so, I'm restringing my Stringray, and...

[StevieStingray]

...as I'm cleaning the fretboard after taking off the old strings, I notice some damage on the fretboard.

The 1st 3 frets for E & A strings (4-stringer) have noticeable grooves in the fretboard!

The grooves are clearly made by the windings of the strings (I've used nickel roundwounds and stainless steel in the past), but is this an indication that the neck\nut\etc needs adjusting?

thx...

 

[mynan]

It means you have really strong fingers...

It's easier to press the strings into the fretboard between the first few frets because there is more space between them. I don't think it means you need to adjust anything. If it bothers you, you might try heavier-gauge strings or just work on using a lighter touch with your fretting hand.

 

[TheAntMan]

Also, play on the the fret and not between them. This should also help.

-- Ant

 

[StevieStingray]

ok, thanks

i was concerned if the string *type* factors in at all, because I was *about* to put on another set of stainless steels, and I recall a sales clerk telling me (on a previous purchase) "they're gonna chew up your fretboard". I thought nothing of it ...until now

as long as it isn't an indication that something's out of adjustment, I don't mind. I just want to make sure I'm not doing anything (other than playing hard) to contribute to it

thanks again

 

[martin shane]

I don't think string type would have anything to do with it...but +1 on playing just behind the fret instead of in the middle of the fret, this will help more than anything ....

 

[bovinehost]

I don't think string type would have anything to do with it...

Well - I'd say string type WOULD have something to do with how much wear the fret sustains. Softer metals - nickel, as an example - would be less abrasive than, say, steel. Rounds will wear frets and boards faster than flats.

I just want to make sure I'm not doing anything (other than playing hard) to contribute to it

Fretwear happens. That's just the reality of the situation. You aren't doing anything in particular, I'd think, other than (a) using steel rounds and (b) playing hard, both of which will accelerate the process, but it's going to happen.

Also, play on the the fret and not between them.

This doesn't make any sense to me.

 

[TheAntMan]

I believe playing just behind/on the fret lets the fret take the brunt of the string pressure instead of pushing the windings into the fretboard. The fret will still wear but should help lessen "chewing" into fretboard. At least that was what was explained to me by an instructor. If this is wrong, I apologize.

-- Ant

 

[silverburst]

All I have to say is congrats on getting to play your bass so much! It sounds like the way you are playing is comforatable to you, and if it works don't change anything.

 

[five7]

Bummer!

 

[Hellboy]

I believe playing just behind/on the fret lets the fret take the brunt of the string pressure instead of pushing the windings into the fretboard. The fret will still wear but should help lessen "chewing" into fretboard. At least that was what was explained to me by an instructor. If this is wrong, I apologize.

-- Ant

I agree fully. No need to apologize. You also get a better tone with less fret buzz of you finger the string slightly behind the fret instead of in the middle between the frets. And much less force is needed so it will be easier on your hand too. I play alot of fretless and it´s a good thing to fret a fretted bass similar to a fretless. And that is on, or slightly behind, the frets.

Sincerely//Jan

 

[the unrepentant]

Also, play on the the fret and not between them. This should also help.

-- Ant

I kind of agree, play closer to the frets themselves, not ON the frets, because you'll get a load of fret buzz or mute the string, but playing too far back can cause buzz etc too.

 

[maddog]

Fretboard wear isn't much to worry about if you got a fretted bass.

 

[Randy]

I have the same problem, bro...
I've realized that stells "chew" your fretboard much more than nikels. My playing style is very agressive, so I'm trying to play a little less harder. It helps a lot!

 

[Aussie Mark]

Metal > wood

 

[strummer]

Well - I'd say string type WOULD have something to do with how much wear the fret sustains. Softer metals - nickel, as an example - would be less abrasive than, say, steel. Rounds will wear frets and boards faster than flats.



Fretwear happens. That's just the reality of the situation. You aren't doing anything in particular, I'd think, other than (a) using steel rounds and (b) playing hard, both of which will accelerate the process, but it's going to happen.



This doesn't make any sense to me.

Boss, the talk is about fretBOARD wear, giddit;-)
the I love you too

 

[ausf]

I don't think the strings need to (or should) contact the fingerboard on a fretted instrument. At the same token, I don't think it matters, except for asthetics.

If it bothers you, lighten up or finger closer to the fret. If it doesn't bother you, it's only going to wear to a certain point then the string won't flex any lower.

 

[Freddels]

Is there fret wear? If not, I wouldn't worry about it. It's called mojo!!