Why Semi-hemispheric Fret Ends Don't Make Sense!

The hype of the popular, "improved" semihemispheric fret ends is just that. Hype. This video is a deep dive into why they don't live up to their claims and why I don't offer them on my guitars.
Hope you enjoy.
-Zach

[@guywihn1658]

If you look closely at how most people are doing it you will see that the ends aren't a true semi-hemisphere, but rather a lesser degree of radius that varies greatly depending on who's doing it. I think you are taking the term semi-hemisphere too literal to make your argument.

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

That very well could be true, but based of the definition of two end types the argument would still stand. Obviously there are going to be a whole variety of ways and qualities of both types of fret ends. This video is trying to just challenge the thinking that by definition semi-hemis are superior. Thanks for your comment. - Eric

[@nodnostrebor4300]

With as often as frets need to be dressed, what I do is, once I have set up a guitar, I take clear nail polish and dab the ends of each fret letting the nail polish cover the fret ends and the surrounding wood, ever so slightly. You need not be especially careful in this process. You end up with a silky smooth feel no other luthier can possibly match. Yeah, it's a hack, but it's a hack that is fool proof. It easily comes off and it wears to perfection. If a problem arises down the road, address it exactly the same way.

[@treehouseguitars]

Interesting solution! I’ve never heard of anyone doing this before.

[@nodnostrebor4300]

@@treehouseguitars - Here's another tip. When resetting a neck, instead of steaming the neck with the spruce top facing the ceiling, position the guitar on something so the spruce top is facing down while it is being steamed. Heat rises. Now, once you have the steam flowing well, and you are ready to TRY to start wiggling the neck free, first, take a hair dryer and heat up the heel of the neck. This only takes a few minutes before the heal is quite warm to touch. Wave the hair dryer back and forth slowly, using care not to burn the finish. Now that sucker will come out amazingly easy.

[@treehouseguitars]

@@nodnostrebor4300 Thanks. 👍🏼

[@pk952]

That sounds very interesting man I’ve never heard of that but in theory it should work great. Almost similar to a fender that gets lacquered after its fretted!

[@s2s_parrotfan236]

First, your argument on shorter "real estate" for semi's is irrelevant without knowing what the string placement is/will be. And when properly dressed (ie NOT extending the base of the fret to the edge of the fretboard as in you drawing), there would be no difference. Second... comfort. Those of us living in changing environments (temp and humidity) never want fret ends that extend to the edge of the fretboard. Rounding the fret ends and cutting back the tang (allowing for expansion/contraction) makes more sense. Even though this can be done with standard shaping, it is far less practical and attractive. Third... just plain more attractive and smooth. Even in your drawing you show four 'sharp' edges/points on each fret. ANY movement of the wood will expose those knives to my tender fingers.

[@treehouseguitars]

All I’m saying is that standard beveled fret ends result in a longer useable fret - even if the semi-hemispheric fret ends end right at the edge of the fretboard. It’s pretty simple math. Properly dressed frets (with beveled ends) do extend to the edge of the fretboard and there is a slight bevel on the fretboard edge that should match the fret end. I’ve never heard of any luthier dressing beveled-end frets before installing them (that would need to be done in order to “properly dress” frets the way you are describing). Also I’ll add, I completely agree with you on the fact that semi-hemispheric fret ends look better. The differences between the fret ends are pretty minute and just as with many aspects of guitars there are people who think one way and people who think the other way. No one is wrong, just differing opinions on different ways to do things. The fact that you like and believe semi-hemispheric fret ends to be superior is your choice - nothing wrong with that! 👍🏼

[@MoGiMaL]

The loss of playing space is not irrelevant, it will be less no matter the string spacing. Second, they’re not more comfortable.. unless you play with your hands wrapped around the neck, which isn’t .. the best way to do it.

[@patienthands]

"so a sphere is obviously like the Earth..." you lost me already buddy!

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

Sorry about that.

[@patienthands]

you didnt like my joke? @@redtreecollectiveguitars

[@rhm3408]

I liked it! 😄

[@vitaliistep]

You are definitely not playing guitar very often. The semi-hemispherical fret ends are much much more comfortable to play than standard lazy "chopped-off" ends. The 1mm overall decrease in the real estate is not a huge loss as to me.

[@zachlefebvre4825]

Everything is subjective! If you find them more comfortable than standard fret ends then stick with those - likely your frets don’t go quite to the edge of your fretboard or they are more rounded on the top of the fret end, which is fine if it doesn’t cause issues with strings falling off the edge with string bends. As a musician that has toured across North America numerous times with a few different bands I, personally, have always stuck with the standard fret ends and prefer them.

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

Why are you assigning "lazy" to non rounded fret ends? This discussion is supposed to be about the difference when both are done well by people with experience. I am so happy for you that you are pleased with your choice of fret ends despite its shortcomings. - Eric

[@vitaliistep]

@@redtreecollectiveguitars because the main reason why builders/luthiers don't make the semi-hemispherical ends is time and complexity, in other words - work more, make less.

[@zachlefebvre4825]

@@vitaliistep- Did you watch the video? This doesn’t have to do with why or why not luthiers do semi hemispheric fret ends. This video is dispelling the myths about semi hemispheric fret ends. Would I do them if the myths were actually true? Definitely! Would I be able to do them? Abso-frickin’-lutely I would! I know quite a few world-renowned luthiers that do semi hemispheric fret ends on all their guitars but say that they aren’t actually better despite that. The reasons stating that semi-hemi is BETTER are a marketing gimmick, pure and simple. And that is what the video is about. You are free to believe that they are better or feel better to you, I can’t tell you how to feel or what to believe.

[@vitaliistep]

@@zachlefebvre4825 use whatever you like, but how is it a gimmick, if I easily feel the noticeable difference for the better with the neck in my left hand? Also the semi-hemispherical ends usually done with filed tang on the fret ends, which is undeniable plus too. The fret sprout is a common problem on most guitars with regular fret ends.

[@Codeaholic1]

If you dont like them or dont want / cant do the work to make them then dont offer them. But to debunk them is silly. Its an aesthetic choice.

[@zachlefebvre4825]

I agree, it’s an aesthetic choice more than anything. They look fantastic!

[@John-yl4tj]

The semi-hemi fret ends feel better to me. In fact, I have sold all my old guitars and will not buy a guitar that doesn't have the semi-hemi ends anymore. The reason a lot of luthiers don't like them is that it takes a lot longer to make them. It's okay if they want to be lazy, but once most people play on them, they won't won't go back to old style fret ends. I've also changed to stainless steel fret material as well. They also take more time to dress. there will always be people that resist anything new and improved and that's also okay. Just don't try to gaslight us into thinking that they don't make sense. We like the way the new ones feel.

[@zachlefebvre4825]

I am very on board with modern ways of doing things in lutherie, in fact I take many (what some would consider unnecessary) steps to make the guitar more responsive while remaining structurally sound for years to come. My neck joint method is just one example, it takes about two days of work to execute when a simple dovetail neck joint could be done in less than an hour. Why do I do it? Because I personally believe it’s worth it. Me not doing semi-hemispheric fret ends is not out of laziness, it is out of the fact that they are actually making the playable width of your frets (for string bends) narrower instead of the sometimes advertised “extra fret real estate”. With that being said, I can respect that some people such as yourself prefer semi-hemispheric fret ends. So many details and aspects of a guitar are purely subjective.

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

I can tell you from first hand experience that Zach is not lazy. I would also say, if he believes what he is saying to be true and is giving what he considers to be reasonable reasons, then it is not gaslighting, it is discussion. I am very glad you are happy with your choice to get rid of your old guitars but it is important to remember that you can be happy with that while others still will not like semi-hemis or agree with your opinions. Thanks for commenting. - Eric

[@jonahguitarguy]

I think you’re right on target. Just more guitar voodoo.

[@wilsonguitars156]

thumbs up!....nice explanation!...there are a lot of Myths with guitar making and this is another...totally agree on you pointing this out!...plus 40 years experience and almost 700 guitars ive built semi hemi is not so good.

[@zachlefebvre4825]

Yes! 🙌🏻

[@BillyTheKidsGhost]

I also like regular fret ends. It's an aesthetic, and therefore subjective...

[@TianYouHsieh]

Totally changed my thought!!!! Thank you for this video!!!!

[@treehouseguitars]

Oh good! You’re welcome. :)

[@jeffhigh2]

Yep that's the truth, just cause it takes longer does not make it better

[@dunebillydave222]

Super quick, cheap and easy semi-hemispherical fret ends: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6DbhqppgMplh5Isi=xEZIctWHgBSmZd0y&t=667

[@stefanmihai4792]

I own a framus fd-28 with that kind of frets and on top of that they are supposed to be invisible fret ends (warwick invisible fret technology) after some years the frets poped out and the high e string always gets caught under wehn i do pull off. I dont recomend it, get normal frets. As far as i've been trying diferent brands the ones i like the most and i find most confortable are Gibsons with fret nibs, when they are smoothly done you dont noctice nothing under your hads, but not all are perfect

[@zachlefebvre4825]

I actually do the same thing as Warwick’s “invisible fret technology” as do many other luthiers. Though we call it a bound fretboard.. basically a strip of wood covers the ends of the fret slots. But yes, I really do think this is one of those “don’t fix it if it ain’t broken” situations. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@scod3908]

If you put a more realistic fillet instead of a chamfer on your traditional model, and move the hemispherical fret to the edge of the board like it should be... ... you will find that in reality there's the same amount of fret "real estate" on each style! The rounded ends simply appear in-board from the edge of the fretboard due to the radius

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

As Zach explains there would still be less real estate. He also mentions why it is unlikely to be right at the end and some benefits of that. He is not saying that people should not do them or buy guitars with them. The point of this video is to show that claims of it being a superior method of fret ending is false. It is another option with benefits and short comings. Thanks for commenting. - Eric

[@DarrenForbes]

I like your approach to providing proof.

[@treehouseguitars]

It’s the only way to tackle a misconception like this one! 😜

[@fatihyilmaz-Gtr]

I love this guy 👍

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

🤟🏻😝

[@themixmusicandmore6280]

Lil Dickie works on guitars now

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

I don't know what this means. - Eric

[@zachlefebvre4825]

Hahaha, there is a striking resemblance. Yikes! 😁

[@dunebillydave222]

Your logic is not just flawed, it's filled with hyperbole. Exaggeration is never going to get to the truth. You start by parsing terminology. So people call them "hemispherical" instead of "semi-hemispherical." That's something people do to streamline communication. Everyone knows what is meant by "hemispherical fret ends;" no one thinks it has a ball at the end. Give folks a little credit. Then there's the idea that they are necessarily shorter. It's entirely possible to cut the fret a little long and make the semi-hemispherical ends come up to the edge of the fingerboard, or over the binding. And IF the dome ends did eat into the perfectly leveled fret crowns, the amount we're talking about is only measurable with a micrometer. And that actual measurement will vary with the fret size; the amount lost on a little 6230 would be insignificant, where the loss on a super jumbo 6100 fret would be deeper, yet, still insignificant. Saying that a smooth curve isn't more comfortable then two sharp bevels is just ridiculous on the face of it. Also, in the event of one of the outer strings straying far afield, it would be quieter and smoother on a semi-hemispherical end than a beveled end. The string would simply go a little sharp, rather than making that gawd-awful noise when it scratches over those abrupt bevels. Oh, and there a way to make semi-hemispherical fret ends that's fast and cheap!!! Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6DbhqppgMplh5Isi=xEZIctWHgBSmZd0y&t=667

[@zachlefebvre4825]

Just to clarify, if I had a fast and cheap way of doing semi-hemispheric fret ends I would still not do them. If I could charge more for them and they took less time than standard fret ends I still would not do them. No matter what size fretwire you are using, a properly-done standard fret end will always have “more fret real estate” than any form of semi hemi (that’s the shortened terminology I’ve heard used most often in the industry). If both fret ends went to the very edge of the fretboard the standard fret end would have to be bevelled to 45 degrees in order to end at the same length as the semi hemi (this is proportional to the fret size, so fret size doesn’t matter relatively). Are there guitars with terrible standard fret ends which are like a gradual slope down from the crest of the crown? Definitely! And I’m sure we can agree on the fact that these are the worst. Also, when a string gets pulled off of the end of a fret it really doesn’t matter what the shape of the end of the fret is. It will always sound bad. I don’t want this comment to come across as argumentative - I respect all opinions and viewpoints. You are of course welcome to have your preferences. The purpose of the video was to educate about some of the false claims (proven by physics and real luthier-world experience). I am sure these claims are often made without knowing the actual differences, but I also know for a fact that some of the world’s most renowned luthiers are charging extra for it and falsely promoting the narrative that semi-hemis are “better”.

[@kickhisassseabass318]

Excellent video 👍 .earth is not a sphere though... just sayin✌️

[@treehouseguitars]

Thanks. Haha, wellllll, it’s not a perfect sphere, but pretty close to it… I hope that’s what you mean. 🤨

[@kickhisassseabass318]

@@treehouseguitars thanks RTC. That would be a third law of thermodynamics violation. We can't have gas pressure next to a vacuum without a container... the gas we breath would fill the space and we'd all be dead. Earth is observably, measurably and navigated flat. Cheers 🙂💙

[@Birkguitars]

Thanks Bob

[@kickhisassseabass318]

@@Birkguitars you're welcome

[@Cogeeto]

@@kickhisassseabass318 This is a confusingly stupid take. Firstly, you are talking about the SECOND law of thermo dynamics, which states that in a closed system, entropy tends to increase over time. Earth's atmosphere is not a closed system, because that's not how gravity works. If you look up physics lessons for 1st graders, you'll see this demonstrated with a balloon.

[@robertw1871]

I don’t know man, have you ever actually played a guitar with really high end frets? Kinda doubt you have honestly… You should get your hands on a really well made instrument and be amazed… I’ve never had any issues with rounded fret ends when done right other than paying for it… Especially when done in stainless…

[@zachlefebvre4825]

Haha, well, seeing as I am a guitar maker by profession (have been for 13 years) and have colleagues all over the world that build some of the world’s nicest guitars, yes. I’ve played guitars with “high end frets”. A good fret job with either semi-hemispheric fret ends or standard fret ends will feel good. The claims, though, do not make logical sense - and that’s what I show in this video. If you prefer semi hemispheric fret ends then great! If you prefer standard fret ends then great! I’m sure everyone online would appreciate it if you didn’t make accusations in your comments. Thanks for watching the video and I hope you do get something useful from our channel. ✌🏻

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

You are were right with that first statement "you don't know" the man. Zach is 100% in the guitar building which is why we started this channel. I am so glad that you have not any issues with rounded fret ends when done right. - Eric

[@robertw1871]

@@redtreecollectiveguitars Everyone is building guitars these days… Many more started playing than ever before, and now it’s going back to where it was. It’s pretty shocking being you have absolutely no idea who I am. It’s shocking that neither of you have played a well made instrument is exactly what I’m saying… If the string is slipping off the board then either you aren’t playing it correctly or it isn’t built correctly… Regards from Nashville TN… Having professionals say the strings will find there why off the board if the ends are rounded is simply ridiculous. It’s something nobody complains about…

[@zachlefebvre4825]

@@robertw1871- So who are you? I’d assume that if you were well known you’d have more than 2 subscribers… although you live in Nashville. That must mean you’re a famous musician? 😉 All kidding aside, if you like semi hemispheric frets then great. If you were told that there is more fret real estate on semi hemis or that they are more comfortable because of their rounded ends then you were lied to (possibly unknowingly). I’m sorry if this video made you uncomfortable… and if you believe I am wrong then I can respect that and I can accept that you believe that about me.

[@robertw1871]

@@zachlefebvre4825 I just find it odd to lash out so vigorously over something that zero players I know have ever complained about… I get it though working with stainless is difficult and perfectly finishing the final geometry of those difficult frets is something I’d try and convince my customers they don’t want as well… Trouble is it’s become more and more standard even on inexpensive import guitars. Judging people based on number subscribers is probably not wise, it’s relatively easy to create a couple hundred accounts… Have fun with it…

[@jeffrowlette]

Could you imagine how much greater Jimi Hendrix would have been if he had rounded frets? LOL....play yer damn guitar!!!!!

[@treehouseguitars]

Hahaha right? Who cares really…

[@beanpole8294]

semihemispheric frets look stupid imo. gimmick

[@treehouseguitars]

Haha, I appreciate your honesty! I agree, kindof a gimmick.

[@slidersson]

Horrible editing

[@treehouseguitars]

Thanks, I’m a guitar maker. 😉

[@Art_sold1er]

maybe next time hire a professional cinema director and a edition team, to debunk or explain guitar maker's related topics @@treehouseguitars

[@bobmanners8624]

Wow, picky! Few utubers strive to be Spielberg.

[@the_nuckelavee]

"standard" [so-called "standard", don't think it is a standard, just some laziness/shortcuts] fret edges SLOW player's hand DOWN significantly [at both upper and lower sides of the fretboard]. have watched this video out of disagreement after already beginning with re-shaping fret ends on my Tele-clone --the guy makes pretentious claims, nothing more. i love playing WITH A FEELING [if you know what i mean, if you don't --listen more blues]. 👭💕

[@redtreecollectiveguitars]

I think that it is pretty hard to find full time guitar builders that are lazy. If one is lazy there are much easier ways to make a living. So with that not being a part of the discussion then maybe Zach has actually made some points that are worth discussing. I am glad that you like the semi - hemi, enjoy. - Eric