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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/199514
mike gregory - Posted - 02/13/2011: 14:46:10
he says they're made from wiper blades.
youtube.com/watch?v=guBfEzqVge...e=related
Now I'm looking for how this was done.
stringBob - Posted - 02/13/2011: 14:56:36
Mike,
Judging from the usual dimensions for frets I would guess that he's used the metal inserts that stiffen the rubber wiper blades and hold them in the carrier.
On the inserts I've seen there's ( I think ) a couple of notches near one end which help them clip into the carrier.
Regards,
Mel
timmo_1949 - Posted - 02/13/2011: 15:49:37
He's got to mean the old kind on 1930s cars - it was a integral rubber wiper & metal support. See photo: banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...albumid=0
You would have to cut them up and inset in the neck somehow, maybe like bar frets. Just a guess, I've never heard of this use of car parts.
stringBob - Posted - 02/13/2011: 17:20:41
The stiffeners I have seen are on relatively recent wiper blades - there's one each side of the thick rubber
that fits into the metal blade holder. They run almost the complete length of the blade and are about 2/3 mm wide
by 0.5/1 mm thick.
You're right in saying they would have to be cut to the correct length to fit across the neck
Regards,
Mel
Ronnie - Posted - 02/14/2011: 05:40:31
The metal strips are common on Bosch wipers. If you know a Mercedes or VW (for instance) mechanic, he probably has some in his tool box.
stringBob - Posted - 02/14/2011: 09:54:09
I think Ronnie has it nailed ! 
My car is a 2000 Passat which has them but I know they weren't on my wife's 2005 Golf, that had the more recent thick and stiff rubber blades.
Regards,
Mel
madatcows - Posted - 02/15/2011: 10:58:10
Those metal stiffeners are common. I have some from my Mazda which I'm thinking of using for frets. They are probably thinner than most players would like. All the bar frets I've seen were very thin. I've always used brass sheet. Cut the fret slots to the appropriate depth with a saw of the right kerf and push them in. I used a fine tooth hacksaw blade. The kerf was too wide so I gently hammered the teeth on both sides. That dulls it some but it worked. You'll need a tight fit so the smooth frets will stay in. Mine never come out though I can slide them out sidways if I want. Its a lot of trouble to make your own frets. I was restoring some antique instruments and I got to where I liked the way they look.
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