Dunlop 6000 Frets

[JohnBlood10]

Hey, guys. I'm looking at refretting my MIM Strat in the next month or so, and I recently stumbled across a couple of interviews/gear lists that made me think about trying these frets. The dimensions are (IIRC) .058" (height), .118" (width), so they're pretty huge. Allan Holdsworth uses them, as does Jimmy Herring. I also believe Larry Carlton and Shawn Lane both used them at some point.

The thing is, I'm coming from medium frets (around .100" by .038") and consequently, my touch is on the heavier side. I'm not sure how they'll impact things; do any of y'all use these? If so, was it difficult to make the adjustment? They seem to have a lot of intriguing advantages. By the way, here's the interview where Jimmy Herring talks about this fret wire:

Abstract Logix - Interview - Jimmy Herring?s Tackle Box

[jmstritt]

Usually the people that use frets that big are the guys that are trying to be heavy metal players and want the feel of a scalloped fretboard without having to actually scallop the fretboard. This would be a definite try before you buy situation.

Alternatively they is a 6100 that is slightly smaller which I would call like a "Gibson Jumbo" fret wire. The fret wire that I prefer is the 6105 which is the same height as the 6100 but is more narrow. Everybody has their preferences, it just comes down to what you like. Keep in mind a lot of it is going to come down to your touch, the size of your hands, etc.

[cosmic gumbo]

For what it's worth, if you are paying someone else to refret your neck, buying a new Fender licensed neck with new frets is way cheaper than a proper refret.

[seanlowe]

that might have been true 20 years ago or something but definitely not atm. (the cost thing.)

I really like jumbo frets - just because metal players use them doesnt mean theyre just for stuff like that; a lighter touch is good for chops, strain on your hands, dynamics in your playing etc etc.

Doesnt take long to get used to them, give it a week and youll not want to change back, and even when you first start using them theres only a little bit of out of tune stuff going on.

One thing that can make a difference with them is if a guitar has a particularly fat neck profile-wise, it adds a small but noticeable change. Feels a tad more meaty. Shouldnt be noticeable on a normal strat, but if its boatnecked or something bear it in mind.

[cosmic gumbo]

Originally Posted by seanlowe

that might have been true 20 years ago or something but definitely not atm. (the cost thing.)

Are you talking a new neck vs a refret job? Where can you get a complete refret for $100?

[seanlowe]

unless its a vintage fender with the frets that slide out sideways, ripping up slots if done wrong, or some 5" radius bound vintage, full fretjobs are usually around £80 here. Decent neck (not just some horrible scabby thing that happens to fit) gonna be £150 minimum. Honestly wouldnt consider using a $100 neck on anything, theres got to be a reason its being made that cheaply.

[JohnBlood10]

Well guys, I took the plunge and brought my guitar into the shop the other day. The total cost, including replacing the nut, looks like it will be around $400. More than I planned on spending, but I hadn't taken the nut into consideration.

@jmstritt:
From the info I gathered online, the 6000's are popular with the 7-string alternative metal crowd, but several fusion guys are enthusiastically devoted to them (and I believe SRV used them, which is not surprising). I did have a chance to play a Tele with 6000's that this particular luthier had in the shop, and playing it immediately sold me on the fret job.

[RuffRider]

Check out "Warmoth" guitar parts. They make good stuff. And right now they have Strat necks on sale for $273 - and you can choose the fret size that you prefer. You also get to choose the nut. They have necks at various prices depending on which woods you choose.
Warmoth Custom Guitar Parts - Custom bass and guitar bodies and necks