New frets on my 4001

jack · Post by **jack** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 2:45 pm

I recently acquired a 1973 4001. It was so well played that even the last fret was badly worn, so I plan to completely refret it. I usualy use Pyramid flatwounds and was thinking of refreting it with wider jumbo fretwire. What do you think?

jack · Post by **jack** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 4:06 am

Wow! No reply, I can't believe it. Isn't there anyone out there that has played one of those old Gibson basses with the wide low frets or any of the classic modern basses like Alembic or Pedula with jumbo frets? I'm wondering if there is an advantage to small frets buried in finish? True smaller (medium width) fret wire comes in a large assortment of tang widths and those old 4001 necks with the not always perfect truss rods, can be helped back by using fret wire with oversize tang widths. True also is the fact that smaller frets note more accuratly and can intonate better when fret wear occurs, compared to wider wire. On the other hand, wider taller fret wire, elevates your fingers off the fingerboard so there is less drag on the board, which should allow one to play faster and with less effort. Jumbo frets also last longer, which means fewer fret jobs. Whats your opinion? I would realy like to know.

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 4:17 am

Jack: Is there a problem with your truss rods or is there a neck issue with your bass. Assuming not, I would use the same fret wire as was on the instrument originally. As you are using Pyramid Flatwounds, the wear factor should not be a major issue. While there is nothing wrong with experimenting, if your 1973 4001 is sound, I would be inclined to leave it alone.

jack · Post by **jack** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 8:34 am

Peter,thanks for the reply. The truss rods are fine and the neck seems OK. I agree, with flatwound strings, Fret wear should not be an issue. Had the original owner of this bass used flatwounds, I would not have to completely refret the instrument. In all my years of repairing instruments, I have never seen such severe fret wear, especially on a bass. Not only are the frets and fingerboard worn, but even the inlays are worn through very deep! I figure it must be a great bass for someone to play it so much, but maybe a great bass can't be made any better going to bigger frets.

big_g · Post by **big_g** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 9:46 am

One of the reasons that I've heard from the players that like small frets is that there is a more precise focus point between the harmonic and fretted note, if this is the truth, I can't say.

I've got basses with both, I find them so close as to not make a great difference. I suppose which ever feels best under your fingers. I wouldn't pay extra for larger frets, if they were more expensive.

jack · Post by **jack** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 12:59 pm

Thanks Big g. That makes sense that the smaller frets are more precise. Do any of your basses have flatwound strings?