Question Refretting a JP6... with BIG frets?

[Rachmaninoff]

Hey people,

I really like the JP6 on all aspects, but I'm a huge fan of big frets, particularly the Dunlop 6105. So, do you guys think it would be worth to completely refret a JP6 (which doesn't need a fretwork at all), just to place these big frets on it? Possible? Pointless? Dangerous?

 

[Lou]

Sure it could be done. Likely need a new nut to go with it.

 

[Kenji20022]

^ Agreed, new nut would be a must and you can just adjust the saddles at the bridge to match the new string height.

I don't think it's worth it to do unless the guitar needs a refret already, something you can plan ahead for but I'd definitely wear those frets in a bit before doing so!

 

[Rachmaninoff]

Likely need a new nut to go with it.

Ugh, you right. It's not so easy.

 

[Firesource]

A good tech should be able to make a new nut for your guitar. I believe the re-fretting part of it would be a lot more expensive than a new nut.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

I had bigger frets put on my sunburst Axis. Its easily done by a competent tech, though a little pricey.

 

[Rachmaninoff]

Did you have a new nut too?
If so, any problems with it?

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Did you have a new nut too?
If so, any problems with it?

No. The frets were not much taller, so the original nut is still on there. They were more fatter (Stewmac 149 wire)

In fact, I am soon going to have them dressed and there is plenty of meat to work with!

 

[damirpuh]

Regarding the nut, I think it would be possible to raise it with a shim underneath...

 

[DrKev]

Regarding the nut, I think it would be possible to raise it with a shim underneath...

Correct. Easy work for any tech who can do a good quality refret.

 

[damirpuh]

I'm going with really big frets on my Luke next week. It will definitely require the nut to be shimmed up. I have a tech that I trust and I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[Rachmaninoff]

I'm going with really big frets on my Luke next week.

Please document the process and post it here... it would be really interesting to see.

 

[damirpuh]

Please document the process and post it here... it would be really interesting to see.

It's done. I got it refretted with Jescar 57110 Nickel Silver wire, which size-wise is something between Dunlop 6000 and 6100. So yeah...quite big. The tech was not a fan of shims and decided to cut a new bone nut. All I can say is that the guitar plays better than ever, those big frets in combination with the neck profile feel amazing. The guitar became much louder and resonates a lot more too, which is always a great side effect.

 

[Tollywood]

Wow - those look like railroad tracks. Or, braces from the 80's.

Killer mod - George Lynch would approve of the hefty size. Well done.

 

[Rachmaninoff]

The tech was not a fan of shims and decided to cut a new bone nut.

That's awesome, thanks for the reply. I'm feeling really tempted to do the same.
The original nut was bone too, or you chose it?

 

[damirpuh]

Wow - those look like railroad tracks. Or, braces from the 80's.

Killer mod - George Lynch would approve of the hefty size. Well done.

Sarcasm?

 

[ocaptainjr2]

Wow, I've been thinking about this on my JP6. Be curious how it would work out.

Sent from Moto X

 

[Tollywood]

Sarcasm?

No sarcasm at all; I really do love the mod. Just trying to be funny. George Lynch (of Dokken) swears by big frets. And, the work looks flawless, so, well done. Believe me, I am all about mods to make a guitar perfect for you. Check my signature Have a great day!

 

[damirpuh]

No sarcasm at all; I really do love the mod. Just trying to be funny. George Lynch (of Dokken) swears by big frets. And, the work looks flawless, so, well done. Believe me, I am all about mods to make a guitar perfect for you. Check my signature Have a great day!

It's all good mate, sometimes it's very easy to misjudge the meaning of a post via the computer screen. I'm sorry.

I didn't know that Lynch prefers big frets, but I know players like Guthrie, Yngwie, Gilbert and Aldrich really do. I've been revisiting my own playing style lately and I realized how important vibrato, bending and other "note-colorations" are to my overall style. Having tall frets definitely makes those things a bit easier, so...the smaller frets had to go. Have a rockin' day!

 

[Rachmaninoff]

the smaller frets had to go.

More questions:

1) Did your guitar originally had a bone nut? If not, why did you choose it?

2) Did you compare it to the JPX, which has stock jumbo frets?