Dingwall guitars are known for their slanted frets, also known as fanned frets. Fanned frets are a design feature in which the frets are angled in such a way that the strings have different scale lengths. The scale length of a string is the distance between the nut and the bridge, and it affects the pitch and tension of the string.
The reason why Dingwall guitars have slanted frets is to improve the intonation and sustain of the strings, especially on the lower strings. On a traditional guitar, the lower strings have a longer scale length than the higher strings. This is because the lower strings need more tension to produce the same pitch as the higher strings.
However, the longer scale length of the lower strings can also cause them to go out of tune more easily. This is because the longer strings are more susceptible to temperature changes and humidity fluctuations.
Fanned frets help to improve the intonation of the strings by compensating for the difference in scale length. The frets on a Dingwall guitar are angled so that the lower strings have a longer scale length than the higher strings. This helps to ensure that all of the strings are in tune, even on the lower strings.
Fanned frets also help to improve the sustain of the strings, especially on the lower strings. This is because the longer scale length of the lower strings gives them more time to vibrate.
In addition to improving intonation and sustain, fanned frets can also make it easier to reach certain chords and arpeggios. This is because the fanned frets allow your fingers to sit more naturally on the fretboard.
Overall, fanned frets offer a number of advantages over traditional frets. They can help to improve intonation, sustain, and playability. This is why Dingwall guitars are known for their slanted frets.
Here are some of the benefits of Dingwall guitars with fanned frets:
- Improved intonation
- Increased sustain
- Easier to reach chords and arpeggios
- More comfortable to play
- Greater versatility
If you are looking for a guitar with improved intonation, sustain, and versatility, then a Dingwall guitar with fanned frets may be a good option for you.
