Jack Roberts
Mar-24-2004, 11:08am
I have played a mandola built with banjo frets, and I've played a mandolin with mandolin frets, as well as a mandolin with "fat" frets. What kind of frets were used on early 20th century gibson mandolas, and what is the consensus opinion of banjo frets on a mandola in terms of playability?
Jack
Bob A
Mar-24-2004, 11:17am
The frets on my Gibson mandola were replaced (before I owned it) with wide frets. My understanding is that they were originally identical to the mandolin frets of the period.
It may be that the wider frets make it easier to play, but I have no problem with vintage, either. It's pretty much a matter of personal preference.