Fret height - is there a standard for Les Pauls?

[RocknPop]

Just curious as I was switching guitars yesterday and noticed the PRS Signature Limited to have a higher fret height than my Les Paul. Is there a fret height standard for Les Pauls? And do they vary by studio, traditional, standard, custom, etc?

 

[SteveC]

Yes. And, yes.

And, also by year. The only real standard is that there are differences.

 

[RocknPop]

Yes. And, yes.

And, also by year. The only real standard is that there are differences.

Thanks, Steve. Do you have an idea of what the measurements are or somewhere where I can find this info?

 

[SteveC]

They really do tend to vary... from about .036+/-tall X .103+/- wide... historic-ish size. To something like .042+/-tall X .102+/-wide... general (but not always). I've even seen some (not refrets) that can be as large as .50+/-tall X .106wide.

I just refretted my 81 Custom with Dunlop 6100 wire. That is .050 X .115. A tad bigger than stock, but I wanted it that way.

This will get you "in the ballpark". But, it's not exact. And, you really do need to play a few different models to find what feels right to you.

I'm not sure exactly what sizes are on which models - you might check ask Greg, in the Luthier's section of the forum. He'll probably know, or someone else will chime in.

 

[RocknPop]

They really do tend to vary... from about .036+/-tall X .103+/- wide... historic-ish size. To something like .042+/-tall X .102+/-wide... general (but not always). I've even seen some (not refrets) that can be as large as .50+/-tall X .106wide.

I just refretted my 81 Custom with Dunlop 6100 wire. That is .050 X .115. A tad bigger than stock, but I wanted it that way.

This will get you "in the ballpark". But, it's not exact. And, you really do need to play a few different models to find what feels right to you.

I'm not sure exactly what sizes are on which models - you might check ask Greg, in the Luthier's section of the forum. He'll probably know, or someone else will chime in.

Thanks Steve, I don't want to post a linking thread there. What's greg's username so I PM him?

 

[SteveC]

BCRGreg... tell him I said "Hi".

 

[BCRGreg]

There is no standard for fret height for Gibsons...they vary greatly year by year.

 

[RocknPop]

There is no standard for fret height for Gibsons...they vary greatly year by year.

Thanks Greg, do you know what would be the most common ranges and what is too high or low?

 

[ARandall]

If you're refretting, pick the size that works best for you.

 

[BCRGreg]

Thanks Greg, do you know what would be the most common ranges and what is too high or low?

What do YOU want? I cannot say what is "too high" or "too low" for you.

Guitars are like pizza or underwear...whatever works for YOU is just fine.

 

[politenessman]

just high enough so that you dont trip on them.