How to find the right Acoustic & Classical Guitar Frets AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Acoustic & Classical Guitar Frets
- Tang fit
- Match tang width and depth to the existing fret slots; the barbs need to grip without splitting the slot. A tang that is too narrow lifts out, and one that is too wide can back-bow the neck.
- Crown size
- Choose crown width and height by feel. Acoustics usually use small to medium wire, and very tall jumbo wire is uncommon. Taller wire changes playing feel and intonation pressure, and it leaves more room to level later.
- Alloy
- Nickel-silver is standard. Stainless steel or gold-colored EVO-type alloys last much longer but are harder to work. Stainless needs harder files and tools and wears tools faster during installation and leveling.
- Fingerboard radius
- Pre-bend wire to slightly tighter than the board radius. Classical boards are often flat, so straight lengths work there. Wire that is under-bent springs up at the ends.
Brands that matter
- Jescar: Nickel-silver, stainless and EVO fretwire in many profiles.
- Dunlop: Long-established fretwire sizes used by many repair shops.
- StewMac: Fretwire plus the files, crowning and pressing tools you need.
What to avoid
- Buying wire without checking tang dimensions against your slots
- Stainless wire for a first refret without proper tools
Questions
Can I refret an acoustic myself?
It is possible with fret-pulling, pressing, leveling and crowning tools, but most players get a better result from a luthier.