New evil frets

[Peterku]

My Artist has finally fallen to Dunlop 6000's. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

A few months ago 6000's made my Strat-copy play and feel better than any Strat in the local shop. Now it was turn for my Artist.

I'm still amazed how much lighter it is to play 6000's than small frets. Now I bend 11's on 6000's like 10's on vintage frets, lol. :D Finally, since a really light touch is enough, my sound has also become more pleasant.

...and they also look cool. 8)

[love_o_rock]

How do you determine what size frets you should get in terms of depth and that sort of thing?

[sambo]

how much did that jobby cost you??

[indysmith]

+1
also, does anyone know how they change frets on a bound guitar? i always thought that frets slid in and out via the side entrance/exit...?

[Peterku]

I simply chose the tallest and widest fret available. It had to be tall so that bending and vibrato would be a lot easier to do. Together with the extra width tall frets also make it possible to play with a very light touch.

I must admit I used to be a little bit afraid of the idea of huge frets, hearing people complaining that they press strings out of tune and things like that. Finally it was Tim's posts about his experiences with 6000's that convinced me about having my Strat fitted with these. Having experienced how comfortable they are decision was easy so this time it was obvious my Artist would also have 6000's.

I'm not picky about neck dimensions. My Artist has a much thicker neck than my Strat-copy but I enjoy playing both. My Strat plays faster (think metal) but I feel bending is easier on the Artist (think blues).

My Artist doesn't have binding. I wanted to achieve a very simple and natural look so I asked the luthier not to paint any stripes on the guitar.

The tech who did the refret is a friend of mine, the price was relatively low and it's confidential. Anyway, I don't think you're interested in Hungarian prices. ;)

[Kilby]

+1
also, does anyone know how they change frets on a bound guitar? i always thought that frets slid in and out via the side entrance/exit...?

I think thats how Fender used to do it.

Rob...

[tewboss]

Fender did used to slide the frets in sideways but most people insert them from the top.

I've just looked at my Dan Erlewine book and he says the frets should be heated with a soldering iron (to melt the glue) and removed with small flush-ground end nibbers. The use to the soldering iron helps soften the wood to help reduce the barbs from making splinters in the wood.

The only thing you have to do special with edge binding is angle the "tang" (the part that goes into the fretboard) so that the top of the fret goes over the edge of the binding.

This is a specialist job so I'd recommend seeking the help of a professional, especially as it requires some specialist tools.

[FELINEGUITARS]

+1
also, does anyone know how they change frets on a bound guitar? i always thought that frets slid in and out via the side entrance/exit...?

I do !!!

Fender used to do the installing sideways till 1983
Other companies installed directly down.
To install on a bound fingerboard you have to revove the fret tang where the binding is.
This job is made easier by some special tools thatr are more easily available these days. However it still takes longer to do and you often pay a little more for a bound fingerboard refret.

However a Les Paul with Dunlop 6000 - SWEET!!

[FELINEGUITARS]

+1
also, does anyone know how they change frets on a bound guitar? i always thought that frets slid in and out via the side entrance/exit...?

I think thats how Fender used to do it.

Rob...

You wasnna see how much damage can be done pulling out frets normally that were slid in sideways.
It is NOT pretty- lots of wodd chips get pulled out
Seen it very often- we now slide old Fender frets out sideways - tricky but worth it

[Dakine]

Can you put a Les Paul (with binding) back to "as new" after a refret Feline?

(good info. to know in future :)).

[PhilKing]

Can you put a Les Paul (with binding) back to "as new" after a refret Feline?

(good info. to know in future :)).

It is really hard to do because Gibson profile the binding with the frets in place.  So you either have to replace the binding, or do what most people do, and fit the frets over the binding by cutting the tang back slightly.  This looks better in my eyes, but it is not the original apperance.

[Dakine]

Twas as I thought then :)
No worries, just got the LP back from Ron Pace Luthier (set up on frets lol) and she SCREAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just thought would see if summit new had come about to make life easier when necessary :)

[FELINEGUITARS]

Can you put a Les Paul (with binding) back to "as new" after a refret Feline?

(good info. to know in future :)).

It is really hard to do because Gibson profile the binding with the frets in place.  So you either have to replace the binding, or do what most people do, and fit the frets over the binding by cutting the tang back slightly.  This looks better in my eyes, but it is not the original apperance.

And I for one prefer LPs after a refret because the fret goes all the way to the edge of the board - more room to play and use vibrato etc

[math2014]

Hmm interesting 6000 jumbos...

I wonder if there is anyone in the UK that specializes on Stainless Steel frets.

Any ideas?