Crystal Frets Vs. GlassTones -- Part 2

The Crystal Frets/GlassTones debate continues in the comments section here:

http://www.theguitarcolumn.com/2009/10/crystal-frets-vs-glasstones.html

Parental Guidance Advised!

Crystal Frets Vs. GlassTones?

I just received a comment on my Crystal Frets article disputing Erich Stone's claim as the inventor of quartz crystal frets. From the detail provided, could this be from a GlassTones representative?:

"Erich Stone is not the brain child of using quartz (Silica) for frets, GlassTones holds the US patent and Internation patent rights for this revolutionary technology, which was issued May 6, 2008 - US Pat 7,368,646. GlassTones technology purifies the vibration of stringed musical instruments. GlassTones is the real deal! Check them out at www.glasstonesllc.com Imitation is the greatest form of flattery"

The GlassTonesLLC site is under construction however.

The excerpt below is quoted from http://www.crystalfrets.com/

"(Erich) Stone, a Golden resident who worked the last five years at Red Lobster, has yet to convince the U.S. Patent Office of the breakthrough he has achieved. His application for a patent based on appearance was rejected two weeks ago; he is rewriting the application for a scientific patent, based on the clarity, sustainability and power of the sound made by his guitars."
This should get interesting.

Apparently GlassTones has exhibited at Winter NAMM 2009. Check out Guitar Jam Daily for the article.

(Pic Source: Guitar Jam Daily)

Crystal Frets by Erich Stone

I recently received a comment from the folks at http://www.crystalfrets.com/.

The brainchild of artist Erich Stone, using quartz crystal for frets has to be one of the most radical innovations to have come along since Leo Fender's solidbody or Ned's all-graphite Steinberger.

And according to Stone, guitars customized with the quartz frets take on a 'hi-definition' tone.

And being crystal, these frets would probably be nearly impervious to wear.

But rather than being an aftermarket add-on, the company plans to launch their own line of guitars. Which makes sense. You'd need specialized skills and tools to install quartz frets into wood fingerboards.

I can just see Paul Reed Smith incorporating these quartz frets into one of their heavily-inlaid NAMM showpiece guitars.