For those (unlike me) who really play their guitars a lot, how's the fret wear ?

[docteurseb]

For those playing their guitars a lot, how's the fret wear looking ?
Asking because I'm tempted to go SS frets on a PS build, let's just say the fingerboard won't be the kind you'd really want to refret
On the other hand this could be very overkill given that 1) I don't play my guitars extensively, 2) rotate a lot, 3) recent PRS fretwire is supposed to be quite a bit harder than typical nickel frets

 

[bodia]

I’m like you. Don’t play excessively, and rotate a lot. I’ve had my share of PRS throughout the years, and only had one refretted. That was an ‘01 SC that I bought used. It was really cheap because the frets were roasted.

 

[RickP]

I only have one guitar that needs to be refretted, and I bought it in that condition. I'm not sure if it's because I don't play them too much, or because I don't practice enough.

I don't know if SS frets sound different, but it would seem to be a good add if they don't detract from the tone. I am told they feel very smooth.

 

[Ryan Tapley]

I have played this one almost exclusively for 10 years and there is very little wear. Mainly just small pitting where the string makes contact. I do use a really light touch though.
I would say the core model frets are quite good.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Br6SHMeaJUF7JMv8

 

[Black Plaid]

My '91 should probably get new frets, had it leveled twice, but I put a LOT of hours on it before giving up on being a professional musician.

Fortunately for me, I had a second passion, computers! Now I just have a buncha PRSi and don't worry about fret wear!

Few things though:

1. No such thing as overkill on a PS build.
2. SS has it's own thing going for it, so only get that if you like the sound/feel.
3. You shouldn't need to worry about the wear with the PRS frets and what it sounds like your usage pattern is.

 

[DISTORT6]

I have played this one almost exclusively for 10 years and there is very little wear. Mainly just small pitting where the string makes contact. I do use a really light touch though.
I would say the core model frets are quite good.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/5Br6SHMeaJUF7JMv8

DUDE! We need MORE PICS and words on that beauty.

 

[RickP]

DUDE! We need MORE PICS and words on that beauty.

That is a sweet Pod...

 

[Ryan Tapley]

DUDE! We need MORE PICS and words on that beauty.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/CHdYTTeZ9WxL5Bzb6

It was a custom 22 from 2006 that's been heavily modified over the years. The neck is reshaped to a comfy slight v up till about fret 7. The heel has been carved back to match the old 80s small heel.
The sharp edge on the body has been carved and rounded back. The entire top half of the back is a deep concave tummy cut. The old neck and past single coil pickup routes are filled with epoxy.

Chambered from the back using a hand held drill and then plugging the holes with dowel caps. Nice a light now

The 3 way switch is currently just a place holder but I might wire it up for stutters.

Seymour duncan phat cat p90 in the bridge for clarity but enough punch.
Two springs on the floating trem running 8 gauge strings
Sounds really good and plays amazing.

 

[Ryan Tapley]

That is a sweet Pod...

Ha! Yeah some of our shows have been requiring a really controlled stage sound.
I usually run a blues jr LTD tweed amp at most shows and we just mic everything.
The blackface setting on the old pods is totally passable for drunk people. And the set up is a breeze!

 

[RickP]

Ha! Yeah some of our shows have been requiring a really controlled stage sound.
I usually run a blues jr LTD tweed amp at most shows and we just mic everything.
The blackface setting on the old pods is totally passable for drunk people. And the set up is a breeze!

Just kidding, bro. I had to razz you a little. I’ve been using Axe FX gear for coming up on 10 years. I’ve got some killer amps, but rarely get to open them up except when just jamming with other players at home. Hard to beat the flexibility of digital gear these days.

I have thought about racking an HXDA with an Ox Box... maybe...

 

[Ryan Tapley]

Just kidding, bro. I had to razz you a little. I’ve been using Axe FX gear for coming up on 10 years. I’ve got some killer amps, but rarely get to open them up except when just jamming with other players at home. Hard to beat the flexibility of digital gear these days.

I have thought about racking an HXDA with an Ox Box... maybe...

The Axe FX and Kemper stuff out is amazing for sure and
the HXDA and Ox sound like a great match.

Someday I might invest in something more current but for now I like not having to worry about anything expensive on stage. I know that nobody is every eyeing the pod 2.0. It really should have its own pity tip jar. It stays on the board as a backup as well.

 

[docteurseb]

My '91 should probably get new frets, had it leveled twice, but I put a LOT of hours on it before giving up on being a professional musician.

Fortunately for me, I had a second passion, computers! Now I just have a buncha PRSi and don't worry about fret wear!

Few things though:

1. No such thing as overkill on a PS build.
2. SS has it's own thing going for it, so only get that if you like the sound/feel.
3. You shouldn't need to worry about the wear with the PRS frets and what it sounds like your usage pattern is.

Thanks. I do like SS frets and use them all the time on Warmoth/Musikraft necks; it's a fairly inexpensive option for their necks.
I don't perceive a sound difference, so if there's one it's not one I care about.
I do however.enjoy the extra slick feel when they are polished properly.

That's what I spec'd on the PS 594 I got earlier this week (the Graveyard-style one I posted). With the short scale however it's borderline too slick for me.String bending is so ridiculously easy that I'd consider using gauge 11 for the first time.

 

[Boogie]

After a bunch of gigging with my ‘01 CU24 - that I bought new - the frets are still in very good shape. Conversely, within a similar 20 years time, with my 79 Les Paul - also bought new - it had been refretted twice. The last time I used 6100s and they’ve withstood the last best of its 40+ year life. Not sure if it is me, but bigger frets last longer with me.

 

[DISTORT6]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/CHdYTTeZ9WxL5Bzb6

It was a custom 22 from 2006 that's been heavily modified over the years. The neck is reshaped to a comfy slight v up till about fret 7. The heel has been carved back to match the old 80s small heel.
The sharp edge on the body has been carved and rounded back. The entire top half of the back is a deep concave tummy cut. The old neck and past single coil pickup routes are filled with epoxy.

Chambered from the back using a hand held drill and then plugging the holes with dowel caps. Nice a light now

The 3 way switch is currently just a place holder but I might wire it up for stutters.

Seymour duncan phat cat p90 in the bridge for clarity but enough punch.
Two springs on the floating trem running 8 gauge strings
Sounds really good and plays amazing.

Thanks for posting the info and pics.
I’ve always been a fan of single pickup guitars after “cutting my teeth” with one back in the late 80’s.

 

[bodia]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/CHdYTTeZ9WxL5Bzb6

It was a custom 22 from 2006 that's been heavily modified over the years. The neck is reshaped to a comfy slight v up till about fret 7. The heel has been carved back to match the old 80s small heel.
The sharp edge on the body has been carved and rounded back. The entire top half of the back is a deep concave tummy cut. The old neck and past single coil pickup routes are filled with epoxy.

Chambered from the back using a hand held drill and then plugging the holes with dowel caps. Nice a light now

The 3 way switch is currently just a place holder but I might wire it up for stutters.

Seymour duncan phat cat p90 in the bridge for clarity but enough punch.
Two springs on the floating trem running 8 gauge strings
Sounds really good and plays amazing.

Owner!

 

[dogrocketp]

Like my cohorts, only one has worn frets, and I bought it that way. They were recrowned, and I'm happy. When the time comes, it'll be stainless. That's all my luthier does.

 

[Mike Duncan]

Just got my '08 refretted by the PTC. I play it almost daily and pretty much exclusively.

 

[garrettb]

I play a fair amount, but not all that much compared to the pros. I have a light touch and rotate plenty.

I will go for stainless every time it's an option. I have four guitars with stainless now (two of those refrets) and I see, hear, and feel no downsides.

 

[Ryan Tapley]

Just got my '08 refretted by the PTC. I play it almost daily and pretty much exclusively.

Rad! What did they quote you for that?

 

[alantig]

Just got my '08 refretted by the PTC. I play it almost daily and pretty much exclusively.

Uh, I hate to tell you this, but that’s chalk, not frets.