What size frets for 1928 A1

[sshellnutt]

I have a1928 Gibson A1 which is in need of a
Refret. My luthier says that the original size fret wire is no longer available. I am looking for suggestions on what size frets you folks would recommend.

[rcc56]

I have had consistently good results with Stew-mac #147, which has a crown width of .080" and a crown height of .040".
It is pretty similar to the wire Collings currently uses.

It is noticeably larger than '20's Gibson wire, so it will have a different look. The increase in height will make the mandolin much easier to play. This is the wire I have used on Peter Ostroushko's and Norman Blake's mandolins.

If you want a wire with a more traditional look, the Stew-mac #764 is a good choice, with a crown of .053" x .037".

[kurth83]

I second the .50x.78 size (also available as Jescar 50078).

It's what I use when refretting to get taller frets.

Taller frets are easier to play for me too.

I got one out right now getting that wire put on.

[pops1]

I have also used the #147 and like that wire a lot, it's not too big, and still small enough to not look out of place. Since like the smaller wire it works for me quite well.

[sshellnutt]

Good morning and thanks for the replies. I am leaning towards the #147 for playability reasons. While the mandolin is in beautiful shape she always be a player due to a replaced bridge and frets so I am not worried about the cosmetics of larger frets.

[Folkmusician.com]

Just watch the fret tang, The slots may need to be widened for #147

[rcc56]

The slots will probably have to be widened for any modern wire that I am familiar with this.
If your repairman is competent, he will know this, and know how to do it correctly.
It's a routine operation for an experienced repair person.

[Folkmusician.com]

If your repairman is competent, he will know this, and know how to do it correctly.
It's a routine operation for an experienced repair person.

I have seen a lot of terrible refrets from repair people that have been at it for decades, so I am not sure that experienced = competent.

[rcc56]

There are incompetents in every line of work. When in doubt about a person's ability, ask to see a sample of his work.

[mandroid]

Portland (Oregon) Fret Works leveled the fingerboard and refretted my 1922 A4..

the recommendations were well founded, not cheap, but good.