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stainless steel frets
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 4:56 pm
by overdrivenel34s
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.
Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 6:57 pm
by DNW
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.
Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 9:31 pm
by fretless
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 .

Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:46 pm
by TrueTone500
SS frets =

Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:43 pm
by valtyr
I am a big fan of stainless steel frets.
I have a couple of Parkers, both were made in the late 90's and both still have no visable wear on the frets.
Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 2:00 pm
by benjamin801
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?
Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 2:15 pm
by Devin
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!!!


Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 2:36 pm
by sloppy fingers
My Parker has them and I really like them. I doubt they affect tone much if at all
Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 4:19 pm
by Micter
I hate to level and crown SS frets. Tough on the tools. I do like playing on them though.
Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:08 am
by Elessar [Sly]
I have 'recently' had some put on one of my guitars... I forget which one since I've had two done with fretwork.
Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 4:34 pm
by madrigal77
I'm getting them done on my ESP once I get it. $360. That's not bad at all.
Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 5:04 pm
by Valtiel
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".
Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 5:25 pm
by The Anomaly
benjamin801 wrote:
The fuck is your input jack?
I have SS frets on my Carvin, and I love them, and will probably put them on my other guitars when they need frets.
Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 5:36 pm
by Dickarms
what guitar is that? kinda dig it.
have yet to try ss frets.
Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2013 5:51 pm
by Devin
The Anomaly wrote:The fuck is your input jack?
I have SS frets on my Carvin, and I love them, and will probably put them on my other guitars when they need frets.
It's an upside down output jack, right there by the strap, so the cable routs straight up around your strap. You can kinda see it better in this pic.
It's my '89 Hamer USA Californian

Re: stainless steel frets
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 1:22 pm
by The Anomaly
^^^^ That's a great idea.