Gibson Wildwood Spec 50's Goldtop Standard:

[syscokid]

Only custom shop or artist customs...

So that means they do offer SS frets! This is cool, because I've never heard of anybody playing a Gibson that had SS frets. I'm going to add this to my dreams of what to do after winning the Lottery...

 

[Inspector #20]

So that means they do offer SS frets! This is cool, because I've never heard of anybody playing a Gibson that had SS frets. I'm going to add this to my dreams of what to do after winning the Lottery...

If you have enough $$$, just about anything is possible.

 

[SG John]

Does Gibson offer stainless steel frets at all?

Nope. Only custom shop or artist customs, but not regular production...according to Gibson Artist Relations Rep.

Or, instead of paying the upcharge, just get it re-fretted to your specs with a good luthier. Nice to have them as original equipment though.

 

[Inspector #20]

Or, instead of paying the upcharge, just get it re-fretted to your specs with a good luthier. Nice to have them as original equipment though.

Well,

I've started doing some apprentice work under a local luthier, so I'm starting to help with fret replacement....

 

[SG John]

Well, @SG John , I don't like to be - I don't think anyone likes to be - labeled as a "complainer" per se, but ya, some things do bug me. I'm sure you can relate to some degree.

I tend to wipe out the frets in about 3 months of playing daily. These are the frets on my 2016 Gibson Les Paul 50's Tribute after 3 months.

View attachment 75966

Just curious...what kind of fret life are you getting from nickel-silver???

I love the Jescar Gold Evo Fretwire. It's shown no wear whatsoever in over 9 months of daily use, but I can't get that from the factory on a Les Paul...

Back when I was gigging and jamming all the time (every day for the most part), I was playing vintage guitars that have the original frets that are pretty low. I've never touched them, because I have a light touch. Because I've always played SGs and other guitars with long skinny necks, I've been forced to play in a style that I would not torque the neck out of tune. As a result, my main players have minimal wear on the frets. The four guitars I play regularly have had no real change in years.

 

[Inspector #20]

Back when I was gigging and jamming all the time (every day for the most part), I was playing vintage guitars that have the original frets that are pretty low. I've never touched them, because I have a light touch. Because I've always played SGs and other guitars with long skinny necks, I've been forced to play in a style that I would not torque the neck out of tune. As a result, my main players have minimal wear on the frets. The four guitars I play regularly have had no real change in years.

Man, that's great to have that light touch!!!!!!