Fret wear questions

[bass&cookies]

first off, how do you when to get a fretjob? do you just do it when stuff starts buzzin and clackin, or when it looks really noticable?

also, those of you that slap alot do you get alot of wear on the highest fret?

 

[jongitarz]

I wouldn't worry too much unless you get some buzzing etc. and depending on how much wear there is, you may just need to have the frets leveled and re-crowned.

 

[bass&cookies]

alright, thanks! no buzzing or anything, its just looking really noticeable. do you know about how much that might cost?

 

[Figjam]

Unless your bass is a good 10 years old and was used heavily with stainless strings, I would say your in good shape. My sterling is 9 years old and the frets are still fine. When your frets start to get divets in them and they become uneven, then its time.

 

[spencer]

how much does it cost? Mines 17 years old and its got some wear. Not saying its bad but its there.

 

[jongitarz]

Give a call to customer service 1 866 823-2255. They will let you know.

 

[Sonnyonbass]

The frets on my Sterling and Stingray 5 are still in good shape. Only the first two (or are that the last two) frets show some dents because of the slapping.

Replacing just 2 frets isn't a good idea I guess.

 

[dlloyd]

The frets on my Sterling and Stingray 5 are still in good shape. Only the first two (or are that the last two) frets show some dents because of the slapping.

Replacing just 2 frets isn't a good idea I guess.

Assuming you mean the two frets closest to the body, I'd say, "why bother?" Is it impairing your playing at all?

 

[Sonnyonbass]

Assuming you mean the two frets closest to the body, I'd say, "why bother?" Is it impairing your playing at all?

That's correct!


No not at all. When I see that the strings will start eating away the board I'll bring it in for repair!

 

[kakobass]

If the fretwear does not affect sound, I would not do a thing. Frets are meant to be worn. Some basses might play perfectly with plenty of wear or "grooves" in them. The problem is when the fret height starts to diminish and the frets is being compressed, then it may cause buzzing.

When that happens, you can raise the action a bit and keep playing it until it wears even more, and playability is compromised.

The next step is to get a fret-leveling job, which means sanding and slightly reshaping the frets. This should cost no more than $100-$150.

Then, when you have done a couple of fret-leveling jobs is when you need a full "fret job," which means replacing and dressing all the frets, which could cost from $300 to $500, depending on how famous the luthier is.

Fret wear depends greatly on the string type, the fret material, and the player, but in general, I would say that if you play one bass al ot, it may need a fret-leveling once a year, and a complete fret job every 5 years or so (as a very general estimate.)

 

[Figjam]

Once a year? Thats a little rough. I'm going to have to say that would only be necesary if you play a LOT and use stainless strings.

 

[lonote049]

A levelling and dressing is relatively inexpensive (~$100) and I consider it routine manitenence, like changing your car's oil. I do it myself, it's not hard if you have the right tools. I would say, though, if you don't have the right tools or you aren't 100% certain of your abilities, let a pro do it.

 

[jongitarz]

If the fretwear does not affect sound, I would not do a thing. Frets are meant to be worn. Some basses might play perfectly with plenty of wear or "grooves" in them. The problem is when the fret height starts to diminish and the frets is being compressed, then it may cause buzzing.

When that happens, you can raise the action a bit and keep playing it until it wears even more, and playability is compromised.

The next step is to get a fret-leveling job, which means sanding and slightly reshaping the frets. This should cost no more than $100-$150.

Then, when you have done a couple of fret-leveling jobs is when you need a full "fret job," which means replacing and dressing all the frets, which could cost from $300 to $500, depending on how famous the luthier is.

Fret wear depends greatly on the string type, the fret material, and the player, but in general, I would say that if you play one bass al ot, it may need a fret-leveling once a year, and a complete fret job every 5 years or so (as a very general estimate.)

I think that if you have to raise the action, playability is already compromised.

 

[Tnavis]

I had the frets re-crowned on my Stingray after six years or so. It ran around $80, but i imagine the price will change wildly depending on who does the work and where it's done at.

 

[nicolasd]

quadruple zero steel wool is what i've used on my frets to smooth them out.

-n.