Let's talk frets for a second.
This is one of the most important and yet overlooked features on your instrument — one that can affect everything from tuning issues to lack of sustain to fret-out and fret sizzle.
Different players wear frets in different ways. See if you recognize yourself below.
The worship leader / capo player
Typically deals with fret pitting within the first 5-7 frets. The capo clamps the strings straight down into the frets night after night, and the plain (unwound) strings tend to cause the most damage.
The sweaty bar-gig player
Often deals with fret sprouting — when the fret starts to lift out of the fret slot, either at the fret ends or in the center of the fret. Sweat and humidity swings work the wood over time, and the frets follow. (Humidity does more than sprout frets — here's how to protect your guitar in humid climates.)
The working musician / lead guitarist
Often deals with significant fret wear in the high-traffic areas, especially in string-bending zones. This type of wear usually looks flattened and pitted, and it typically shows up between the 7th and 15th frets.
Take a moment and examine your frets
Look down the neck under good light. Divots under the plain strings, lifted fret ends, flat spots in your bending zones — any of these will quietly fight your tuning, your sustain, and your feel. If frets are suspect, fret buzz and tuning instability usually show up together.
Then book an appointment with your trusted local tech to discuss your options — leveling, crowning, or replacement. (In the Goldsboro / Wayne County area, that's what I'm here for.)
What are some of the biggest issues you've been experiencing with your guitar or bass? Reach out and tell me — it might become the next post.