I recently bought a 1929 Martin Style 20 in very nice condition. The mandolin features bar frets, which Martin used until 1934. The frets are in decent shape, but seem quite tiny to me. I don't know what the height on these things should be. I contacted TJ Thompson about obtaining replacement bar stock. He replied that there currently no suppliers of bar stock in the US. He said that he could draw down some close to the right size but it would be up to me to file it down to final dimensions. As far as replacing with T frets, I understand that not to be a possibility, as the slots are too wide and the bar slot design necessitates
the solid bar installation to maintain neck straightness.
I've set up the mandolin to 1.6mm at the 12th fret on the G string. It plays acceptably if not perfectly for me. Certainly some of it is the difference in feel from T frets
Any ideas or comments?
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