Andy Eagle ( Guitar repair tech for 30 years )

[Henry]

Thanks Andy, appreciate it!

 

[Rex]

I've compared similar height nickel vs stainless and I seem to feel the same way: vibrato and bends more controllable with nickel. I wonder if it's got to do with the fret wearing more each time I bend.

If nickel-silver frets give you more control for bends and vibrato, then it’s likely that you’re fretting too forcefully. All that downward pressure can make your finger want to slip one way or another. If you fret lightly, the lack of friction on stainless steel frets becomes an advantage, giving you more control and allowing more subtle bends and vibrato.

As Andy said, if you play one kind exclusively for a month, it may become your new favorite. It’s surprising how much our preferences are driven by our habits.

 

[Dimiguitar]

If nickel-silver frets give you more control for bends and vibrato, then it’s likely that you’re fretting too forcefully. All that downward pressure can make your finger want to slip one way or another. If you fret lightly, the lack of friction on stainless steel frets becomes an advantage, giving you more control and allowing more subtle bends and vibrato.

As Andy said, if you play one kind exclusively for a month, it may become your new favorite. It’s surprising how much our preferences are driven by our habits.

Makes sense, though I'm fairly used to stainless. Played for many years exclusively jescar 58118 and even on scalloped fretboards.