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Common fret wire size for classical guitars
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=21704		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Ricardo [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 1:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Common fret wire size for classical guitars
Is there a common or standard fret wire size for classical guitars? I see that LMII sells a "nylon string" fret wire that is slightly wider and higher than the Gold EVO wire that I like to use. What makes it a "nylon string" wire. It has a lower nickel content (12% vs 18%) which makes it softer. idunno
Author:  Mike Collins [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Common fret wire size for classical guitars
Ricardo;
I find height to be very important because nylon strings can be easily
pressed out of tune if the wire is to high.
I use a.050 height wire that I level & recrown -they come out around
.043-5 high.
this helps me make a buzz free neck ;plus there is enough fret left for a future grind & polish.
I've tried lower wire-.043 to start;but players would say they were touching the f.b.wood and it felt & sounded NOT to their liking .

Just my 2 cents

Mike
Author:  Peter J [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 4:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Common fret wire size for classical guitars
What Mike said. Lately I've been using the LMI FWG110 gold, hi-crown (.057") larger fretwire and I really like it. It allows lots of room for levelling both now and in the future. The gold really is a nice touch and matches well with brass and gold tuner plates.

The feedback that I'm getting from some players is that it offers better barre results without a lot of effort and if you practice or play a gig for a few hours this is substantial. YMMV....
Author:  Jim Kirby [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 4:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Common fret wire size for classical guitars
There is a lot of player preference involved. I've mainly used the Stew-Mac 0148 medium wide by medium high, and I've had people say they've found it both too low and too high. If you know the buyer in advance, I think that is a question for them.
Author:  George Thomas [ Sun Mar 29, 2009 10:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Common fret wire size for classical guitars
I have had a number of players test my classicals and they were all happy with the fret size. I use Stewmac #149 as do the other classical builders I know. This is what they recommended unless a customer wanted something specific and they have been doing this a lot longer than I have. I would go with the harder (18%) fretwire.
Author:  Mike Collins [ Mon Mar 30, 2009 2:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Common fret wire size for classical guitars
What are the specs on wire #149?

Mike
Author:  WaddyThomson [ Mon Mar 30, 2009 3:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Common fret wire size for classical guitars
149 is one of the wide wire series. (.103" wide x .046" crown height)

I used 155 which is a medium fret a little narrower and .050" tall.
Author:  Mike Collins [ Mon Mar 30, 2009 3:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Common fret wire size for classical guitars
#155 is great wire!
I use it for everything !!!
#149 s(.103) width is a bit wide for me .
Thanks Waddy .

I just refretted a Spanish made Flamenco that cost $4000. in Spain
I used the 155 wire and the owner was beside himself because he could play the guitar without smashing his nails into the f.b. !!
The guitar came with wire .038 high !!
We all do things differently !!


Mike
Author:  Alexandru Marian [ Mon Mar 30, 2009 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Common fret wire size for classical guitars
Recently I've settled on LMI's FW74, 18%, 0.043 with 0.080". It doesn't match the SM versions.
Author:  Ricardo [ Mon Mar 30, 2009 8:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Common fret wire size for classical guitars
Alexandru, I've used FWG74 EVO on my steel string - looks real nice so I'll probably use it on my classical.
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