Recommendations for BFR Luke III Refret Luthier

[KenKenobi125]

Hello EBMM Fam,

Sorry I've been a bit overwhelmed with other things these days...keep a good thought for me.

In the midst of it all, I am in the process of making some gear decisions (trimming out stuff, fixing stuff, etc.) , and I want to know who everyone considers to be the best luthier in the USA to refret my Luke III BFR. Luke and my Clapton from 89 need refrets. (Clapton needs and electronics/cleanup overhaul, too).

These are my primary guitars and both need the love.

So, I ask the hive mind:

1. Who has had great experiences with whom, and is it worth having a PLEK equipped luthier do it?
2. I love the fret size and wire feel, should I go stainless in the stock size?

Thank you all! Peace!

 

[Wide'Iwas]

Back in 2019 I shipped my 2001 Axis back to EBMM for refret. Price was really good for factory refret. I would send Customer care email see if this is still and option.

 

[beej]

Last I checked, MM isn't doing non-warranty work. (And that's a shame because they do great work- I've had refrets there too.)

Best in the USA? Whereabouts are you? Maybe someone can recommend a local luthier.) I don't think you need to go the Plek route personally; just find someone with a good track record.

Re size/material- all personal choice. I like stainless, but you do get a little high end 'ping' off the frets whey they buzz. May or may not bother you. But they feel amazing and last.

 

[Virtuoso]

Michael Tuttle has an excellent reputation - www.bestfrets.com

 

[ruger9]

I agree with sending it back to EBMM.

I WHOLEHEARTEDLY RECOMMEND STAINLESS STEEL, if they will do it... if not, I would let a Luther install SS before letting EBMM install nickel... that's how much better I think SS is. You've never bent until you've bent on SS. It's like skating on ice.

 

[DrKev]

I constantly switch between my Cutlass with stainless steel frets and my Silhouette Special with nickel frets. I never think about the difference, other than how happy I am that the Cutlas has no fret wear. Stainless are awesome!

 

[Eilif]

The sound of stainless frets bothered me for a while, but I got used to it (or got over it); the difference in sound is minimal. But the FEEL! Good grief. I can't imagine ever going with nickel-silver over stainless, given a choice.