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Original message:16 days 7 hours 8 minutes ago

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Member: Joe

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So I was looking around warmoth.com, and I saw that a fret option was scalloped frets. I have no clue what these are except I keed hearing about them and they're pretty expensive. Could anyone clarify?

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Reply:16 days 7 hours 4 minutes ago
Member: Triste

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalloped_fretboard#Scalloping

Basically it modifies the fretboard so that you can play faster, easier. Most renowned players that use scalloped frets are Yngwie Malmsteen and Ritchie Blackmore (the former being influenced by the latter). I think some of Vai's Ibanez JEM series had scalloped fretboards as well? Not too sure there.

I haven't personally tried it, so can't comment on that.

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Reply:16 days 4 hours 41 minutes ago
Member: shanejohnson2002

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Scalloped frets are actually more difficult to play. Your pitch has to be extremely precise. You can achieve a similar feel using extremely tall frets, i.e. 6105 or 6150's. They do make bending a bit easier as you can grab more of the string.

Just ask Zombre ;)

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Reply:16 days 7 hours ago
Member: Fred Kraus

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Basically a scalloped fretboard has frets that are scooped out in a "U" shape for lack of a better term. Some players claim that it makes it easier to play. They don't have to press as hard to get the notes they want. They only have to touch the strings. They don't actually have to touch the fretboard. I've also heard that those necks tend to wear out faster.

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Reply:16 days 5 hours 18 minutes ago
Member: Teel

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very cool, the pics make it look crazy hard to play though

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Reply:16 days 4 hours 33 minutes ago
Member: Fred Kraus

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Shane,

I figured that to be the case, All you have to do is press one string a bit harder than the others when playing a chord and your out of tune, This can be done on a standard neck as well. When playing an open D chord just press any one of the strings harder than the others and your out.

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Reply:16 days 3 hours 12 minutes ago
Member: goodbyeboy

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I had a scalloped neck stratocaster for a long time, and scalloped frets DO NOT make you play faster. this is the greatest misconception people have. it is more difficult to play faster. it just gives you a better grip on each frets and makes it easier for you to bend - not to mention the greater risk of going out of tune, especially playing chords in open position or lower frets.

i scalloped my strat 4 years ago by myself to see if it's for me - scalloped frets are definitely not for everyone. i strongly suggest you try scalloped ones before you make any major purchase and whatnot.

or u could just scallop one by urself - or asking someone to do it for you...and u don't even have to scallop every fret - i scalloped first 10 upper frets above high E, and gradually scalloping down. i've seen some people scalloping every frets except first 4 low frets since those are the frets that goes out of tune easier than others.

try it, and if you like it..welcome to the whole new world. if not, meh, whatever. scalloped necks are usually weaker than regular ones anyway.

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