Fret system in stringed musical instruments

Abstract

In a novel fret system for stringed musical instruments, the fret bar can be fabricated from standard square metal stock, typically of stainless steel. Each fret bar is retained in a corresponding transverse channel machined in the fingerboard surface region of the neck/fingerboard with a conforming cross-sectional shape that locates the main portion of the fret bar recessed into the neck/fingerboard with one corner portion extending through the channel opening in the fingerboard surface, thus forming a fret tip of desired height at the apex of a 90 degree angle. The fret bar is inserted endwise into its channel in the neck/fingerboard where it is retained securely. This system has proven beneficial both for the “feel” of playing the instrument in tapping and conventional modes and for precision and uniformity in manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, material is machined from the bottom corner opposite the fret tip, providing a flat bottom surface that enhances support and stability and that can be configured with recessed regions for retaining adhesive applied at assembly, to prevent longitudinal shifting of the fret bars.