Abstract: A molded fretboard according to the present invention has integrally molded frets. The frets are composed of a molded mixture including a higher proportion by volume of glass beads than resin, thereby providing abrasion resistant characteristics that are the same as or better than conventional steel frets. The glass beads are compacted such that each glass bead is in contact with at least one other glass bead. The fretboard itself may be composed of this molded mixture, providing increased abrasion resistance to the top working region of the fretboard, and an entire molded guitar may also be produced in accordance with the invention. A method of installing a fretboard on a guitar is taught which ensures the linearity of the fretboard, regardless of the curvature of the neck. This method provides solutions to the problem of having a bowed neck and the problem of having a non-straight fretboard simultaneously.

Abstract: A molded fretboard according to the present invention has integrally molded frets. The frets are composed of a molded mixture including a higher proportion by volume of glass beads than resin, thereby providing abrasion resistant characteristics that are the same as or better than conventional steel frets. The glass beads are compacted such that each glass bead is in contact with at least one other glass bead. The fretboard itself may be composed of this molded mixture, providing increased abrasion resistance to the top working region of the fretboard, and an entire molded guitar may also be produced in accordance with the invention. A method of installing a fretboard on a guitar is taught which ensures the linearity of the fretboard, regardless of the curvature of the neck. This method provides solutions to the problem of having a bowed neck and the problem of having a non-straight fretboard simultaneously.