Bass Fret Wire Options
Warmoth offers a range of fret sizes and materials to suit every player. Use the information below to determine the fret wire that works best for you.
Fret Sizes and Shapes Compared
- The dimensions posted for each fretwire are the most accurate indication of size. The Dunlop numbers added in parenthesis are an approximate reference point only.
- The actual dimensions of the fretwire we receive may vary slightly from batch to batch.
- Medium Jumbo Narrow (6105) and Medium Jumbo Wide (6150) are our two most popular fretwire sizes.
Sizes & Availability
Vintage Small (6230)
This is the smallest fretwire Warmoth offers, similar in feel to that found on Vintage Fender® necks.
| Materials | Nickel/Silver | Stainless Steel | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | |||
| Number | 6230 | SS6230 | |
| Width x Height | .080" X .037" | .080" X .037" |
Vintage Wide (6130)
This fretwire has a low, wide profile, similar to that found on many vintage Gibson® necks.
| Materials | Nickel/Silver | Stainless Steel | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | |||
| Number | 6130 | ||
| Width x Height | .106" X .036" |
Medium Jumbo Narrow (6105)
This tall, narrow fretwire is a very popular choice among contemporary guitarists.
| Materials | Nickel/Silver | Stainless Steel | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | |||
| Number | 6105 | SS6105 | |
| Width x Height | .095" X .047" | .095" X .047" |
Medium Jumbo Wide (6150)
This tall, wide fretwire is similar in feel to that found on modern Fender® necks.
| Materials | Nickel/Silver | Stainless Steel | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | |||
| Number | 6150 | SS6150 | GD6150 |
| Width x Height | .104" X .047" | .104" X .047" | .104" X .047" |
Medium Jumbo Peaked (6115)
This fretwire is slightly peaked at the crown, for precise intonation and a fast feel.
| Materials | Nickel/Silver | Stainless Steel | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | |||
| Number | SS6115 | ||
| Width x Height | .108" x .051" |
Super Jumbo (6100)
This is a very large wire, with an almost scalloped feel similar to that found on many Ibanez® necks.
| Materials | Nickel/Silver | Stainless Steel | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | |||
| Number | 6100 | SS6100 | GD6100 |
| Width x Height | .118" X .058" | .118" X .058" | .118" X .058" |
Fretwire Material Info
Warmoth offers three materials of fretwire. The same fret leveling and dress techniques can be used on all three materials, though Stainless Steel and Gold will take longer.
Nickel/Silver
This is our standard fret wire, similar to that used on modern Fender® instruments. It polishes up well, and plays and sounds fantastic. It is drawn from 18% hard nickel/silver, and rated at HV 170 on the Vickers hardness scale.
Stainless Steel
This is our premium fret wire. Stainless Steel frets feel faster and smoother than Nickel/Silver, and also last much longer before fret work is needed. There is no discernable difference in tone. This top-quality, German-made Jescar fretwire is rated at HV 300 (+/-20) on the Vickers hardness scale.
Gold
Our Gold fretwire is almost as hard as Stainless Steel, and offers the same fast, smooth feel. The gold color is solid throughout, so it will never look worn or turn brassy. This top-quality, German-made Jescar EVO wire is rated at HV 250 (+/-20) on the Vickers hardness scale.
Our Gold fret wire is EVO hypo-allergenic, for those with allergies to nickel.
Fretless Bass Options
Fretless
- Fretless necks have no face position markers and the side positions markers fall at the fret positions.
- Available at no extra charge
Lined Fretless
- These lines are contrasting wood veneer, glued into the fret slots. They measure .030"(1mm) wide.
- Face dots are standard, but if you prefer no face position markers, please specify "no face dots".
- Side dots fall between the lines as they would on a fretted neck.
Fret Installation
Warmoth glues and presses the frets into place, resulting in a very stable and durable fret job.
Gluing fret slots
Pressing frets into place
We then back-bevel the fret ends to about 30°, and polish them to a smooth finish. We can also leave the ends square and unfinished if you request it.
Snipping fret ends
Fret ends are back-beveled 30° degrees
Warmoth does not perform fret leveling. Most Warmoth necks are playable as they are received and do not require fret leveling. However, because wood moves with changes in temperature, humidity and string tension fret leveling may be required. This is best done after the neck has been strung up to pitch for several days and allowed to adjust in the assembled state. For this reason, Warmoth leaves this fine tuning to the end user.
On necks with bound fretboards, the binding is installed before the frets. The fret ends extend over the binding all the way to the edge of the fretboard. This results in the widest, smoothest playing surface possible. It also makes fret maintenance easier and less expensive.
On finished necks with Maple fretboards, the finish is sprayed directly over the frets. This finish will wear off quickly with use, or it can be scraped off quite easily. A fret leveling operation will also take it off.