Thumper
Well-known member
After a year of VERY heavy use, I'm starting to see some slight wear in a couple of the frets on my plastic-fretboard Flea. It's not causing any problems, but I could see how within the next year I may want to replace the fretboard.
The Magic Fluke Company warranty covers the replacement of the plastic fretboards, or for another 70-80 bucks, I could get a rosewood fretboard with conventional metal frets. The money's not a big deal, so I don't object to the upgrade.
But here's the thing. I freaking LOVE how the plastic fretboard feels. The action and intonation are perfect, and the edges of the frets are perfectly smooth. I find my Flea and Fluke more comfortable to play than other conventionally fretted necks I've played (Lanikai, Kala, Ibanez and Luna), some of which seem to have sharper edges. So I was curious how the "feel" of the more expensive fretboard compared with the plastic ones, as you slide your hand up and down the neck of the instrument.
I know some of our members have owned both types, so I'd appreciate any input. Since I play outdoors most of the time, in hot humid South Florida, I like how impervious the plastic fretboard is to heat and moisture. But most of all, if I upgrade my Flea, I want it to feel as good as my current setup.
Thanks in advance for any input!
The Magic Fluke Company warranty covers the replacement of the plastic fretboards, or for another 70-80 bucks, I could get a rosewood fretboard with conventional metal frets. The money's not a big deal, so I don't object to the upgrade.
But here's the thing. I freaking LOVE how the plastic fretboard feels. The action and intonation are perfect, and the edges of the frets are perfectly smooth. I find my Flea and Fluke more comfortable to play than other conventionally fretted necks I've played (Lanikai, Kala, Ibanez and Luna), some of which seem to have sharper edges. So I was curious how the "feel" of the more expensive fretboard compared with the plastic ones, as you slide your hand up and down the neck of the instrument.
I know some of our members have owned both types, so I'd appreciate any input. Since I play outdoors most of the time, in hot humid South Florida, I like how impervious the plastic fretboard is to heat and moisture. But most of all, if I upgrade my Flea, I want it to feel as good as my current setup.
Thanks in advance for any input!
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