Fretwear so soon!

[Steverino]

I've already put very noticeable indentions into the frets on my Seagull after owning for approximately 6 months. I do gig with it, so it sees frequent use.

 

Since this is the first acoustic I've bought new, I was alarmed by how quickly they've appeared. Could a bad setup cause this?

 

 

 

[Queequeg]

what are you stringing it with?

Did you put electrics on it?

[Steverino]

 

Originally posted by Queequeg what are you stringing it with? Did you put electrics on it?

 

 

Mostly DR coated 11-52.

[Freeman Keller]

Is it just the first two strings or are the wound ones showing wear too? Do you use a capo a lot? Just certain frets or many?

 

There was a thread on the UMGF asking if Martin has switched to a different alloy for fret wire because people were seeing lots of wear in a year or two (6 months seems really short)

 

http://p082.ezboard.com/ftheunofficialmartinguitarforumfrm2.showMessage?topicID=10501.topic

 

Most source quote "18 percent nickel silver" (altho there really isn't any silver in it) as normal fretwire material - this should be fairly long lasting. Normally fretwear is considered "wear and tear" and is not covered by warranty.

 

Get good advice on what to do about it - I wouldn't rush right into recrowning them until you've talked to both Seagull and some good repair people. I have heard it said that a lot of imported guitars have their frets radically leveled at the factory, then recrowned - you might want to spend some time with calipers checking their heights before doing anything.

 

I see no reason why setup should have anything to do with it - "setup" usually means neck relief, properly cut nut slots, and proper action height for your playing.

[Steverino]

Let me say that the wear I see is not serious, it doesn't affect my playing at all. I can't think of any way to describe the depth of the wear without showing a pic, but you can feel them if you drag your nail across them.

 

I do use a capo quite often (mostly frets 2,3 and 4) and if IIRC, the wear seems to be most prevalent on the 1st and 2nd strings.

 

This may be normal. I have no prior experience to compare it to. I'm just a little surprised that I'm seeing any wear at all in just 6 months.

 

[Freeman Keller]

OK, I don't feel too bad now. It is normal for the first two strings to wear faster than the wound ones and normal to see more wear if you use a capo a lot. My humble suggestion would be to polish the crowns of the frets with some 600 or 800 emery cloth when you restring it - put masking tape or use a little eraser shield to protect the fretboard. Just try to clean up the little notch so it won't hook the string.

 

Now here is fret wear!

 

[Steverino]

Originally posted by Freeman Keller OK, I don't feel too bad now.

 

Neither do I:D

 

Thanks, I was a little worried.