Fender Telecaster - 9.5 vs 7.25 inch radius fretboard

[tbonesullivan]

So, one of the "itches" that I have never scratched is a Fender Telecaster with REAL Wide Range humbuckers. Fender just rolled out their "American Vintage II" series, and they have both a 1972 Thinline and a 1975 Deluxe model, both with the "authentic" CuNiFe wide range pickups.  I've always been in love with the thinline concept, and they are offering it in a lovely LAKE PLACID BLUE, but the Thinline has a 7.25 inch fretboard radius with "Vintage Tall" frets, while the Deluxe has a 9.5 inch fretboard radius with "Medium Jumbo" frets.

I've never really had a guitar with a 7.25 inch fretboard radius, and the "Vintage Tall" frets definitely are another thing I've never dealt with. My favorite fretboards are usually around 12, but the fretboards on my Am St Tele and Jazzmaster are both 9.5, and I really like them.

Anyone have strong opinions on the 7.25 radius with vintage tall frets?

[Dutchman]

I prefer a 12" radius but 9.5 over 7.25 any day. If your a bender 9.5. If you like the rhythm duty either will work. 

7.25 requires string height higher than I like them to keep from choking out. That's the biggest difference.

[alantig]

It's all going to depend on the neck setup.  One of the things going around about the PRS Silver Sky core with the 7.25" radius was that you'd never be able to bend on it.  Not true.  I've had no issues w/any bends fretting out (up to over 1 1/2 steps).  But I'm not sure I'd take that as a given on a model of guitar that I wasn't familiar with.

[RobB]

To me, nothing feels better for chording than a vintage Fender neck. Both of my Fenders (52 Tele AVRI/Japan Blackmore Sig) have 7.25” radii. The Tele was refretted with jumbos and PLEK-ed, bending easy with low action. The Strat has vintage frets and an exceptional level/crowning from the factory, so I lucked out with this one. Plays cleanly in all registers. 
 

If you’re used to 9.5”, you may not care for the rounder radius of a vintage fingerboard. I would suggest trying out a few before making a decision. Maybe Fender has got their fretwork down on their RIs. 

[Jeff R]

Depends on a player's definition of low action. Standard Fullerton factory 50s and 60s setup action specs was no less than a 4/64" gap between the 12th fret and the bottom of the unfretted high E string, the gap tapering slightly more each string, to no less than 6/64" gap for the low E at F12. Those measurements are taken after the neck is dialed into ideal relief, and they assume the neck received a proper fret leveling.

I dial in most modern flatter radii fingerboards with solid fretwork at 3/64 for the high E unfretted at F12 to 4/64 on the low E without problems. Lower than that can be done in some cases, but is too low for most players, because it is too difficult to bend. Even with jumbos, the flats of the fingertips don't have the clearance to get "under" the string to grip it for the bend, if that makes sense.

With the vintage measurements I outlined above, a 7.25 won't fret out into the fretboard arc unless you do some serious full-step-plus-more bending. 

Be aware (and for a familiar comparison) ... the action I described for pre- and CBS-era Fender is similar to Nazareth factory action in modern times for a modern Martin acoustic. The Martin radius is not 7.25, it's flatter, but the strings are at that height to eliminate string buzz under a reasonably firm strumming hand. The takeaway, without trying anything, is if you don't like the action on most acoustics, you probably won't like where you have to dial action on a 7.25 to accommodate aggressive bends.

It also wouldn't hurt to use a ruler that breaks inches down to 64ths to dial in one of your guitars to the action I outlined above. You won't feel the 7.25 curve, but you'll be able to feel how high/low the action is relative to the fingerboard for your tastes. And if that action is a deal maker, a dealbreaker, something you can learn to love, whatever.

 

[crunchee]

I prefer a 9.5" radius over a 7.25" radius, but like the old saying goes: 'I wouldn't kick it out of bed fer eatin' crackers'. 

[bubs_42]

If a 7.25 is properly set up, you can bend with no issues, Pedal Steel Bends, Blues Bends whatever. BUT If you’re a guy that likes super low action, fast playing then the flatter the radius the better. Not to mention the 7.25 are super comfy on the hands for chording. 

Best thing you can do it just try one. 

[DaveL]

I went to Nash,  love the 9.5" radius and the frets on their stuff 

[tbonesullivan]

I guess I really do need to go out and get a "hands on" feel. I do use a good amount of bending in my playing with blues stuff. I'm more concerned about the frets than the radius honestly.

[hamerhead]

Get one of each.

[ArnieZ]

I’ve been told (have never played) the PRS Silver Sky plays great and no problem with bends. It is a 7.5” radius

arniez

[hamerican gigolo]

I have both radii & like either. I'd try examples of each before I'd lay down the $.