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Old 01-09-2009, 03:08 AM
shreddersymphony  is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Fret problem of sorts...help please!!


Got a problem and figured I'd ask the wise folks at Jemsite for some advice. I bought a guitar recently that has huge frets (6100 I think, almost a scalloped kinda feel), and its my first guitar with big frets. I'm used to much smaller ones, so I'm having trouble with bending/pressing notes out of tune. I'm used to having to press much harder and use more force for bends.

I have several options in this case, and I'm not sure which one is best. Maybe you guys can advice me here...

1. Try thicker gauge strings to sort of balance things out. I'm using 9-46 right now, maybe I should go for a set of 10s and see if that'll help.

2. Get it refretted with smaller frets. I've got a very skilled luthier who can do it pretty cheap for me cuz he's a friend of mine ($100).

3. Alter my playing style...I know this is the most obvious of these options but I've had the guitar for a good amount of time now and I can't really seem to adjust.

This is sort of a "what would you do in my position" kind of question. Thanks everyone!
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Old 01-09-2009, 03:54 AM
brothersnowgone  is offline
 
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Re: Fret problem of sorts...help please!!


I would just work on having a lighter technique. It's the best way to fix your problem and you should get a little faster in the process. That and changing to some 10's would help a lot.
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Old 01-09-2009, 09:13 AM
Fabio  is offline
 
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Re: Fret problem of sorts...help please!!


In a side note - it does sound like you prefer to have smaller frets? and 100$ for a refret is close to nothing. If you can get used to larger frets, they generally tend to be "faster" and easier to play. At least that's the most common view on them! But all to his own. Mostly it's just down to what you prefer

And well, I'd also suggest 10's anyway! I used 9's many years ago, then switched up to 10's. I've never regretted doing that. I think you get a fatter tone and it's nice with that extra little bit of tension when you bend.'

So well, what would I do in your position?

Assuming that I would have the same preferences as you, I'd change to 10s, refret it (If it's that cheap for you, that is) and -perhaps- also work on my technique, trying to learn to play with a slightly lighter touch. Not only because you play faster, that's more to me a side bonus. But because you won't stress the muscles in your hand more than you need to. But, it might require more practice than what it's worth. You should try changing your playing style slightly, but if it's too much of a time-consumer, it's really not worth it. Then it's better that you play creative stuff and have fun I think, at least!

Good luck
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Old 01-09-2009, 11:53 AM
shreddersymphony  is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NY
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Re: Fret problem of sorts...help please!!


Thanks fellas. I understand the benefits of playing with a lighter touch, but then what happens when I go back to my other 3 guitars (that have small frets....). think I might go for that refret after. Appreciate the advice!

Also, I think this may be an issue in that I'm one of those people who likes feeling the fretboard when he plays. Hence, I think I've decided the refret is the way to go.

Last edited by shreddersymphony; 01-09-2009 at 12:00 PM.
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