Just posting this to say that i am a big fan of stainless steel frets. i have them on a few guitars (and on an acoustic bass) and since i've got them there is still not the slightest indication of any wear. no negative effects as all.
on the guitars i have/had that had nickel steel frets, there have been significant variance in durability between some guitars. my guess is probably due to some using softer variety but all have over time developed wear needing fret level and crowns at least and if wear is significant enough, refrets.
in anycase, i wish more guitars were available stock with stainless steel frets.
I'd like to go SS on my main guitar next time I have to take it in. Not cheap to have it done, but then I guess, it's cheaper than having to take your guitar back a bit later to have the frets worked on, and then again, until at some point you have 'em replaced... and then reworked again... and again.
Bugger it, I'll just go SS and the frets'll probably outlive me.
Actually, the next thing I want to do is get a fixed bridge 7-string and have it de-fretted.
I like ss frets too but it doesn't make it or break it if I like the instrument . Both my Suhr Classic J and G&L SB-1 have them and those are killer axes . G&L has it as an option when you order one .
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Obviously they're going to be way more durable than nickel steel, but is there any discernible difference in tone or feel? Do they feel slick? Do they sound bright?
"If there was only a way that I couldn't even any less than I already can't then I'd gladly not, but I think I've entered some quantum paradox, dark matter levels of can't evening where the total absolute value of not evenness exceeds all ability to explain the can'ting." - MR RUBATO
benjamin801 wrote:Obviously they're going to be way more durable than nickel steel, but is there any discernible difference in tone or feel? Do they feel slick? Do they sound bright?
Yes they do feel slick, but not necessarily slicker than finely polished nickle frets. They pretty much never need to be polished though (at least I've never really had to polish mine)
I don't think they sound different - I had my main guitar re-fretted with SS. I can't prove it scientifically but it still sounds the same to me. If I could afford it ALL of my guitars would have SS.
SS FTW!!!
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I love the pants off of stainless steel frets. A pain to work on, but its a one time expense with the benefit of silky smooth feel on vibrato and bends that lasts forever without the need for any polishing. If they have any impact on tone it is extremely minor and I call BS on those that have said it ruined their instrument by making it "harsh".
