a particular size/brand wire, why?? what are the benefits??

    thanks..
     
  2. Jul 22, 2009 #2
    odin70

    odin70

    Dec 26, 2007
    I think small size gives better intonation, if you dont press to hard. Bigger gives better sustain. Some like the feel of small frets, som like it bigger.
     
  3. Jul 22, 2009 #3
    XylemBassGuitar

    XylemBassGuitar Supporting Member Commercial User

    Aug 14, 2008
    Durango, CO
    Owner and Operator, Xylem Handmade Basses and Guitars
    I think the trend in larger manufacturers over the last forty years has been to move towards bigger wire. As for individual/boutique builders, I'm not sure that there is a generally-used fretwire size. A lot of small builders are probably open to using whatever a particular customer wants.

    Really low frets are extremely comfortable to play on, but since they are smaller you will get fewer fret dressings before you need an entire refret.
     
  4. Jul 22, 2009 #4
    throbgod13

    throbgod13

    Mar 26, 2005
    Texas
    i'm contemplating refretting my Gibson Grabber.. i know wire comes in various sizes, but there generally is a size that Fender uses, or Fodera uses.. etc..

    it does seem that frets are much larger than they used to be, even in the last 15 years..

    i'd just like to know what wire sizes that builders here use most commonly..
     
  5. Jul 22, 2009 #5
    shai-ga

    shai-ga

    Dec 31, 2006
  6. Jul 25, 2009 #6
    jworrellbass

    jworrellbass Commercial User

    May 17, 2009
    Colorado Springs CO
    Owner, builder: jworrellbass
    If you slap a lot try the pyamid type. You get more of the string to metal sound, with less effort.