Fret wire

[Phil_c1988]

Does anybody know what fret wire alembic use my
Dad has a series 2 and he says is nickel chromium. Is nickel chromium what they use all the time as standard?

If anyone alembic employees any reason why you don’t use Stainless Steel fret wire more?

Many thanks

[mica]

We've used Jescar fret for many years, before that Dunlop. The stainless steel we use on custom request. Note we only install on Friday late in the afternoon because they really stink a lot when you work on them.

[edwardofhuncote]

I was kinda' waiting for Mica to have her say before I posted... I figured Alembic would use SS fretwire if someone wanted it, but wow that stuff is a humongous PITB to work with. It also requires special diamond-tooth files. Bending it? Pfft... buy it already bent in a radius if you're smart. I can't say enough good about Jescar wire. It's a fine product, available in several gauges, crowns, and finishes. I've had both of my Series basses fretted with the EVO Gold wire. Not that there is a thing wrong about stainless steel wire; my '50 D-18 Martin is fretted from the nut to the soundhole with it. Probably the last frets it'll need in my lifetime.

[jazzyvee]

Apart from the wear resistance of SS what, if any, are the other benefits of them?

[fivestringdan]

I second the EVO Gold wire. I had my favorite bass refreted with and so far, years later I can't see any wear on the frets. I use Jescar EVO Gold wire with most of my builds as well. Same tools as the nickle/silver frets as you said, I don't need a special tool like SS frets.

[edwardofhuncote]

There is some rather spirited debate on other fora whether the notes on a string of a particular instrument, when terminated at a stainless steel fret are crisper, or more or less desirable in some ways. I had a guy tell me I had 'ruined' my old D-18 by having the SS frets put in it. I laughed, because I've played that guitar for 35 years, and I know what it sounds like. I think it's more likely the internet ruined his objectivity.

Other than that, there is at least one Alembic with one, GIANT stainless steel continuous fret. Not too many complaints about that one. 

[mica]

It's all about personal preference, I mean, the people we have installed SS frets for love them - it's just what they needed. Likewise on the EVO - it really looks pretty with brass or goldplated hardware too!

I echo Greg's lament on working with them, it's why we charge a bit extry.

Some people wear out frets faster than others, and it's not about how much time they play. It's combination of the strings and technique. Plus lots of string wear can happen in transit.  If you drive around alot, best to put a protective slip sheet under the strings so the case isn't letting the strings press hard on the frets and chew away at them with it vibrates on the road.