Luthiers and fret installation

[maturanesa]

hi,

im not a builder so my only knowledge is as a musician...

I just wonder if there is any big difference in intonation between a fret install made by a common builder and a better one...
or they just use the same scale patterns being not a reason to worry...

The thing is.. i want a custom bass but cant afford an expensive one, so i will go with a non renowned builder..

And my mexican jazz bass (my main bass that im selling) literally intonate perfectly almost every note in the tunner... so im worried cause i spect at least the same...

so... is the fret install that difficult? A better builder usually make more "in tune" basses??


thanx!

 

[SGD Lutherie]

As long as the fret slots are cut in the right location, and the bridge is installed in the right location, you don't have to worry about intonation problems.

many builders either use pre slotted boards, or use a fret slotting jig which uses templates, or uses CNC for cutting fret slots.

Your Mexican Jazz bass was made in a factory on machines. Humans did not cut those fret slots one by one. They probably used a "gang saw."

A more experienced hand builder will probably do better work, but look at examples of instruments made by the builder you are thinking of using.

 

[knucklehead G]

There are set measurements for the frets, and templates readily available. If you're worried about it, you can get pre-slotted fretboards from LMII.com and provide your own.

Edit: SGD slipped in before me. Same advice though!

 

[Wescottguitar]

The frets need a nice crown to intonate properly. When the fret is round, the string touches it in one geometric point in the center of the fret. When the fret is flat (particularly a wide fret) the point of intonation becomes less precise. For that reason, good frets are important for purposes of intonation.
Another WIDELY overlooked issue that affects intonation (and playability) is nut height.

 

[SGD Lutherie]

There are set measurements for the frets, and templates readily available. If you're worried about it, you can get pre-slotted fretboards from LMII.com and provide your own.

Edit: SGD slipped in before me. Same advice though!

Great minds think alike! I also get mine from LMII, except for phenolic boards, which I have to cut myself. They used to sell phenolic boards back in the 90s, but it dulled their blades too quickly!