New Frets

[MikeB]

I'm never quite sure whether to post questions like this here or in the General Mando Info forum. #Seems like luthiers would know the most about this so, here goes.

Awhile back I got some great advice here (Thank you again!) about improving the sound of my 20s A Gibson. #I followed the advice and replaced the old bridge with a new modified Brekke and things improved 200%, I swear!

At the time I asked, someone suggested bridge first, then frets. #Mine are fairly worn down (on the last redressing for sure). #Can someone explain the general mechanics of different (higher or wider) frets?

I'm wondering how new frets might affect the sound. #I get how they might improve the feel, but what effect will they have on tone or volume? #Right now, I'm getting no buzzing or other problems. #

Right now I'm mostly curious, but I will be looking at a fret job eventually. #Thanks.

[sunburst]

If your frets are worn out, new frets will improve the sound. I've never seen or heard an instrument that was repaired and didn't sound better. Repairs (refrets included) are done to correct problems, and with everything being so interrelated on a instrument, nearly any repair will improve the sound.

More fret height (within reason) will make the instrument easier to play, so you'll play better and the instrument will sound better. The main reason is that you don't have to press down as hard to note the strings clearly because your finger tip is not "spilling" over onto the fingerboard as much because the strings are held higher off of the board by the higher frets.

As for wider frets, the difference seems to me to be mostly in the feel and not so much sound.

[MikeB]

Thanks, Sunburst. #As usual, a thorough, well-thought out answer. #I keep waiting for a bill from you.... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I have to agree with you about any repairs improving sound. #In fact, when I replaced my bridge, for some reason this mandolin now stays in perfect tune nearly all the time. #I always figured that was a function of the tuners, which have not been changed (lately).