Snakeskin DeMartini... Stainless frets?

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

So, I've seen the DeMarti snakeskin guitar listed as having stainless frets a couple of places. That's very cool (I like them, no wear!) but the official PDF from Charvel doesn't list this as a feature (I think it just says "22 jumbo frets.")

Is this something spec'd on all of the DeMartini signatures, or just the snakeskin one?

:think:

[Bionic]

This is something that is on later production Warren DeMartini Snakeskin sig models. The first ones have normal Jumbo Frets. The change was made to all new Snakes.

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Thanks Mike! I've been really considering one (always loved Warren's snakeskin guitar) and that's just the icing on the cake... Or, icing on the snake. :think:

[Bionic]

be sure to ask them to verify the frets before you buy it...if indeed you are wanting the Stainless version.

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Oh absolutely, I don't understand why more manufacturers don't do SS frets (other than slightly more labor cost for the initial install/dress - which I'm totally willing to pay for) and I'm very happy to see Charvel doing this!

Any idea what S/N or date that started at? I probably won't be getting one before next year but I would hate to pick up an old stock and find out it had nickle frets.

No removing the neck for truss rod adjustments... Stainless frets... That's good stuff man.

[chrisolson]

Any idea what S/N or date that started at?

Yes...inquiring minds want to know! I think mine are nickel.

[6string40]

When looking at a guitar, how does one tell if the frets are stainless or nickel?

And to answer your question Jazzy, I *think* stainless are a bit more difficult to work with for some reason. EDIT...nevermind, I think you answered your own question!

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Yep... They're harder to install/dress (because they're harder) but you only have to do it once.

Outside of some specialized measurement or something, I really don't know how to tell other than to play it and do a lot of vibrato on the wound strings and see that they don't get scratches/grooves cut into them.

Even the 61GD frets I get from Warmoth (which aren't quite as hard as real stainless) don't show ANY wear at all after a year or so of heavy-handed playing.

[Predator1]

I've read that they brighten the tone. Can anybody confirm this?

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

"They" say that they do. "They" say that s-bend saddles are the best, and a Floyd sounds thin, and you need to use chrome-plated screws for your pickguard or your toenz will leak out.

Seriously, I have not compared the exact same guitar with and without SS frets but I have not noticed a detrimental affect on the tone, however I do like a pretty bright tone.

[Grandturk]

What exactly do you need stainless steel frets for, Jazzy? What are you doing to your guitars that might "stain" them???

Hmm?

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Well, you know... Sometimes you hit "that note."

:ROTF:

[Grandturk]

A "brown" note?

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

"You got it, dude!"

[Soap]

Brighter?
My ear never noticed it.

What did I notice?
The bends, bending and vibrato are easier.
Theoretically I have no answer as to why or how this is possible.
I only know based on my personal experience.
SS frets bending notes and vibrato is easier/smoother.