Wide frets

[Scott Stulken]

Dan, I just thought of something: when *were* wider frets first manufactured? As far as I know, they were first used on Les Pauls in the late 50s, but what prompted their manufacture? Players? Repairmen?

It seems as though skinny frets were used on everything before then, and that it wouldn't have occured to anybody to make them wider.

Inquiring minds, etc, etc....

Thanks,
- Scott

 

[Ed Rafalko]

The advent of the electric bass had much to do with it.