Assumer
Well-known member
Hey guys
How do you know when it is time for a refret vs just getting the frets recrowned?
How do you know when it is time for a refret vs just getting the frets recrowned?
- Thread starter Assumer
- Start date
beej
Moderator
Depends how much fret wire you have left. A good tech should be able to tell you pretty easily. I find that your frets are pretty dead before the re-fret ... usually you just know.
Dr. Lemonator
Well-known member
I had to make the same decision on my (dare I say it?) Ibanez and I went with a refret. If you have a problem with your fingertips catching on the fretboard when you bend, it might be a good time to refret. If the frets are just getting worn down and flattened but still maintain some height, get them leveled and crowned. 
Assumer
Well-known member
Not catching the fingerboard. They seem to have good height but just flattened. I will take it to a tech. thanks for the replies.
the24thfret
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2007
- Messages
- 2,461
So a level and crown involves kind of shaving the frets down?
beej
Moderator
Yes. Filing them down so they're level with regards to one another, and dressing each fret properly.
kimonostereo
Well-known member
Yep. Frets are leveled, then crowned. In other words, the frets are filed with a long straight file so they are all the same height, then given back their shape by rounding the tops back with a crowning file. Some old school luthiers can do it with just regular files too!
My Al probably needs a refret. The frets are pretty worn down in the middle from tons of bends throughout the years. I wonder if the previous owners giged with this one?
My Al probably needs a refret. The frets are pretty worn down in the middle from tons of bends throughout the years. I wonder if the previous owners giged with this one?
kimonostereo
Well-known member
Totally agree! That's something that some folks don't look at.
Assumer
Well-known member
When it is time for a refret, I keep hearing about pleked necks. Is it worth it to have this done or just send it back to MM. There necks play so nice I can't see a need to have anything extra done.
Totally agree.
lukather101
Well-known member
I had a nightmare getting my Luke setup but a top guitar Tech (close friend of spuds) finally got it sorted.
That guitar had raised frets from the 12th up and he had to take a lot off them to get it to play buzz free but I have to say that when playing it know I don't notice the difference in the fret height.
All I know is that compared to when I took it in it now feels really nice, well worth getting it done..
That guitar had raised frets from the 12th up and he had to take a lot off them to get it to play buzz free but I have to say that when playing it know I don't notice the difference in the fret height.
All I know is that compared to when I took it in it now feels really nice, well worth getting it done..
