Choosing A Fretwire

Submitted by kenny on Fri, 05/28/2010 - 09:55

Choosing A Fretwire:

  • Do you like the feel of your present neck?
  • Would you like more height or less height?
  • Play and compare to see which is best for you.

  • Low frets put your fingertips right on the fingerboard with little room to squeeze the strings out of tune or to get under them for bending.
  • Tall frets are the opposite. The width of the fret determines the amount of wear that can be expected before leveling and re-crowning is necessary.
  • Wider frets wear longer.
  • Narrow frets wear faster.

Medium Fretwire

Recommended: Vintage Wire
(Dunlop 6230) This is the smallest fret wire.
For acoustic or electric. The most popular wire for refretting Martin, Fender, Guild, Gibson and other guitars.

Medium Fretwire

Recommended: Modern Wire
(Dunlop 6105) Narrow and tall. A popular choice.

Wide Fretwire

Recommended: KDG Most Popular Wire
(Dunlop 6150)  A true "Jumbo". Used in Modern Fender American necks. electric or bass. 

Wide Fretwire

Recommended: Jumbo Wire
(Dunlop 6100) Huge! This is big stuff for the almost scalloped feel. Awesome for shredder guitars, for electric  or bass. Modern "jumbo" fretwire used on ESP, Jackson, Ibanez,  and similar guitars.