Warmoth offers a range of fret sizes and materials to suit every player. Use the information below to determine the fret wire that works best for you. Dunlop fret numbers are provided for reference only. Actual fret measurements will vary slightly from batch to batch.
Standard Nickel/Silver Fret Wire
This is our standard fret wire. It is drawn from the finest 18% hard nickel/silver to give long life with steel strings. The composition of this fret wire, while called "nickel/silver," contains no silver at all. The ingredients are brass and nickel. Our nickel/silver fretwire is rated at HV 170 on the Vickers hardness scale.
| Item Number |
Width X Height |
Description |
Used By |
| 6230 |
.080" X .037" |
This is the smallest fret wire |
Vintage Fender® necks |
| 6130 |
.106" X .036" |
Low and wide. Sometimes called "Medium Jumbo" |
Many Gibson® necks |
| 6105 |
.095" X .047" |
Narrow and tall |
Very popular choice |
| 6150 |
.104" X .047" |
Wide and tall. The standard "Jumbo" |
Modern Fender American® necks |
| 6100 |
.118" X .058" |
A very large wire, almost scalloped feel |
Common on Ibanez® necks |
Stainless Steel Fret Wire
This is our premium fret wire. Stainless Steel is both harder and smoother than nickel/silver fretwire, offering superior longevity and a quick, glassy feel with negligible effect on tone. This makes it a great choice for those who use round-wound strings - notoriously hard on frets. Our top-quality, German-made Jescar fretwire is rated at HV 300 (+/-20) on the Vickers hardness scale. Add $20.
| Item Number |
Width X Height |
Description |
Used By |
| SS6230 |
.080" X .037" |
Small vintage Fender Size |
Vintage Fender® necks |
| SS6105 |
.095" X .047" |
Narrow and tall |
Most popular choice |
| SS6150 |
.104" X .047" |
The standard "jumbo" size |
Modern Fender American® necks |
| SS6115 |
.108" x .051" |
"Jumbo" wire with more peak |
Unique to Warmoth |
| SS6100 |
.118" X .058" |
A very large wire, almost scalloped feel |
Common on Ibanez® necks |
Gold Color Fret Wire
Our beautiful gold fretwire is a nickel-free copper alloy similar in color to 12k gold. This top-quality, German-made Jescar EVO wire is solid throughout and will never turn brassy or look worn. It is almost as hard as stainless steel and polishes up nicely for a super-fast, glass-like feel. Rated at HV 250 (+/-20) on the Vickers hardness scale. Add $30.
NOTE: Our gold fret wire is EVO hypo-allergenic, for those with allergies to nickel.
| Item Number |
Width X Height |
Description |
Used By |
| GD6150 |
.104" X .047" |
Standard "Jumbo" size EVO |
Modern Fender® style |
| GD6100 |
.118" X .058" |
A very large wire, almost scalloped feel |
Ibanez® style |
Choosing a Fret Wire
Choosing the correct fret size and material is purely a matter of personal preference. In general low frets are considered better for chords and rythm playing, while tall frets make string bends and lead techniques easier. 6105 and 6150 are our two most popular fret sizes, and represent a good balance.
The width of the fret determines the amount of wear that can be expected before leveling and re-crowning is necessary. Wider frets wear longer. Narrow frets wear faster. For the longest wear and exceptionally smooth string bending, with no change in tone, consider Stainless Steel frets. Gold fret wire has a unique look, and is also hypo-allergenic.