Frets are the metal strips on the guitar’s neck that mark the different notes on the fretboard. Over time, frets can become worn down and pitted, making it difficult to play the guitar in tune. In some cases, frets may even need to be replaced altogether.
Re-fretting a guitar is the process of removing the old frets and installing new ones. It is a relatively complex process, but it can be done by a skilled luthier or guitarist with the right tools and experience.
When is it necessary to re-fret a guitar?
There are a few signs that it may be time to re-fret your guitar:
- Fret buzz: Fret buzz is a harsh, buzzing sound that occurs when the strings come into contact with the frets. This can be caused by worn or damaged frets.
- Dead spots: Dead spots are areas on the fretboard where the notes sound dull or lifeless. This can also be caused by worn frets.
- Difficulty playing in tune: If you find that your guitar is difficult to keep in tune, it may be a sign that the frets are worn unevenly.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is a good idea to have your guitar inspected by a qualified luthier to see if it needs to be re-fretted.
The re-fretting process
The re-fretting process can be broken down into the following steps:
- Remove the strings and hardware. This includes the bridge, tuning pegs, and nut.
- Remove the old frets. This can be done using a fret puller or a small saw.
- Clean the fretboard. Once the old frets have been removed, the fretboard should be cleaned with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution.
- Level the fretboard. This is done to ensure that all of the frets are the same height. A fret leveling tool is used to remove any high spots on the fretboard.
- Cut new fret slots. This is done using a fret slotting saw. The slots should be cut to the correct depth and width for the new frets.
- Install the new frets. The new frets are pressed into the slots using a fret press.
- Crown the frets. This is done to give the frets a rounded profile, which makes them more comfortable to play. A fret crowning file is used to shape the frets.
- Polish the frets. Once the frets have been crowned, they should be polished to a smooth finish. This can be done using a fret polishing file or a polishing compound.
- Reinstall the strings and hardware.
Once the re-fretting process is complete, the guitar should be set up properly. This includes adjusting the truss rod, intonation, and action.
How much does it cost to re-fret a guitar?
The cost of re-fretting a guitar can vary depending on the type of guitar, the materials used, and the experience of the luthier. However, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for a professional re-fretting job.
Is it worth it to re-fret a guitar?
Whether or not it is worth it to re-fret a guitar depends on a few factors, including the condition of the guitar, the cost of the re-fretting job, and how much you use the guitar.
If the guitar is in good overall condition and the cost of the re-fretting job is reasonable, then it is probably worth it to re-fret the guitar. This will give the guitar a new lease on life and make it more playable.
However, if the guitar is in poor condition or the cost of the re-fretting job is high, then it may not be worth it to re-fret the guitar. In this case, it may be better to purchase a new guitar.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to re-fret a guitar is a personal one.
