Fanned Frets - Comfort and Precision

Written on 19 November 2025 - 260 views

A More Controlled Low End and a Better-Balanced Instrument

Fanned frets, or fanned frets, popularized by the brand Dingwall, are based on the idea of adapting the scale length to each string: longer for the low strings, shorter for the high strings. This principle immediately improves the sustain of low notes. The low register becomes more precise and stable, particularly on the B string of a 5-string bass, which gains clarity. Unwanted vibrations are better controlled, making the instrument especially effective in styles that require clear low-end articulation, such as modern metal, fusion, or progressive music. Bassists using lower tunings also benefit from this natural tension gain, which allows them to maintain a clear note without relying on extreme string gauges.

This scale difference also brings better overall balance to the instrument. The shorter high strings gain a warmer, less aggressive tone, which reduces contrasts. The low-to-high transition becomes smoother, and the entire spectrum sounds more coherent. This enhances the bass’s versatility, as melodic lines, chordal passages, or more expressive playing blend better with the rest of the sound. Tuning stability also improves: each string operates within a more consistent tension range, limiting pitch shifts after energetic playing, whether in slap, pick, or strong attacks. The overall sound remains more consistent, both in the studio and on stage.

In terms of comfort, the geometry may seem surprising at first glance, but quickly feels natural. The fret angle follows the instinctive movement of the hand along the neck. The wrist is less bent, reaching the low notes requires less effort, and long sessions are less tiring. Many musicians find that after a few hours, this ergonomics becomes intuitive and pleasant. Slides, fast passages, and string skips often benefit from this more natural hand dynamics.

The Limits of a More Complex System to Build and Maintain

Despite its benefits, the multiscale requires a brief adaptation period. Visual markers are slightly shifted, and the first frets can be surprising. Slap near the nut may require adjusting the motion to achieve the same precision as on a traditional bass. Additionally, building a fanned-fret bass is more demanding: angled bridge, angled nut, sometimes angled pickups. This means parts are less standardized, and some maintenance tasks, such as refretting or leveling, must be done by a luthier experienced with this type of instrument. This complexity also affects the price, often higher than that of a comparable traditional bass.

Resale considerations may also come into play. Even though models from recognized brands resell well, the market remains smaller than that for traditional basses. Some bassists prefer the classic setup, which can extend the time needed to find a buyer.

Ultimately, fanned frets provide a real gain in precision, comfort, and tonal balance, especially for 5- and 6-string basses or situations where the low register must remain perfectly clear. They do, however, require a short adaptation period and a higher investment. For those seeking clarity, stability, and modern ergonomics, they are a particularly relevant option; for traditionalists or those valuing complete simplicity, they remain an interesting but non-essential evolution.

See you soon, here or elsewhere !

Chrys