Why Do My Frets Look Weird?

Why Do My Frets Look Weird? Understanding Scalloped Fretboards

Today we're diving into a topic that often raises eyebrows: why do my frets look so weird? Have they worn down from endless hours of playing? Let’s clear up the confusion and explore the world of scalloped fretboards.

What Is a Scalloped Fretboard?

First things first—the frets themselves are perfectly fine! What you're seeing is the fretboard being carved out between the frets, a modification known as scalloping. This process removes a portion of the wood, making the surface concave rather than flat.

You might be wondering, why would anyone do this? The reason is simple: it enhances grip and control over the strings. When you play on a regular fretboard, your fingertips make contact with both the strings and the wood. With a scalloped fretboard, your fingers only touch the strings, reducing friction and making bends and vibrato smoother.

Why Scallop a Fretboard?

Over time, frets wear down, requiring either a refret or, in some cases, an entirely new fretboard. Instead of replacing the frets, I decided to scallop my fretboard to:

Improve playability – My fingertips don’t touch the wood, reducing resistance when bending or hammering on.

Increase speed and precision – With less resistance, fast picking and complex techniques become easier.

Enhance tonal control – Because I'm only pressing the strings and not fighting the wood, I have better dynamic control over my playing.

Partial vs. Full Scalloping

One thing that makes my fretboard unique is that it’s not evenly scalloped. Many guitars have full scalloping, where every fret is carved out the same way. However, I only scalloped exactly where my fingers naturally press the strings. This custom approach provides the benefits of scalloping while preserving the guitar’s structural integrity and tone.

The Downsides of Scalloping

While scalloping has significant benefits, it’s not for everyone. Here are a few things to consider:

Irreversible Modification – Once wood is removed, there’s no going back. This could affect resale value.

Learning Curve – Players who press too hard may initially struggle with intonation since there's no wood to stop excess pressure from bending the note sharp.

Changes in Tone – Removing wood can subtly alter the instrument’s natural resonance.

Inspiration from the Greats

Scalloped fretboards are often associated with legendary players like Yngwie Malmsteen and Ritchie Blackmore. Malmsteen, in particular, has been a vocal advocate of scalloping, using it to achieve his signature neoclassical sound. Interestingly, Blackmore’s scalloping style was more subtle, similar to what I’ve done on my own guitar.

Final Thoughts

While my guitar’s fretboard may look unusual, every modification has a purpose. The scalloped design allows me to play with greater precision and comfort, making it a truly personal instrument. If you’re curious about scalloping, I’d love to share more insights—let me know if you’d be interested in a full guide or even a tutorial on how to do it yourself!

--Kris