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Post subject: Fret Size
Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 7:28 pm
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I'm new to this so be patient with me please. I've been playing guitar for over 50 years now. Okay I'm an old guy. Had my first Strat in 1964. Had the great pleasure of a factory tour last week while on "business" in California. All I can say is "Take the Tour" it is amazing. Anyway, I want to buy a Telecaster and I'm reading about different sized frets. Can someone bring me up to speed on Vintage Frets? I've got big old arthritic hands. Any advice other than go away? Just kidding. Thanks
Good Tyme Charlie


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Post subject: Re: Fret Size
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 12:25 am
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Vintage frets are very small. My old fingers can't bar on them. Kept me from buying a Clapton strat. Have fun. :D


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Post subject: Re: Fret Size
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 12:36 am
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It's (at least) a two way street...
Your arthritic hands may grip the neck with spasmic force - in which case small frets (& 7.25" radius, & heavy gauge strings) are just fine.
But, if you want to master the ancient art of crane feather touch, choose bigger frets, flatter radius, lighter strings.

Of course, there's a lot moore to choosing a Tele than those above. But it's a start - and maybe better that "I want a black Tele!" :mrgreen:


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Post subject: Re: Fret Size
Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2015 6:05 pm
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Thanks for the help jmattis and GTG.


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Post subject: Re: Fret Size
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 6:52 am
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Charlie,
Bear in mind that the smaller vintage fret wire is often coupled with the vintage spec 7.25" radius neck.
For many, the more pronounced curvature is significant.
Cheers, and have fun choosing....

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Post subject: Re: Fret Size
Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 12:48 pm
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There is no way around the fact you’re going to have to go out and play a couple of guitars for yourself and see which fret size you prefer; or if fret size even matters to you. I have what is probably the beginning of arthritis setting into my left hand, and for me a 7.25” radius with vintage frets is by far the easiest and most comfortable to play.


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Post subject: Re: Fret Size
Posted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 7:18 am
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Jumbo frets make it easier to bends, give less fret noise, and they wear down slower.
TANSTAAFL, and the drawbacks include slightly reduced sustain because the angle of break is less sharp, less room for big fingers on high frets, and it's harder to do up/down vibrato.
As others have said, it's a personal preference, and there's no one size fits all.


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Post subject: Re: Fret Size
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 3:13 pm
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Thanks everybody! How did I ever play guitar for all these years and not know all this great stuff? I wish I would have come aboard long ago.
Keep your powder dry,
Charlie


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