Ever wondered how to achieve perfect harmony on your instrument, only to find that something always sounds slightly off? The quest for “true temperament” is a common puzzle for musicians and music lovers alike.
Understanding this concept matters because it affects how you tune, play, and experience music. In this article, we’ll break down what true temperament really means, why it’s important, and offer practical tips to guide you toward more accurate, satisfying sound.
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What Is “True Temperament” and How Does It Work?
“True Temperament” is a revolutionary approach to guitar fretboard design. Instead of traditional straight frets, True Temperament guitars use specially shaped, curved frets crafted for incredibly accurate intonation across the entire neck. This innovation addresses one of the longest-standing challenges in guitar design: the problem of imperfect tuning due to the limitations of standard fret placement.
Put simply, True Temperament enables your guitar to play in tune—more precisely and consistently—so chords and notes sound harmonically richer and less sour, wherever you play on the fretboard.
Understanding Traditional Guitar Intonation Problems
Before diving deeper into True Temperament, it’s important to understand the issues it solves. Traditional guitars use “equal temperament” tuning, with straight frets evenly spaced along the neck. While this system is practical, it introduces compromises:
- Slightly Out-of-Tune Notes: Even with careful tuning, some chords or notes always sound a bit sharp or flat.
- The “Compromise” of Equal Temperament: Standard frets are a “best fit” to make all keys playable, but none are absolutely perfectly in tune.
- Worsening Up the Neck: The farther up the fretboard you go, the more pronounced the intonation errors become.
Many guitarists unconsciously adjust their playing to minimize these issues, but the flaws remain built into the instrument.
How True Temperament Frets Solve Intonation Issues
True Temperament frets are engineered and mounted in a wavy or “squiggly” pattern. Each fret’s curve is calculated so that every note, on every string and fret, is as close to perfect tuning as physically possible. Here’s what this achieves:
- Micro-Adjustment of Each Note: The individual curves account for the mathematical realities of string thickness, tension, and scale.
- Better Chords and Melodies: Chords ring more harmonically, and notes blend better, no matter where you play on the neck.
- Reduced Tuning Compromises: True Temperament guitars require less compensation and “sweetening” tricks (like pulling notes slightly sharp or flat by finger pressure).
What Do True Temperament Frets Look Like?
If you see a True Temperament guitar fretboard, it won’t look “normal”—the frets bend and curve across the neck in waves. This might look strange at first, but it follows precise calculations.
- Wavy Frets: The curves are purpose-built for each string and position.
- No Impact on Playability: The frets are raised where the string meets them, so the feel when playing is very similar to traditional frets.
- No Need to Change Your Technique: You finger notes exactly as before.
Key Benefits of True Temperament Frets
Switching to a True Temperament guitar offers several advantages, especially for serious players and studio musicians who want the best possible sound quality.
1. Unmatched Intonation Accuracy
- Chords, intervals, and single notes are much more harmonically true.
- Dissonance from tuning errors is greatly reduced.
- Open chords and barre chords both benefit.
2. Improved Recording and Live Performance
- In the studio, tracks stack better, avoiding the “beating” or harshness of slightly out-of-tune layers.
- Live, your instrument sounds sweeter in ensemble settings.
3. Enhanced Listening Experience
- Audiences (even untrained ears) sense improved clarity and richness.
- Harmonics and overtones ring with new clarity, especially for instruments with lots of sustain.
4. No Need to Constantly Adjust
- Spend less time tweaking tuning for different chords and keys.
- Capos and alternate tunings work more reliably.
Are There Any Downsides or Challenges?
While True Temperament fretting is impressive, it’s not without considerations:
1. Learning Curve
- The squiggly frets look unconventional, but playing feels normal for most musicians.
2. Cost and Availability
- These instruments are more expensive due to complex manufacturing.
- Retrofitting an existing guitar is possible, but not simple or cheap.
3. Maintenance and Restringing
- Setting up and maintaining a True Temperament guitar may require a luthier familiar with the system.
- Matching string gauges can be a bit more important for optimal intonation.
4. Limited Model Selection
- Not every guitar brand offers these. Companies like Strandberg and some high-end luthiers feature True Temperament models.
How to Get a True Temperament Guitar
If you’re considering making the switch, here are your options:
1. Buy a New Guitar with True Temperament
Many popular models from specialized brands already come with True Temperament fret systems. These are ready-to-play and set up for perfect intonation.
2. Retrofitting an Existing Guitar
Some specialists can refret your current instrument with a True Temperament system. This process:
- Is only possible on certain guitar types.
- Can be expensive and time-consuming.
- May not be reversible, so consider carefully.
3. Try Before You Buy
If possible, play a True Temperament guitar at a high-end music store or at a guitar show. The difference is most obvious when playing open chords, sustained notes, and extended intervals.
Practical Tips for Musicians
If you decide to invest in a True Temperament guitar, or want to know how best to use one, keep these tips in mind:
- Tune Accurately: Use a high-quality tuner, as your instrument’s accuracy now allows you to hear subtle inconsistencies.
- Explore Open Voicings: Chords like D major or E major will sound especially “sweet”—experiment and enjoy.
- Warm Up to the Feel: The look is unfamiliar, but the playing feel will become second nature after a short adaptation period.
- Consider String Gauges: True Temperament systems are designed for standard string gauge sets. Using very unusual gauges may subtly impact the intonation.
- Regular Maintenance: Seek a luthier familiar with curved fret systems for setup or repairs.
Cost and Shipping Tips
True Temperament guitars represent a significant investment. Here’s how to approach the cost side:
- Guitar Price: Expect several hundred to a few thousand dollars over standard models, depending on brand and build.
- Retrofitting: Refretting a guitar can be as expensive as buying a new mid-range instrument.
- Shipping Considerations: Because the fret system is delicate and unique, choose insured, professional instrument shipping services.
- Import Fees and Duties: If ordering internationally, research any taxes or import duties, as these can add significantly to the price.
- Protect Your Investment: Always use a hard case and, if possible, double-box the guitar when shipping.
Will True Temperament Make Me a Better Player?
A perfectly in-tune guitar won’t suddenly give you new skills, but it will help you sound your best:
- Fewer Intonation Headaches: Spend less time compensating for tuning issues.
- Confidence in Recording: Know that what’s on tape is as accurate as possible.
- Inspiration: Many players report a renewed excitement for playing when chords and harmonies are richer and clearer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main benefit of True Temperament frets?
The primary benefit is highly accurate intonation—notes, chords, and intervals sound in tune across the entire fretboard, eliminating the “close but not quite” effect of standard straight frets.
Do squiggly frets make the guitar harder to play?
No, the playing feel remains almost identical to traditional guitars. The visual difference can take a short time to get used to, but your left-hand technique won’t need adjusting.
Can I convert my current guitar to a True Temperament fretboard?
Sometimes, but not always. Only certain guitar styles or necks are suitable for refretting with True Temperament frets. It is a specialized luthier job and may be costly.
Are there any drawbacks to using True Temperament guitars?
True Temperament guitars cost more and are less widely available. Maintenance may require an experienced technician. The fretboard looks unusual, though this doesn’t affect playability.
Is True Temperament just for professionals, or is it suitable for beginners?
While True Temperament is especially valued by advanced and professional musicians, beginners can benefit as well. Many report that learning is more enjoyable when everything sounds harmonically right, though the higher cost is worth considering.
Conclusion
True Temperament frets are a major innovation in guitar design. By solving the age-old problem of imperfect tuning, they open up new musical possibilities for players at every level. Whether you’re a seasoned studio guitarist, a live performer, or just want your chords to sound sweeter, True Temperament delivers unmatched accuracy and inspiration. Consider your budget, playing style, and musical goals—if flawless intonation matters to you, this might be your next step forward.