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I want to purchase some fret wire for my next build.

I purchased a fret slotting jig and fret saw so I could make the fret boards myself.
The fret saw that came with the jig is designed to make a 0.023" fret slot width.

So... what is the best tang thickness for the frets.
I was looking at purchasing fret wire that comes in three different tang widths.
0.185 inch 0.195 inch and 0.0205 inches.
Does anyone have a recommendation on which is best?

Thanks

jwscar 4380 0195 should be fine

tippie53 wrote: ↑Thu Oct 26, 2023 4:36 pm jwscar 4380 0195 should be fine

Thanks John. Can I get this from Blues Creek and can you put a 16 inch Martin radius on it?

yes we carry it

It's very important to match your fret tang to the saw kerf. The wire John is recommending for you is ideal. I have several fret saws that cut different kerfs. On some guitars I cut a thin kerf so I can use 0.019 tangs and if the guitar needs refreting in the future, a different tang size may be needed. If your slot is too wide, it can cause a forward bow in the neck, and if the tang is too narrow, It may still work but will cause a back bow in the neck. I've made both mistakes at one time.

ok fretting 101
My best advice is not to fret a fretboard off the neck. I do all my fretting after the guitar is done.

tools you need
2 containers with about 5 lb of shot in each
A hammer I use a cobblers chasing hammer
Nippers and straight edge

So to get the best line of the fret plane use the weight on the shoulders of the guitar as you fret. I try to get about .010 curve in a neutral state of the truss rod.

thats the secret.
compression fretting is something else that is used on non adjustable neck reinforcement