22 vs 24 frets


Leedogg
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Leedogg
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02/15/2007 8:14 pm
I'm soon to be in the market for a new ax and wondering what to look for in terms of a number of frets. Both my electrics only have 22 and I'm sometimes left feeling incomplete. I like that with 24 frets you get 2 full octaves, but how often will you be playing that high up on the neck anyway..

What do y'all think?

I've also heard that the pickups are better positioned on 22 fret guitars. Has this been anyone's experience?
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# 1
ericthecableguy
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02/15/2007 8:42 pm
I got 24. It's really not all that. I mean, if your tapping 3 octave arpeggios, maybe you want it...but i only use the last 2 frets when playing other peoples stuff. I wouldn't buy a guitar only because it has 24 frets if there's others you prefer.
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02/15/2007 9:10 pm
It's true that you don't use the extra frets all that often - but I say it's worth it when you do need them. But don't let that stop you from buying a really sweet axe with 22 frets if that's what you'd prefer.
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02/15/2007 9:20 pm
I dont know, I use the other two frets alot, espeically with other peoples stuff. but for certain genres and styles 22 could be fine such as rythm players or jazz but i really like having the option. also i fonud this article about it

http://www.edromanguitars.com/newsite/techarticles/22vs24.htm
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02/15/2007 9:25 pm
I agree with Eric, my Shecter is 24 frets and the only time I use the 23rd or 24th fret is on the high e when I'm tapping. IMO, you shouldn't worry about how many frets, find a guitar that you obsolutely love, if it happens to be 24 frets, cool.
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02/15/2007 9:46 pm
What do you guys think about scalloping the last 3 frets of a guitar - the 22 23 24 frets, such as the Ibanez Jem. Why would you do that? for better bends?
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Leedogg
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02/15/2007 9:47 pm
Originally Posted by: Poontang_clanI dont know, I use the other two frets alot, espeically with other peoples stuff. but for certain genres and styles 22 could be fine such as rythm players or jazz but i really like having the option. also i fonud this article about it

http://www.edromanguitars.com/newsite/techarticles/22vs24.htm



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02/15/2007 10:53 pm
Originally Posted by: LeedoggHard to take advice from Ed Roman...



I don't get it..... but also i always find myself reaching for a 25th and maybe 26th fret when im playing so i dont know what i would do without 23 and 24
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ericthecableguy
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02/15/2007 11:35 pm
Originally Posted by: Poontang_clanI don't get it..... but also i always find myself reaching for a 25th and maybe 26th fret when im playing so i dont know what i would do without 23 and 24


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Leedogg
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02/16/2007 12:23 am
Originally Posted by: Poontang_clanI don't get it..... but also i always find myself reaching for a 25th and maybe 26th fret when im playing so i dont know what i would do without 23 and 24



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jiujitsu_jesus
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02/16/2007 2:11 am
Originally Posted by: alucard0941What do you guys think about scalloping the last 3 frets of a guitar - the 22 23 24 frets, such as the Ibanez Jem. Why would you do that? for better bends?


Yeah, for better bends and for easier vibrato on those notes at the very top. But you'd really only do that if you were a guy like Vai or Yngwie who is constantly playing lead and always building up to those high notes.
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02/16/2007 2:43 am
I prefer the neck pickup's tone on 22 fret guitars as opposed to 24 fret guitars. 24's just don't sound right to me. Plus, as big of a Slash fan as you are, you won't get that sweet neck pickup tone like him on a 24 fret guitar... the pickup just isn't in the right position.
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02/16/2007 2:50 am
I gotta have 24 because of tapping so I got no choice.
Unfortunately, you can walk into just about any guitar store and count on one hand the amount of 24 fret guitars they have.

Even some of the biggest retailers look flumoxed when you ask to see what they have...although I guess there is a little self satisfaction when they say they haven't got any.
"No 24 frets?.. hmm, ok... well thanks anyway. Do you know where there are any 'good' guitar stores around"

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02/16/2007 4:26 am
Originally Posted by: schmangeDo you know where there are any 'good' guitar stores around"

Then I call for Jeeves and we leave in my limo.


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ren
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02/16/2007 1:22 pm
Most of my guitars are 24 fretted, but my favourites to play are the JSs / Radius which are 22.

I don't find 22 a limitation really ever.... and fretting notes on the pickups as a fake 24th is quite fun...

And on the scalloping - it is far easier to play high up the neck on a JEM for me because I've got quite big hands, and the frets are very close together... On my RGs it's harder work.

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Leedogg
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02/16/2007 5:44 pm
Besides tapping, are there any innate advantages of having 24 frets?
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Poontang_clan
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02/17/2007 5:43 am
Originally Posted by: LeedoggEd Roman is a frickin' shyster!

Ed Roman 1

Ed Roman 2[/QUOTE]


I have been Misinformed. Thanks

[QUOTE=Leedogg]Besides tapping, are there any innate advantages of having 24 frets?


I think the only advantage to 24 frets is 2 more notes not very much tonally I think
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Andrew Sa
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02/17/2007 5:54 pm
I'm with Eric on this one. I am a 22 fret man, through and through.
I find that with 22 fret guitars, the neck pickup is perfectly positioned (as it can be placed beneath the 3rd octave...not sure if this really makes a difference, but I have convinced myself that it does) and just sounds so much sweeter than a 24 fret guitar. I tap quite a bit too, but I dont really use tapping so much for leads, but rather for melodies a la Reggie Wooten.

At the end of the day Leedogg, you've gotta play this guitar, so make sure you like whichever axe you get. there is nothing to say you cant own an example of each.
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Lordathestrings
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02/17/2007 6:06 pm
I insist on getting rich, solid tone, and there isn't much of that above the 18th fret. The 22/24 fret discussion is moot to me. But pickup placement matters in a serious kinda way. If most of your tone originates at the hands/strings interface, you will want to pay close attention to what comes out of the guitar as you try it out. If you lean heavily on pedals and effects for your sound, then it becomes less important. YMMV.
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02/21/2007 1:30 pm
;) Who ever said they're constantly reaching higher then the 24th here you go.
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