Fret observations...

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SpeedKing

Squier-holic
Apr 9, 2015
1,322
UK
Howdy all, hope you're all having fabulous days.

So having finally got a milled down MIM trem unit into an Affinity I've spent the last few days fine tweaking both this Affinity and my similarly modded VM70.

Whilst according to Squire both share in theory the same scale, radius (9.5), frets (21 medium jumbo), backshape (modern C) and only display differences in finish (satin & maple board Affinity, gloss and rosewood board VM) and maybe quality control (fret ends of the Affinity were not nearly as well finished as the VM). Also the Affinity is a mm less width at the nut. I'd add though that even without a measuring device the Affinity seems to have much more of a D shape and certainly is the thicker neck which makes a massive difference to how each feels in the hand (including how the fretboard surface is perceived).

However, that aside I've been trying to get the action on the VM as low as I've achieved on the Affinity without quite achieving it… quite. It's v. v. close and indeed it is a very low action.

Finally realised why. I have achieved it... but it's not the same overall result! They may share many things and I reckon now string clearance over the frets (action) may be another one but string distance from fretboard is not.
The VMs frets are higher. It's fractions but it's there. Slightly different profile accordingly I'd say… more pronounced.

Just wondering whether the difference is in fitting, spec or supply. Maybe just a different supplier of higher quality wire on the VMs or perhaps just simply based on manufacture location?
 
Last edited:

Guitarmageddon

Squier-Axpert
Sep 27, 2014
11,596
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Fret height off the fretboard doesn't enter at all into action height. The measurement is from the top of 12th or 17th fret to the bottom of each string when open / unfretted. Visually it may look higher if a guitar has larger frets. My Clapton model has very small vintage frets, so it looks lower...but it plays the same. You're only pushing down the string enough to touch the fret, just gentle pressure. So it should behave the exact same....

your Affinity may have had a fret level by a previous owner if you didn't buy it new...
 

SpeedKing

Squier-holic
Apr 9, 2015
1,322
UK
Thx Ryan.
I do realise string height off the fretboard doesn't enter into the 'action'… as noted in my fourth paragraph. I mention it only because it's what brought the fret difference to my attention
Rather I was looking at the difference between the frets (both supposedly medium jumbo from the same manufacturer). Both guitars are new. I guess it's either different suppliers (Chinese Affinity, Indonesian VM) or just a different quality wire for the VM...
 

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