Acoustic Tubes
The neck becomes part of the resonant design.
Inside the design
Intonation, note by note.
ArcFret is Turkowiak's own compensated fret design, developed around the acoustic instrument: both classical nylon-string and steel-string guitars. Each fret follows a smooth, continuous curve, rather than a series of straight segments joined by bends.
The geometry adjusts the string-contact positions to account for real strings, including their stiffness and the extra tension introduced by fretting. The aim is exceptionally accurate intonation across the fingerboard, with the familiar feel of an ordinary guitar.
We form standard tang fretwire to our calculated curves. This keeps a conventional, serviceable fret construction instead of using large solid metal bars set deeply into the fingerboard.
Does ArcFret feel different to play?
Normal technique and hand positions remain unchanged. In our experience, most players stop noticing the curved geometry once they start playing. The fret tops remain familiar under the fingers.
Can I use a normal capo?
Yes. Standard capos work with ArcFret; the curved frets do not prevent their use. Choose a capo appropriate to the fingerboard width and radius, with only the pressure needed for a clean note.
Does ArcFret work in alternative tunings?
Yes. As with straight frets, changing tuning changes string tension and can introduce small departures from the target pitch. The best result comes from specifying your usual strings, action and tunings when we design and set up the instrument.
Can it be designed for any scale or string count?
We can develop ArcFret geometry for different instruments, scale lengths, string counts and handedness. For our most refined compensation we first need to build and evaluate at least one instrument with the same specification. A first prototype may retain small deviations that are refined in subsequent builds.
Which fretwire do you use?
We use conventional fretwire with a tang, including 18% nickel silver. EVO-gold can be specified on higher models, subject to the agreed build specification. The curved pattern does not require a heavy, deeply routed metal-bar construction.
Is ArcFret the same as True Temperament?
No. ArcFret is an independently developed Turkowiak system, not a True Temperament product or retrofit. If you are comparing compensated frets for a classical or acoustic guitar, ArcFret offers our smooth continuous curves in conventional tang fretwire, designed and refined with the complete instrument. The two systems should not be treated as interchangeable.
Does compensation make every note mathematically perfect?
It addresses systematic intonation errors that straight fret positions cannot individually correct. Real strings, action, temperature, tuning and finger pressure still matter. We refine the instrument against its intended setup rather than promise zero deviation under every playing condition.
The photographed instrument has its own specification. Decorative inlays and individual artwork are optional and quoted separately.
Considered together
Continue exploring.
Floating ArmRest
Support for your forearm. Space for the top.
Your instrument
Chosen together.
The right combination begins with your playing. Construction, materials and optional details are confirmed in your individual specification.