I have been thinking a little about frets lately, sometimes i have polish the frets of my RR, i use the finest steelwool (grade 0000). Thats ok, but how often do one usually have to do this? i Know this will vary a lot depending on how much one plays the instrument, and allso the quality the strings and the fret it self.
Frets come in dofferent sizes (thikness) i would guess that they allso come in different qualitys of steel, brass and silverplated stuff�
Anyone able to spread some insight about this?
I also need to polish my frets. A couple of threads ago Unkle Ken did a great job explaining how he does it. I'll need to go to my parents place to do it (since my dad has a nice workplace and the tools). There's also another option. Green Onion makes stainlesssteel frets. Since normal fret are nickelplated you'll always have these sharp flakes that really create these roughspots. Stainlesssteel frets are one piece. I play also a Chapman Stick, which also has stainlesssteel frets. After 10 years of playing there's still not a cratch on them. The only problem is that the normal frets are softer and can be bend in the right position. Stainless steel is HARD. Could make adjusting harder. But I assume once they are set they last a lifetime.
Remco, yes i know about Uncle ben, i have read that once.
And i have gotten all the info i can out of Paul at Green Onion.
I just want some general fret info, like sice/thickness, different materlals and general experiences with different types of frets.
Pure steel should be a winner.
To maintain the frets is not a big problem for me, like i said, steelwool is doing the trick. They get smooth and shiny, but after a while i have to go at it again.
I just got a big heep of steelwool, to last me a lifetime i guess : )
Yep, I have this problem too. Low quality frets are a pain and throw you off enough in a meend to loose your point of reference and botch the whole thing. They can get to the point where steel wool doesn't do it's thing and polishing is the only answer. I know it is time for polishing when the back side of my Ma string (the side facing the frets) gets little indentations worn into it from the frets. When it gets real bad the string has to be changed every month. I'm glad to be back in a position that offers use of die grinders and polishing wheels! I am intrigued by the stainless idea and might have to whip meself up a set.
Most of the players I know change the MA string once a week anyway! Exactly because of the indentation. Stainless frets sound like a good idea except your strings will wear much faster because of the harder metal and the fitting would be tougher, that's why they're not used as they would possibly even be cheaper for the maker than the nickel silver ones. Most sizes I've seen have been around 5mm thick, cheap sitars are thinner. Kens tips for polishing are good, I do everyone here before it goes out like that and regular use of oil helps keep things smooth.
Lars
About half a year ago Paul from Green Onion made 2 extra frets for me (komal Re and komal Dha) "to fill up the gaps" He made them from stainless steel. They play very smooth. I'm not really sure about the wear compared the the normal frets; don't notice much difference. The only difference I notice is that all my other frets have sharp flakes and the two are very smooth
Remco, i have some questions
;is there a difference in sound or sustain?
Do they need to be polished as often as the original frets?
And if you remember, what was the price for those frets?
Hi Jan,
I was afraid for a different sound, especially since I was using a mixed set of frets, but to be honest, I didn't notice much difference. When I got my Stick with SS-frets the difference was extreme, but with the sitar. . . I paid 25 euro for two strings as well as a setupjob. Paul also tied the frets for me.
Hi All:
Lars has given me permission to include the Sitars Etc. name on the Mangla Prasad Sharma Culture Club membership cards. Anyone interested in obtaining a card (they're free) just email me with the date that you purchased your sitar or tanpura, and who (Buckingham or Sitars Etc.) you purchased it from. Include the address where you want the card sent.
- K.K.
