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What's the difference between having 24 frets and 22 frets, except the -2 or 2 frets? Is there a difference in the sound, or is it the same just with 2 frets more, or 2 frets less?

you can probably find info on this around the net, but I think the gist of the argument is something like this:

because a 24 fret neck is longer, the neck pickup is closer to the bridge, and therefore has a somewhat brighter tone
also, on a 22 fret neck, the neck pickup location is near a harmonic mode - at least that's true on a strat, I'm not positive about humbucker guitars

I think in the past, others have referenced an article on Ed Roman's site, although you might want to take it with a grain of salt.

There are many arguments as to how the extra frets do or do not affect the tone, Curly summed up the main argument above, the placement of the neck pickup. Personally i play it like this, if you need the 24 frets, then get a 24 fret guitar, if you are never going to use those extra 2 frets then its probably best to settle for a 22 or less.

Yep. That pup being underneath the harmonic node gives it that kind of muddy feel that is characteristic of that neck pup on a Les Paul. I can't get that on my Jackson, since the pup is closer to the bridge. Not a bad thing, just a preference for some people. I prefer the tone from a pup that isn't underneath the node.

This is just speculation, but I bet you can get stronger pinch harmonics from a pickup being directly underneath one of the harmonic nodes and playing the note directly above. Of course, it might have the opposite effect. Does anyone have any experience that points to either case?

I don't buy the harmonic node argument because the nodes move as soon as you fret the string. I do believe that moving the neck pickup 1/2quot; closer to the bridge affects the tone of the neck pickup by itself as well as any pickup combinations involving the neck (due to phase differences).

Another rarely-mentioned factor is the neck itself. All other things being equal and assuming that the higher fret count isn't achieved simply by extending the fingerboard, the longer unsupported length (from the neck joint to the nut) of a 24 fret neck will result in a less stiff neck. A number of guitar builders believe that neck stiffness has a big effect on tone. 1/2quot; might not seem like a lot but stiffness decreases exponentially with length so the effect of small changes can be significant.

i really think that this question, while interesting to sit around and shoot the $hit about, has no absolute answers when it comes to actually pluggin' in and playing ... guys have gotten great tone and made memorable music with instruments of 22 frets and 24 frets ... there have also been guys to get crappy tone with the same array of instruments ... as YOU search for YOUR tone to make YOUR music with, YOU can decide which is best for YOU ... if you need the extra frets, get em and work your rig to get the best tone that suits your needs ...

and no one says you only get to choose one guitar .. so one (or more) of each is a recommended option

cheers,
t4d


Originally Posted by alecleeI don't buy the harmonic node argument because the nodes move as soon as you fret the string.

That makes total sense. Which, in turn, would mean that the pinch harmonics that I mentioned earlier, if they were effected, would only be better (or worse) with open strings or strings fretted where that would still be at a harmonic. This is pretty interesting stuff.

i guess for me, i never liked the neck pickup sound on 24 fret guitars, and i solo most of the time on the neck pickup. it always sounds 'indistinct' to me- don't know how to describe it- it has this same quality on every 24 fret guitar I have ever played, from Jacksons to Steinbergers, etc...kind of like the 'body' of the note is missing.
If you don't hear it, or don't care, then don't worry about it.
But hey, I am one of the crazy few that uses my tone control a lot too.
Oh well, this debate will continue, like the 'larger string gague = better tone' one and 'vintage is better than modern' one.