Fret wire is something where you have a few choices concerning how the ends look and feel like. One of the more interesting fret end shapes is what’s affectionately known as the “hot dog”.
Here is an example of this type of fret end (from Skjold Design Guitars):
Notice above that the fret ends have a decidedly rounded shape, hence the “hot dog” look; this is not a universal name for this type of fret, but luthiers commonly call it that. Another way to describe this type of fret would be the “quarter-hemisphere fret”, but know if you want to specifically request frets like this from a builder, “hot dog” will probably the name recognized more often.
You will notice more often than not that premium-grade bass instruments do mention “hand-rolled fret ends” as a selling point, but since all fret ends are touched by human hands at some point in the build process (to date there’s never been a way developed to make that task completely automated), what makes the premium hand-rolled fret ends so premium?
On a premium fretted instrument, one which touts hand-rolled fret ends as a feature means the luthier spent a good amount of time making sure every fret is not only leveled and perfect, but also has super-smooth edges that feel good on the fret hand. Being the hot dog style of fret end is normally reserved for those who get really specific about what type of fret end they want, it is generally considered to be a premium option.
While “hot dog” may not sound like something premium just by its common name alone, be aware this style of fret end can be finished to such a degree where you can even see your own reflection in it.
Is the hot dog fret all for show? No. While it is a “showy” style of fret end, it also makes for a very comfortable-playing instrument; it’s the kind of feel where you know you’re playing something with a high-quality build the moment you pluck the first few notes. Of course, this ultimately depends on how much time the luthier put into the instrument, but when you see hot dog fret ends, chances are very good it will be a very comfortable player.
