Bear Meadow Fret Calculator

Here is a fret calculator with several unique features:

• Double click on the image to get to the Zoho server
• Click on the menu bar's highlighted "Filter" icon to gain view access to locked cells
• Selectable Scale length (so what's new with that?)
• All non-diatonic frets clearly indicated in red
• Fretting accuracy indicator

To use the accuracy indicator, plug in your estimated error in cutting frets. The usual rule of thumb with tool and die makers is that your accuracy is worse by about half the smallest division on your ruler.

If one is marking to the nearest thousandth, the error can be as much as plus or minus 5 ten-thousandths. If marking to the nearest 1/64", the error can be as much as 1/128" on either side.

How much accuracy is needed in placing the frets for precise tonal production? An ordinary listener can begin to feel the pitch is off when the error is more than 5 cents. This question can be a vexing one when we are trying to establish a method for cutting the fret slots.

For a fuller discussion of achieving accuracy see Fret Accuracy.