Differences in Music Man Fret sizes - reflex vs… ?

[dustpandave]

Hi everyone

I need some help with the differing fret sizes, to help me choose a new guitar… I have a Dark Lord that I’m wanting to sell - I find the frets a little too ‘jumbo’ for me - they are listed as “medium jumbo” - then I’m interested in a reflex - which says “Medium - High profile’

‘website seems to list these:

High Profile, Wide : JP models, Steve Morse models

Low Profile, Wide : Luke

High Profile, Medium Width: Albert Lee, Axis (and ASS), Silhouette (regular, Special, Gold Roller and Bass), 25th anniversary

im wanting something that fits in between the wide/ jumbo frets of the Dark Lord, and the rather small ‘medium’ frets of my Axis Sport.

reviews Say that the reflex is slightly bigger frets and neck than the axis, which sounds perfect but I can’t find any data to support this… I am unable to try out any models due to my location …

 

[beej]

I'm familiar with 3 sizes of MM fret wire - I'm assuming they match up. (Apologies if I'm getting this wrong.)

"Low Profile, Wide" (on the Luke models) is 0.039" H x 0.100" W

"High Profile, Medium Width" is 0.047" H x 0.095" W

"High profile, Wide" is 0.047" H x 0.104″ W

To my knowledge, the Medium Width frets have typically been used on most EBMM guitars. Note that High Profile Wide is also the size of the bass fretwire.

I've had guitars with all 3. The low profile ones are noticeable (I always get those changed out), but personally I don't find much a difference between the 0.095" W and 0.104" W ones.

 

[dustpandave]

I think I am getting confused between the width of the frets (distance between 2 frets) and the actual specs of the fret wire

I am not so concerned about the wire, more the width between frets

 

[beej]

The scale length (distance from nut to bridge) on most of the MM guitars (the ones you've mentioned at least) is 25 1/2", so the frets are all going to be about the same distance apart.

Various EBMM necks feel different because they're wider or deeper, not because they're longer or shorter. (With a few exceptions- the Kaizen, for example is multi-scale, the Armada had a shorter scale, the baritone models have a different scale, etc.)

 

[dustpandave]

interesting, thanks.... makes sense

 

[Rbg]

I'm familiar with 3 sizes of MM fret wire - I'm assuming they match up. (Apologies if I'm getting this wrong.)

"Low Profile, Wide" (on the Luke models) is 0.039" H x 0.100" W

"High Profile, Medium Width" is 0.047" H x 0.095" W

"High profile, Wide" is 0.047" H x 0.104″ W

To my knowledge, the Medium Width frets have typically been used on most EBMM guitars. Note that High Profile Wide is also the size of the bass fretwire.

I've had guitars with all 3. The low profile ones are noticeable (I always get those changed out), but personally I don't find much a difference between the 0.095" W and 0.104" W ones.

So JPs are only 0.047x0.104, wow I thought they would be something bigger. Is majesty the same?

 

[beej]

I think anything labeled "High Profile, Wide" would be the 0.047x0.104 size. So that includes the JP line.

The Majesties are listed as having "Medium Jumbo" though ... so I'm guessing that's a larger size.

 

[dean701]

the Axis and Axis SS use Jescar 47095.



Here's the 47104 dimensions



courtesy of JESCAR Music - Fret Wire Specifications

I would confirm with Music man support on what you currently use/have installed and ferGodsakes, if you do a re-fret make sure you choose someone reputable. Re-frets are no joke and I've seen a few fingerboards destroyed by techs yanking frets, stripping wood. Bottom line, they break it, they owe you a replacement.

I would stay away from low profile frets even if you like the feel. They can only take a few fret levels and they are done. Stay with 47 or higher so you have more time with them. Just my opinion.

 

[beej]

Ok, update on the Majesty frets- the "Medium Jumbo" size is 0.051" H x 0.108" W

 

[dean701]