Stainless steel is not exactly superior, it has its good aspects and its bad. Stainless steel, being much harder, tears up fret files, and luthiers tend to charge more as a result because they have to replace their files more quickly, and it takes more work when working on the frets.I thought that at least SS superiority over nickel/silver was already settled and widely accepted!!!
Yes. The traditional nickel silver, being a bit softer, has a bit darker sound in comparison. For instance, a maple fingerboard Strat with nickel silver frets sounds like we'd expect, a little bright, but switch to stainless steel, and it'll be even brighter. Is that good? Probably not if you're looking for a guitar that has a traditional sound, like an artist or custom shop guitar.Is there any advantage to nickel silver?
They also have a line of "standard" instruments produced in the custom shop (they call this "original series") which some dealers have in stock. https://www.espguitars.com/products?categories=esp-original-series-guitarsIt's custom shop - just order stainless?
Standards arent made in the custom shop, I think that is the Original line.They also have a line of "standard" instruments produced in the custom shop (they call this "original series") which some dealers have in stock. https://www.espguitars.com/products?categories=esp-original-series-guitars
These come standard with nickel frets.
It can see where the confusion might happen...What made you so sure stainless is widely accepted?
All your greatest songs you know were played on nickle frets. most likely
And by someone else!!!!All your greatest songs you know were played on nickle frets. most likely
I had a 07 PRS Experience addition and played until the frets were in dire need of either a dress and level or replace. It only took 5 years for it to get in that condition.In my 30+ years of playing I have never once played any of my guitars so much that I have needed a complete re-fret. I try to keep this in mind when I am ready to shoot down a potential purchase cause it doesn't have something like SS frets. They're nice, no doubt, but not a deal breaker for me.
Obviously this is going to vary from player to player. How hard one plays/frets, string gauge used, etc etc.I had a 07 PRS Experience addition and played until the frets were in dire need of either a dress and level or replace. It only took 5 years for it to get in that condition.
For the cost to move to SS frets, personally I think it's worth it just for the extended time of not having to worry about having that work done.