Why SS frets less common in Basses vs. Guitars?

[yanlin1985]

In the guitar world, SS frets are common in higher end models. Obviously Suhr and Tom Anderson offer them, but production models like Ibanez, Schecter, EBMM, Mayones, etc. use SS frets too.

However, in the bass world, it's far less common. High end builders like Dingwall, Sadowsky, FBass, etc. use NS frets as standard (I'm not even sure if they offer SS frets as an option). EBMM and Ibanez production basses for example, use NS frets instead of SS (apart from some select Stingray models).

Why is this so? Do fret wires wear less in basses than guitars? Owners of high end basses that use NS frets, do you refret them with SS or NS? How long do they typically last with normal use (no crazy slapping)?

 

[bholder]

SS frets eat strings faster. Bass strings are more expensive than guitar strings. I'm not sure there's anything more to it than that.

 

[Killing Floor]

No idea. About half of my fretted basses have stainless frets. I’ve never noticed strings wearing faster. The frets sure last longer and if you’re spending the extra clams for Plek work the few bucks adder for stainless is inconsequential. They sound the same to me.

 

[WillyW]

you only need the first 5 on a bass anyway

 

[bholder]

you only need the first 5 on a bass anyway

 

[Turnaround]

This is typical of what you find in guitar forums.

Stainless Steel fretwire is more expensive than nickel silver. It is much harder to install, level, crown, and polish. These frets can be brutal on manufacturing tools and hand tools! Fretwork is much more expensive than nickel silver frets. Some players claim that these frets give a brighter, “tinny” sound.

On the positive side:

Stainless frets can last 3-4 times longer than nickel silver between refrets. Bends and vibrato feel much smoother. They won’t corrode or tarnish from moisture and sweat like nickel frets will.

For most bass players, smoother bends and vibratos are not a significant advantage. And since we look after our instruments so much better than guitarists tarnish is not an issue. So the SS advantage is how long they last. And for that advantage you still have all the disadvantages of SS frets.

 

[yanlin1985]

I see. Would you refret a high end bass with SS tho (say Dingwall, FBass, etc)? or with the same exact NS frets it came with?

 

[Turnaround]

I see. Would you refret a high end bass with SS tho (say Dingwall, FBass, etc)? or with the same exact NS frets it came with?

I would do what the client wants, but I would tend to steer him toward NS frets rather than stainless simply because I think the disadvantages of SS outweigh the benefit.

 

[Bruce Johnson]

I take the opposite opinion from Richard. I mostly build new basses, and only do a limited number of repairs and restorations these days. I switched over to stainless fretwire about 10 years ago, and that's all I use now. I think the benefits outweigh any disadvantages. Once I learned a few tricks of working with it, I find it's less labor to install, level and dress than NS wire.

The stainless wire typically lasts 3-4 times as long as NS wire, in my experience. The only real downside is that the wire costs a little more; maybe $5 per instrument.

 

[Turnaround]

Once I learned a few tricks of working with it, I find it's less labor to install, level and dress than NS wire.

It would be nice if those tricks were better known in the industry. All the shops in my area have a significant upcharge for working with SS frets. But, interestingly, they don't have an upcharge for installing Jescar EVO Gold frets, which are harder than NS but not as hard as SS.

Just another one of those things that make you go "hmmm".

 

[WillyW]

I take the opposite opinion from Richard. I mostly build new basses, and only do a limited number of repairs and restorations these days. I switched over to stainless fretwire about 10 years ago, and that's all I use now. I think the benefits outweigh any disadvantages. Once I learned a few tricks of working with it, I find it's less labor to install, level and dress than NS wire.

The stainless wire typically lasts 3-4 times as long as NS wire, in my experience. The only real downside is that the wire costs a little more; maybe $5 per instrument.

That was enough cost per unit for Ford to give us exploding pintos.


I'm pretty easy on frets so I don't get much wear, but If I need a refret, it would be with stainless, just because.