hard steel and expensive i think
actually its really not that expensive considering a pound of Stewmacs nickel tallest and widest $42.43
while a pound of SS wires will cost around $48.45 thats the price i got per pound when i ordered 5 pounds of SS wires
ok on to the pros and cons
For Nickel-silver
Pros:
- they are easier to work with
- not too heavy on your tools
- its readily available
- a guitarbuilder/repair person wont charge you ridiculous prices to have one installed
Cons:
- there isnt too many really the only real difference between NS and SS are the following:
- SS will give you more mileage while NS will hang in there but every couple of years or depending on how often you use your instrument, you will have to refret your guitar or have it leveled
- tone wise there is a slight difference based on my experience SS tend to add just a tad treble on your tone nothing really significant
Stainless Steel:
Pros:
- they really last. a guitar i sold before Have SS frets i had it for 8yrs and it still had plenty of life left id say around 95% pa so in the long run medyo matipid sya.
- personal preference lang to but i kinda like the feel of SS frets better
Cons:
- if your planning to use those "fret files" being sold everywhere please dont! you'll just waste a good tool those aren't designed for SS rather it is for NS frets, it really doesnt matter if you use a regular fret file or a diamond coated one both are no match for SS frets, try using regular steel files instead but this takes time and practice if your planning to DIY
- tone wise it add a tad of treble but nothing really significant ( some people may like it some people might not ) so im not really sure if its a cons hehehehehe
- cost or labor guitar builder/ repair persons charge double or more for SS fret jobs just to give you and idea on the pricing a very good member of this forum if im not mistaken charges 300 per feet for the SS frets and you'll probably need around 4-5ft for a 21-22 fret guitar so thats around 1500 for the frets plus if i remember correctly but im really not 100% sure for the actual refret service itself for SS he charges 2500 that includes reconditioning your fretboard like re-radius etc.... so all in all thats 4000 already while a regular refret with NS only cost around 1.8-2.5k depending on which guy you bring it too on the other hand if you come to think of it SS frets will give you more mileage so i dont know if its really a bad thing i mean the cost