TECHNICAL ARTICLES FROM RESTORATIVE LUTHIER GEORGE GOUMAS
The two most popular means of fret installation are the Hammer-In and Press-In methods. The technique of using a hammer to install frets requires great skill, while the second option requires nothing more than a specially designed arbor press, or a set of pliers called “Jaws”, and some hardened metal fixtures with radii to match the curvature of the fret board.
Throughout history, frets have evolved from strands of sinew tied to the necks of primitively hewn instruments, to strips of bone and ivory, pieces of solid silver, brass and bronze, and now, specially compounded wire which is extruded through shaping dies into large coils, the end result of which is referred to as “Fret wire”.
In a prior article, we learned about how wood responds to the five natural forces. We also learned that wood is not a predictable, or consistent medium, and that successive planks cut from the same part of a log may behave differently when subjected to those forces.
Many musicians don’t realize when their guitars and basses need servicing. Some of these folks wait until an instrument has played its last clear note before they decide to have it examined and appraised for restorative work.
Most stringed instrument necks are fashioned from wood. Wood is a remarkable medium. It’s cellular makeup gives it its unique ability to absorb and transmit energy efficiently, and depending on the particular species, wood can transform vibration into sounds and tones that have pleased and titillated the senses since the beginning of recorded history.