SE Frets vs other manufacturers?

[starscream67]

Hi All,

Probably a stupid question...

Why are the PRS SE frets so good? I have a MIM Fender Telecaster and the frets hurt the side of my index finger when playing for long periods. What is missing on my Fender that PRS do? Can it be corrected? If so is it expensive (UK £)?

Thanks.

 

[charliefrench]

The frets on my SE Standard 24 are particularly good. Wear well and installed beautifully.

Unless the tele frets are in real bad shape then I suggest that you examine your playing position. I think that many of us would suffer some discomfort during protracted playing sessions on any guitar. If you are considering a refret then yes it will be expensive wherever you are. It could be they just need leveling and recrowning?

 

[Boogie]

Why are the PRS SE frets so good?

A darned good fret job at the factory. And darned good product development mating the right fret wire. Basically, because it's a PRS.

 

[dogrocketp]

Keep in mind that the radius of the fingerboard may also be part of the problem. I had a drop dead beautiful D`Aquisto guitar years ago. It was the most beautiful arch top I have ever seen. It used to kill my hands when I did a 3 set gig. A friend asked me to play it at her wedding, so I kept it long enough to do that. Then it got sold. Also I find PRS guitars to be an ergonomic marvel. They just fall at the proper angle whether I`m sitting or standing. No hand strain, or arm strain. Then there`s the frets.........

 

[sergiodeblanc]

I believe there's like, two or three companies that make all the fret wire in the world, isn't there?

 

[garrettb]

The ends of the frets on the MIM probably weren't finished to the same caliber as the PRS.

Do you feel the ends of the frets when you run your finger up and down the side of the fretboard? Could be that it was dressed in an overly humid environment or the the board wasn't done drying yet. If the wood dries afterwards, it shrinks a tiny bit and can make the ends stick out.

Or it could be that the ends weren't crowned as well as on the PRS. If they're not rounded over smoothly, I could see that bothering the index finger.

 

[starscream67]

Thanks, that could well be it, I'll have a close look when I get a chance.