Rules of Tone - Frets

[@GrunthosTFlatulent]

I could listen to Paul talk about guitar building all day long. There is a passion there that is not faux. He doesn’t talk like a salesman but as a connoisseur. Sure he’s a businessman and a very successful one at that but above all he comes across as loving every guitar that bears his name.

[@JHKNVY02]

How absolutely great is it that Paul himself did videos on design and maintenance. Hard to believe there is another corporate leader with the same level of passion. True professional.

[@aidanlarose6901]

I love how dedicated Paul is. He demands nothing less than perfection and that’s exactly why his company is as successful as it is.

[@Sixxiron]

20+ years ago I worked for Guitar Center and had the opportunity to drive PRS from the airport to one of our stores. The guy is a straight genius, and a few of the things he shared with me defined what great tone is made from. Amazing to see his well-deserved success over the years!

[@Deathrape2001]

All he did was copy the Gibson Les paul Jr. Special Double Cutaway guitar & make it look nicer with a fancier top & finish, & then he moved the top horn out toward the head & added the 'Midieval' points & angles on it. There's not much new besides his doing something somewhere between Fender & Gib$on in body shape & features. He also bought infinite tons of magazine ads. If U want a great guitar, get an Asian SG knockoff like a PRS viper or something. They're like $200 on Ebay & sound better than N E PRS except the PRS SE Santana P-90 model, which is about the same.

[@ATthemusician]

Deathrape2001 you've probably never even played a PRS. You're talking out of your ass.

[@Omardottcom]

lol

[@ramencurry6672]

@@Deathrape2001You’re probably right and there is some element of BS. However PRS guitars are still nice overall.

[@Deathrape2001]

​@@ramencurry6672 iNever said PRS guitars were not 'nice' (looking) or whatever, but they R an extreme ripoff, & all his 'rules of tone' R a bull$hit $cam, because if he cared about tone he would not use maple in N E thing, because maple sounds like $hit compared 2 mahogany 4 guitar, etc. = nasal & flat. Ebony is also krap = clacky & jagged. N E random all mahogany set neck guitar of any brand sounds better than N E PRS ever made if U simply put alnico II pickup magnets in it & fiddle with the EQ a bit, assuming the pickups R not so over-wound they remove all the highs. U will notice if U check even the basic KZbin demos that the Asian PRS tend 2 sound better than the American equivalents, because using softer frets & stuff =)) If U R going 2 use steel frets or similar, U need nylon saddles 2 even it out. He only uses Maple because it 'looks' expensive & fancy. It is not 4 sound.

[@vincewood657]

I've been doing repairs in my shop for the last eight years and you cannot imagine the number of fret levelling I've done on crappy guitars, this is litterally my bread and butter. Thank you for the video Paul

[@kensimmons3356]

I purchased a 2020 CE 24 about a month ago. Excellent quality and workmanship. I wanted a PRS for a long time and finally found the one for me. Worth every cent I paid for it.

[@prsguitars]

I like the sound and our deep experience and results with our stuff. Too hard and it can sound bad. Glass frets sound bad (I've heard them!). - Paul

[@AlienSexGod]

Sorry Paul but the truth is SS has more tone and detail in the midrange than Jescar nickel as well as more bell like in harmonics. Easier to bend and vibrato as the fret is now much harder than the string. Warmoth proved it when they cut two necks from the same slab of maple. Fitted one with Jescar nickel and the other with SS installed on the SAME guitar player amp mic etc and made an AB comparison. Listen with Studio headphones or monitors. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m33WpZmLhJ6CkJo

[@therollband1290]

The people loudest about stainless frets are usually the people playing high gain digital modeling effects and think the steel is helping their tone. “Stainless sounds better man!” How can you tell? Your guitar sounds like a computer. Hah!

[@thekrevolution]

​ @The Roll Band Agreed There are too many variables to be able to compare these reliably on a frequency graph, some variables cant be taken out of such comparisons so they may influence the result. Also, I think its more about what you can actually hear and feel while you're playing. Dont worry how they might look on a frequency chart, you can make up for any percieved tonal difference by playing with the amp settings. And even if you dont want to play with the amp settings, your sound guy/mixer/producer will play with the tone when you're recording music or playing live.

[@grooveitman929]

I have 4 PRS guitars. All of them stay in tune much better than any of the other brands I own, no matter how hard I play them. I have never broken a string on a PRS guitar. I´ve never had a bad pot or jack in any of them, the craftmanship and playability are spot on. After many years of struggling with Gibsons and Fenders for one reason or another, the 10 inch radius and 25 inch scale in mahogany necks with rosewood fingerboards have been the perfect combination for me. Of all the guitars I have any of my PRSs can be my desert island instrument. Thanks, Paul. Not cheap but certainly worth it.

[@gargantula3274]

I love for one how laid back Paul is, but for two, I love how absolutely dedicated these guys are to the art form.

[@BobbyTaylor-io1od]

At a guitar show, Paul was kind enough to take a few minutes and give me some advice on something, really cool & genuine guy.

[@kevsnyder]

Yea let's all lecture Paul Smith on how to make guitars.

[@jonduke3919]

kev in 🤣🎸🎼🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🇺🇸

[@rick43pen]

@Khail Kupsky lol

[@ByGraceThroughFaith777]

Hey that's what youtube is for

[@HooksBill]

Paul has a passion for quality, perfection, detail and PRS guitars show it. I've played guitar for 34 years, owned many many brands of guitar and only recently purchased my first PRS, a CE24. Best decision I've ever made on an instrument purchase. You won't be sorry. PRS are the Ferraris of guitars.

[@eljodon6413]

I purchased a new 2013 PRS custom 24 and after playing it for 8 month, the first 4 frets in the D and G string had a groove on them, so I sent it to get re fretted with Dunlop SS 6100 frets. I own 2 Warmoth guitars and 2 other Fender Strats with Warmoth necks and they all have SS 6100 frets and I love the way it feels! It's been 2 to 3 years of heavy playing and they still play like they're new! No grooves on the frets! They do sound a bit bright, but I like a bright tone. I think it's a good idea to have them in a new guitar because you don't have to re fret the guitar for years!

[@syfman6]

Paul, I really dig how involved you are in the music community. It really shows your love for music. That means a lot to me. Thank you for all of the time you put in to arm great musicians with great instruments, and also to educate people such as myself that want to learn as much as I can about the art. Best regards:)

[@adam614ce]

I could listen to Paul talk all day long about tone and guitars. I'm a life long PRS fan. Not ANY other company cares about the player more than PRS. Never found a better playing guitar than my 2010 Custom 24. PRS fretwork is superb.

[@beng4151]

I bought a PRS guitar as my second guitar, and I've been super impressed. It is a beautiful instrument that plays like a dream! I love to see the care go into the make of it!

[@rynemurray1091]

I absolutely LOVEEEE your guitars Paul ! Your guitars truly play better and look better in my opinion than any other new brands out there ! I play all the PRS guitars that come through my local guitar store and they all sound fucking perfect ! Even then lower cost ones sound perfect ! I wanna thank you and say how much I appreciate your instruments ! From South Carolina much love Paul!

[@dharmonic]

You must be a nice person to build a nice guitar... thank you MR. Paul for the excellent work, I have a PRS and I love it

[@Allenbass7]

Awesome video. Paul Reed Smith obviously has the right attitude when it comes to producing fine instruments.

[@stevehogan8829]

PRS,,,, Had a PRS guitar I purchased used. Very nice guitar but had a mfgring issue. You guys handled it well. You did not have to,,, but you did and I appreciate that. I'll tell everyone, every chance I get. As a company you stand behind your work and product. That's the way it should be and I'm very happy that's they way it is with you guys. Thanks.

[@AgimLubonja]

Stainless Steel frets are the best solution.

[@currituck]

I got stainless jumbo frets on my new Carvin Jason becker guitar and love them. Way better than nickel frets.

[@keithhuckabee9859]

Attention to detail makes PRS guitars a pleasure to play. They stand the test of time year after year.

[@stevenjones6780]

Seen a lot of guys leave their Gibsons and Fenders at home and just gig with a PRS. Finally got me one, and yes I see...

[@cheezyridr]

i toured the factory last summer. it was the highlight of my vacation. what i saw at the factory has me sold. i'll eventually own one. i see alot of people calling for s.s. frets. i love them, but if you notice, very few manufacturers offer them. it's not because of the cost of the wire. it's because stainless is hard. it eats tools like a fat woman quitting a diet. it also can cause other problems like cause/aggravate cts, or tendinitis for guys who do fretwork all day every day for ages. that's the expensive part of stainless frets.

[@stevenro64]

I just replaced the frets on a '86 custom with jumbo SS. It plays great and I do not hear any changes in tone whatsoever . A while back I had it the frets dressed and polished and the lower height of the frets diminished the playability of the guitar. I am now very satisfied with the results of the SS frets. I should be good for another 30 years! lol

[@flyinbryan1619]

ive never wanted a paul reed smith before. in fact, ive been shopping for a new guitar, and ive been looking at the Jackson soloist slx. now after watching this I want to try a paul reed smith

[@twelthstring]

3:25 Why first press the fret into the slot and than apply superglue in the slot? Is that the way to prevent the wood from chipping when the frets are pulled out?

[@romeou4965]

the videos on "rules of tone" sold me into the PRS brand because they show that PRS knows their stuff and hold quality paramount. Thank you!

[@purplepineapple117]

It's so good to hear you get the hardest frets ever since I murdered my martin in 2 years seriously destroying the 2,3,12,5,6,7 fret. I can't wait till I get my frist prs.

[@Stratblooz]

The hardness of the fretwire is something I really love about my Dave Grissom. Althoug I`ve played that guitar A LOT over the last year fretwear is much less than on some of my other top brand guitars.

[@BryanDenham]

every video i watch with Paul talking about his guitars , it makes me proud to own a PRS i had 1960s LP custom shop i paid 2500 for i played that guitar every day for at least 6-12 hours a day for almost seven years and i got very deep dents on my frets to the point it wouldnt play with out having the action a half inch above the fret board effectively making it a slide guitar only>< so i replaced it with a Santana model and i love it even more than my old LP. Thank you PRS i love my guitar

[@cafestudiosinc.1702]

Thank you. Very intresting, informative, and easy to listen to. A true Master at he's craft.

[@PassagesMusic_]

These videos are great, thanks for making them.

[@luciousbrun5437]

It's always the case, perfection is effortless and goes without notice, but costs the soul to create.

[@theruley]

Im really enjoying these videos. Keep 'em coming!

[@mariogirard9664]

Thanks Paul for the advices. It will be usefull for my next build

[@sorenahlback]

It's about time for PRS to start using SS frets! I did it on my 35th Anniversary yesterday and it hard to work with but the slippery feeling is amazing, and they last forever! I have 3 PRS guitar but I don't think I will buy another until they start using SS.

[@datnotme9921]

I appreciate the workmanship and the quality is amazing.👍👀

[@BlueTransAm83]

Wow someone who talks about the subject. Thanks.

[@letsgooo1637]

man this gentlemen is a CLASS ACT. im sold to PRS .

[@reymondgopog426]

When I started to learn more about electric guitars and learning about some famous brands, PRS always in my must have guitars. Up till now, I still do not own a PRS guitar but I'll make sure I'll get one before I'm six feet under.

[@yuliantooooo]

watched another video of a fresh SE that had just come out of the shop, and someone took it to a guitar repair shop to have it refreshed with a stainless steel one. Of course I thought, "will this guitar be done according to factory standards". Then I found this video, the owner Mr Paul Reed Smith explains it very clearly. I believe he has worked his heart out on this guitar, and the refrets are hurting him.

[@motokev]

I think Paul brought up this hard fret topic becuz he knows many players want stainless, therfore he's trying to ease the minds of PRS owners. I doubt PRS frets can go without a fret job. I've been playing my Warmoth Stainless Fret neck for years and I bend a lot, there's no sign of wear. Carvin now offers stainless.

[@alexiserni1152]

I have a 1991 Custom-24 10-Top. I played ALOT until 2006 - festivals, stages, jams..... Still, my PRS is in original FACTORY setup and 100% perfect (unless the nice color fading of the whale blue and the nut changed last year. And those are the original hard nickel frets ;)

[@redironbird3857]

@@alexiserni1152 It's hard to argue though for buyers, stainless steel frets offer more benefits than nickel from a longevity standpoint. Cases of nickel frets lasting decades with regular wear exist, but it's not the norm. Such cases, had the frets been stainless steel, wouldn't have performed worse, while for the majority of the other cases where the refretting the nicke frets have been needed, could've been avoided had they been stainless steel. I don't own PRS guitars but I'm a fan. I'd be sold if they'd just get their heads around this, which let's be real is more cost related than anything, I'd get one in a heartbeat. It's 2021. Smaller operations like Kiesel are offering them as standard options. Schecter has been offering them on sub-US$1,000 guitars since 2014. Come on Paul.

[@anthonycrook1987]

loved the old glossy full color pics of PRS' and Line 6 sales brochures. when I saw the Fairlight and Synclavia synth ads in mag's, wow! but yeah, I bought Ensoniq and Alesis gear, 8 bit would grind and open up a lot more. IDK maybe like I thought Paul's first gib/fend mods would do would. no regrets, got on Randall' early too., weak pre gain and and a push oversized spkr's that didn't give in enough. but always live the quest for the said' best of the rest. and of course the new and improved.

[@acegibson9533]

I just got a brand new custom shop Jackson with stainless steel frets. Wow, what a difference in terms of bending, so much smoother and easier. As far as tone goes, I haven't noticed anything radically different than my other USA Jacksons. I also had Jackson put in carbon fiber stiffeners. I'm told with that combination, I probably will never have to do any neck or fret adjustments. I hope so.

[@MorGuitarz]

Arguably the best guitars made today

[@andrewbutcher3391]

I have never had a PRS guitar but the more I see of videos like this, the more I think PRS are making guitars with thought care and quality in mind not just churning them out and expecting the customer to like them because of the brand name on the headstock. I had a Fender Strat USA deluxe that showed an enormous amount of fret wear after only a few months of play. Food for thought here.

[@5urg3x]

+Andrew Butcher PRS frets wear, just a little bit slower than Fenders. After 3 years my Custom 24 needed a re-fret -- I had stainless steel frets put on there, and I will NEVER ever need another re-fret. If PRS would have used Stainless Steel frets from the start, I never would have had to go through this.

[@MrOzgooner]

Ive had the same problem.. Im just a hobby player, maybe play my fender deluxe strat 2 to 3 hours a week at most and after its first fret dress i saw the same thing happening only 2 months later..

[@andrewbutcher3391]

+MrOzgooner Very interesting. I was horrified by the wear on mine and interested to hear on a video by Brian May he's never had a refret on his red special.

[@5urg3x]

+Andrew Butcher I'm pretty sure it's because Brian May uses those gold strings; Gold is a much softer metal than steel or nickel I think. Still hard to believe he's *never* gotten a re-fret...that sounds suspect.

[@andrewbutcher3391]

+surgeyX That's an interesting thought. They are nice strings I have a set to put on an acoustic you've just reminded me. It seems hard to believe I agree but he's a very straight guy and no reason to say it if it isn't true. I won't be buying another Strat anyway!

[@thetoneknob4493]

im looking over at my 30 yr old strat neck and mentally prepping for what comes next. im going to re shape a new wider med jumbo into a more Gibson fretless wonder feel that i fell in love with and let it be good for another 30 yrs.

[@cddsix]

I love his insight, and PRS guitars. I bought two S2 Custom 22s though, and did not like the frets finish job at all, they were leveled flat on top with no crown, so every time you slide your fingers up it was like bump bump railroad ties, made my fingertips sore very quickly. Aside from that, a flat top fret does not make for good intonation when it is new, nor after it wears a bit....so with all due respect to Paul (and I have a ton of respect for him), flat top frets are not fun. I have picked up some fret crowning knowledge and tools over the years, and gave the frets a crowning, and the S2 is quite possibly one of the best guitars I have ever owned...amazingly vibrant and resonant with great sounding pickups and stunning playability.

[@PoltergeistWorks]

Very impressive, but Stainless frets are the future. Little to no wear at all, no corrosion or dulling = strings slide on them like on glass.

[@5urg3x]

+cubixthe It's funny -- Parker has been using Stainless Steel frets since the early 90s...now almost everyone is doing it...except PRS. Sucks that they sell 5000$ guitars where the frets will wear out after a few years, especially if you're using cobalt or similar strings.

[@duster71]

surgeyX dont just blame PRS,Gibson and Fender dont install SS frets.

[@Deathrape2001]

Stainless frets R nothing new. If U want even more longevity, use crystal frets, like quartz. They're available =)

[@emdblues]

I think Suhr installs SS frets.

[@Deathrape2001]

If U use stainless steel frets U need 2 use softer bridge saddle materials 2 make it sound best, otherwise it's 2 clacky. Nylon is good, or even softer. Gib$on does this as a trick 2 make some of their 'elite' models sound better than the cheaper ones, even though neither has stainless steel frets. It evens out the sound better = less bonky or harsh.

[@bsenalaska]

Great detailed explanation of fret installation!👏🏻👍🏻💯

[@ResoBridge]

Surely if you start with a dead level fretboard and a loose truss rod, if there is any bind in the fret slots at all, then when you finish fretting the neck will have some back bow. You need a bi-flex truss rod to bend the neck flat if you are then to level the frets with a sanding beam. Or some way to level them under tension of both strings and rod.

[@KombuchaPants]

These videos with Paul being Paul is the reason I bought a PRS and will continue to buy them. I wish all manufacturers took the same approach. Keep up the good work.

[@DanielAraujoNazar]

Cool. Just got a great argument for the next time someone says I shouldn't superglue my frets.

[@pjevans854]

Don’t you love this guy? You feel like you know him and he’s a great friend of yours. One day I’ll pick up a real PRS, just need some of my stocks to ring true and the a Custom 24 is in my future!

[@redironbird3857]

Now imagine the Custom 24 with stainless steel frets that actually reasonably won't need refretting. Oh wait Paul won't use them.

[@jamesenglish6044]

I've played all kinds of guitars, but Prs guitars are beasts!!!!!

[@bobaldo2339]

The most important thing about frets is their shape. Why no new guitars come with low-wide frets is beyond my comprehension. They are the most comfortable frets in every respect.

[@Dogz579]

Paul has talked about SS-frets. They sounds brighter, and eat up the strings, if I remember correct.

[@vox1003]

Not true, I have had a set of strings on for about 18 months,

[@gregorygetable]

Terrific vid, I love a the PRS tours and information and phone chats. I love my 2 SE Paul's and 245 . They are better made as SE than some of my Gibson vintage of Fender vintage . Hoping for core but truthfully my se Paul's is the best made most versatile amazing guitar I ever had

[@thesmallnotesduo]

I have a custom 24 and had it refreted after about 12 years and an se custom 24 08 and it needs a refret after 2 1/2 years. I play hard but ..... [I still LOVE these guitars]

[@cperalta]

Paul, I know you like experimenting with different materials (even different glues. That was a shocker for me), so I have to ask: Have you ever tried Jescar's fretwire? I don't know how they do it, but it's more reliable than normal fretwire, but not as harsh as stainless steel fretwire.

[@Dejoblue]

Nickle-Silver Frets are:Brass(Copper 55% & Zinc 27%) and Nickel 18% (1%> Lead and Iron) Stainless Steel Frets are:Iron 70%, Chrome 18%, Nickel 10%, Manganese ~2%, Silicon ~1% NASA did a study and found that with a titanium-6%aluminum-4%vanadium alloy a coating of aluminum oxide-13% titanium oxide was the best hard protective coating and that impregnating it with teflon made fretting wear immeasurable. I wonder if it sounds good?

[@777PLove]

I have a 1989 and a 1991 CE 24 I bought both them used an I have played the hell out off them the frets are great they make the bust guitars I love my CE 's best guitars ever.

[@1971SuperLead]

I what he has to say about necks. The fret board is such an amazing thing. It looks rather simple, but it's really a masterpiece of design There seems to be no limit to the refinements that can be made to a guitar neck. And if you've ever played a really nicely done neck....it's hard to let go of it. I have a 75 LP Deluxe that was set up for a famous star, but he didn't want it. So often I have stayed up until 4 am just worshiping that neck. There's just no limit to how nice a neck can be made.

[@foetalmonsieur]

Just bought a custom 24 and im selling my les Paul..

[@FlyOnTheMoon.]

Once you go with stainless steel frets, you can't go back.

[@davidwile1277]

I just put SS on my 1960 strat and it's so much more slick

[@psivil.disobedience]

You never have to go back, not in a lifetime anyway

[@YesuAiNimen]

@Club Soda One you go stainless...your fretlife is painless

[@danielmauric8491]

I have the opposite experience, while it feels nice and smooth under fingers with less resistance, the the attack portion of sound has additional zing quality that sounds like lisp. The stronger the attack (harder you pick) the more pronounced it becomes. You won't notice it while softly strumming, but once you hear it you can't unhear it. On the other hand SS frets sound bit more percussive, which I like.

[@anthoniam8473]

It's amazing how Mr. Smith talks so well and truthful about frets. I bought a PRS SE Korina One in 2012. Amazing guitar, but the worst fretjob I've ever. One piece of fretwire on the 13th fret was so unleveled, I could hardly believe that was a $850 guitar. I had $300 Jacksons that had impeccable fret job. I've refretted the guitar with Jescar SS frets and it's all fine now. But It costed me $250. Shame on you, mr Smith

[@Deathrape2001]

LOL!! Shame on YOU for not returning that HUNK OF JUNK! =))

[@johnhruby6205]

you didnt buy a prs you bought a licensed by prs guitar. Its like buying a Fender squire and saying fender guitars suck

[@valebliz]

@@johnhruby6205 you put your name on it, you take responsibility for it, bootlicker.

[@Alfalfa_Male]

Paul definitely has a Michael Scott thing going.

[@colebowman2833]

my friend bought a PRS s2 singlecut recently. When I played it, it spoke to me. I had to have one. I ordered the s2 standard that has the scratch plate from musiciansfriend. The action was too high so I took it to my luthier. found out it needed a fret level on just a few places to get action down. The problem was, the guitar was built 2 years before I bought it brand new and in that time it just sat so I think it was more musiciansfriend's fault for ordering too many than it was PRS based on the other prs guitars I played. So now I'm in limbo waiting on my guitar because I love it. It's a great guitar. Point is, maybe find out how long it's been sitting before ordering online. Who is to blame for this I cannot prove though. I just know the consequences of buying mine. It being ready to go was one reason I love PRS guitars and it just really upset me. and there was way too much neck relief. Again, almost certainly bc of sitting so long then shipping. They make great guitars though.

[@JgHaverty]

Fun fact, 304 stainless has rockwell hardness of 70, and nickel-silver (cupric based alloy) has a hardness ranging from 66-84 depending on manufacturing. It's entirely possible, PRS's alloys are harder then stainless....

[@AdamLeeGuitarist]

Marc! :) We love you, Marc - you rock!

[@SullyGuitars]

...way to answer the question. SS any day.

[@stevepethel6843]

SUPER GREAT video. Thank you both ...

[@jeffwinick8859]

Is there any reason not to use stainless steel fretwire as opposed to the nickel silver?

[@swingset1969]

From a manufacturing standpoint, tons. Cost, more difficult to work with. That's why they're not used more often, end of story. There's no real downsides as far as the end user, any tonal difference (which I doubt in most cases) can be atoned for with a 1/16" movement of a treble knob. They feel glassy and smooth, and they last. No downsides.

[@airgliderz]

No.

[@valebliz]

No, it's just bullshit to justify they don't want to invest on new tooling.

[@Jasonguitarman]

id be interested in hearing your views on zero frets?

[@amezcuaist]

Fish glue sets very hard. Repairing the boxwood parts in a moulding plane , one drop got into the wedge slot. The glue drop made a dent in the oak wedge . I had to work hard to cut this drop out with a sharp chisel .But moisture on some paper tissue will dissolve it overnight.

[@icu469]

I have a Epiphone Les Paul Custom cherry burst and it looks and sounds xlnt but its has some fret issues. On one entire fret all the notes were dead. The strings were hitting the next fret so I tapped it in a bit and now its much better but now I have some tiny divits on the fret so when I bend the string you can feel it. I also have a 1978 Gibson The Paul and the frets were filed completely flat when I got it from Goodwill for $200. This guitar has absolutely no fret buzz and the action can get super low. Fretwork is one of the most important part of a guitar

[@hotforknowledge2111]

This guy is a genius. I have 5 PRS instruments and each is simply perfect and frets are an important aspect for me as well as perfect necks. Thanks to Paul for making guitars with such attention to detail. I had to pay a bomb to get two Les Paul's with perfect necks; collector's choices...there is something wrong when you have to lay our 7,000$ to get a proper neck from Gibson!!!! Do you have any opinion on the alluminon frets used on Van Hallen's Wolgang? Thanks .)

[@danielsperry8114]

A buddy of mine has a 1992 PRS guitar and i have a 1999 American deluxe strat , i've had that strat in the shop for 1 polish/ level and then a re fret done in 2006. In 2012 i had another re fret done and in 2014 had a polish / level done . My buddies PRS has had a polish/level done in 2011 . My wife bought me a 2013 Les Paul traditional for my birthday that year and it's already been in the shop for a polish/level . I teach 5 days a week and play a lot and i don't think it's my playing as much as the fret wire is not hard enough . Another friend picked up a Suhr Strat style guitar and it came with stainless frets but he paid $4850.00 for it ! My strat was $1399.00 in 1999 and my Les Paul was $1859.00 in 2013 , i guess you pay for what you get . I do love PRS guitars , i wished i got one in 2013 ....

[@geoffshaw9728]

hey Paul, why don't you use stainless steel frets?

[@daviddequasie6816]

One of the reasons that he doesn't hear players saying that they need fret work is because the gigs don't exist anymore. Years ago, I've even had to have my nylon string guitar refetted because I put thousands of hours of performing and practicing on it.

[@TJJJJJJJJJJJ]

David DeQuasie huh ? More artist are touring now than ever. plus purely due to the fact there are more aged guitars out there than ever re fretts are more frequent. My old man is a luthier and he is seeing 100 times more high end vintage instruments coming end as they are now past the point of even playing. I have no idea what Paul is talking about fretts wear out all the time. I am a big fan of prs but he is really out of touch on this subject

[@MinelabBob]

I've noticed PRS Doesn't really follow alot of trends. sorta old way of doing things. they work. I love my PRS guitars. but i would like to see Stainless steel fret options on these as well.

[@gilmacevers253]

I enjoy Paul's high standards...he has literally made his competitors better.

[@sexycheeseburgernameisfort8320]

What about stainless steel frets?

[@richardlpalmer]

Thanks for the video, very informative. Love love love my PRSi and look forward to playing them for years to come. :) On a side note I have a habit of taking any new guitar into the shop for setup. With my PRSi there's been nothing to do -- and that's at a place with a PLEK. I'll probably try getting one PLEK'ed some day, but for now I don't have much of a reason... ;)

[@usalespaul59]

I am more of an LP guy. and never really liked any of the SCs but looking at Paul really gets me thinking into getting a SC58.... too bad PRS are not making more 24,75" guitar models. a 25" just doesn't feel right to me. I dig Hamers 24,75" guitars, really well built as well.

[@nutrientcobra]

Hey Paul. Love your guitars. But was wondering about stainless frets. Why not just go that route for longevity etc? I know there has to be a reason or you would be doing it. Thanks

[@antmax]

I wish the SE's had harder frets. I noticed some wear on my Zach Myers and it is only about a year old. Someday I'll be able to afford a core model PRS. Love the two SE's I have now though.

[@TheEchelon]

Instead of dropping over $2k you can also refret it with stainless steel when the frets are worn out...

[@DavoidJohnson]

It's difficult to get a consensus on fret wire, but avoid nickel if you're prone to allergy. My latest enquiries list from the hardest , Stainless steel, EVO (nickel free) to nickel silver (no silver). Other aspects are the type of guitar and how hard you play it. All worth searching for advice. Trades men are said to avoid stainless steel because it wears out their tools. If so then it is well hard.

[@outoworkdreamer]

+Craig Willis I couldn't answer that directly but as a former machinist, I know that the harder material always 'wins'. So if your strings are harder than the material in your frets, then the frets are gonna wear out. The idea of stainless steel frets is intriguing. It sound as if it would last a long, long time, if it is pre- hardened material.

[@DavoidJohnson]

+Craig Willis Unfortunately we have only one guitar with stainless and that is only a few months old. So not really tested for wear. However the other concern people have is effect on tone/sound and personally I would not be able to judge without changing the frets on that guitar.

[@Dreamdancer11]

i have personally refretted 4 of my 5 guitars with stainless steel frets....Got some preradiused jumbo and super jumbo ss fretwire from jescar and the whole thing was almost as easy as any other fretwire installation.Got a new fretwire knipper though to cut the fret ends and that was the most diffucult part cause they were really hard.Other than that fret leveling,crowning and polishing was staight forward although takes a bit more time(and sandpaper)....i guess if you are a tech where time is money you ll be frustrated but if you are a guy who just wants pretty indestructable frets for life that are also smother and silkier for bends and vibrato(if polished enough) then i think ss frets are no brainer.... Sound difference?Zero of course .

[@lowelabala5775]

I bought one of your guitar the custom 24 and i fell in love with it. The sound is beautifully accurate, the body is very easy to use and the durability is way up there with the best brands. I never regret buying it, would i buy another PRS? maybe i will in the near future. The reason for this is i have no more space to put all my guitars, but maybe there is space for one more. I just gotta have to confirm my orgnizer... my wife. I love my PRS along with my Fender strat and Les Paul.

[@mastodon1314]

I HAVE to get my hands on a bloody PRS soon

[@robertkscorpio3680]

Hey , Paul - try EVO Gold frets..they wear close to Stainless with no sound problems..and hold the Crown much longer.

[@jamesrockford2626]

I have owned 10+ PRS guitarssince 1988 and all of them required leveling or refrets after only a few years sorry paul but you are exaggerating. And the glue just makes it harder to pull the frets. You have to warm them up first

[@Cactustone]

+James Rockford I just got my first PRS, a 2005 McCarty, and the first thing I needed to do was take it to a luthier to fix uneven frets.

[@Cactustone]

+umberto smith The stainless steel frets I had put on my Les Paul have endured over 400 gigs, and countless hours off stage, and there is absolutely zero wear on them. The point I was agreeing with is that PRS claims to go to great lengths to find durable alloys, when they could just use stainless steel instead, and it would be much better for longevity and feel. I think Gibson, and any other "high-end" manufacturer should do the same.

[@clgmafnas]

Ben McCartney I agree. ..I've tried different kinds of frets and stainless is the only one to hold up to my playing (I'm not even joking). I'm from the big string/heavy right hand/A LOT of vibrato-- school of blues and I've played thru at least 5 necks on my strats. stainless ended my problems with refretting. it is the only fret material I will put on my guitars. if I buy a PRS, I want stainless frets.

[@mattmallguitar]

Had my PRS custom 24 for 9 years and it’s been dressed twice and I’ve just had it refretted as it couldn’t be dressed again so what Paul claims here isn’t quite true, maybe for someone who has a bunch of PRS guitars and does it as a hobby that maybe the case, but I gig mine 2/3 times a week along with weekly sessions and classes so it’s getting the use

[@redironbird3857]

@@Cactustone Nickel frets are the biggest scam the guitar industry peddles out to unknowing customers. Next on the list is small "fretless wonder" frets, but even the utility of those can be justified better.

[@alexiserni1152]

I hown a 1991 Custom-24 10-Top since, well 1991. I played ALOT until 2006 - festivals, stages, jams..... Still, my PRS is in original FACTORY setup and 100% perfect (unless the nice color fading of the whale blue and the nut changed last year). And those are the original hard nickel frets as well ;)

[@ktulhu2011]

do prs plan to switch to stainless steel for frets? some brands already offer it as a custom option..

[@SRNF]

+ktulhu2011 That was basically a similar type of stainless steel design (Not sure what the nickel content of PRS frets are but I imagine its not as high as most) Shouldnt have to replace them unless you are using steel strings. Use nickel strings on stainless (Or this) and you should never have to redo the frets. Most companies use a mix of steel and nickel which helps them shape the fret after they put it in. Its cheaper than doing it the way Paul mentioned.

[@johnstitt2615]

On my bucket list to get a fine PRS

[@RonTimmonsM1]

Hey Paul it was great meeting you at Sweetwater. Thanks for this video. I have a question though about frets which is how I ended up here. Is there a difference between stainless steel Frets and Nickel Frets? Are there negatives to using Stainless steel frets verses Nickel? Thanks

[@leonordmann]

SS are a very minor different tone. I think they have a little more topend sparkle, but nothing you would really notice. They are also smoother to play especially for bending. And they should last you forever eothout any fretwork. Well nickel doesn't last very long. Depending on the quality they get worn very fast and thus are even more expensive than SS frets when you factor in the cost for regular fretwork.

[@RainWalker24c]

Been looking around to see if silicon carbide, silicon nitride, Titanium nitride coated SS, or torzite frets are made. Have yet to find any. I thought nickel boron coated frets would be a regular thing by now, at least for $500+ guitars. But those aren't even made it seems.

[@PainDive1]

Paul Reed Smith is american hero #2 on my list.. Number 1 to me is Randall Smith (Mesa Boogie founder).. Are these two guys related at all?

[@SantoRedentor]

This guy looks like he knows what he's talking about, he should start a company.