Fret Work - Polish, Recrown, Level & Refret
A common repair undertaken at Torbay Guitar Repairs is fret work, sometimes called fret dressing. Worn frets doesn't always mean a refret is needed, depending on the condition of the frets, there are several options with example pictures listed below.
Fret Polishing
During the life of a guitar the frets tend to wear, stain and sometimes tarnish. The result of this means the frets lose their smooth feel, string bends and fretting the notes feels rough, affecting the playability of the guitar.
The solution is a fret polish, this process is done by hand to avoid any unwanted marking that can be caused by using buffing machines. The result is completely smooth frets restored back to an almost mirror shine, along with a detail clean of the fretboard, it transforms the feel of the guitar!
During the life of a guitar the frets tend to wear, stain and sometimes tarnish. The result of this means the frets lose their smooth feel, string bends and fretting the notes feels rough, affecting the playability of the guitar.
The solution is a fret polish, this process is done by hand to avoid any unwanted marking that can be caused by using buffing machines. The result is completely smooth frets restored back to an almost mirror shine, along with a detail clean of the fretboard, it transforms the feel of the guitar!
Recrowning the Frets
Over years of playing or heavy playing the frets can become flat or indented, causing the fretted note to buzz when played or sounding dull. This is because the surface area of the string and fret touching is increased. With a fret recrown the curve is put back into the frets, reducing the surface area and allowing fretted notes to ring clear once more. The frets are then polished at the same time along with a clean and treatment of the fingerboard.
Sharp/unfinished fret ends can also be a problem, catching the players hand as its moved along the neck, this is solved with a detail file and polish, which is the same price as a fret recrown.
Over years of playing or heavy playing the frets can become flat or indented, causing the fretted note to buzz when played or sounding dull. This is because the surface area of the string and fret touching is increased. With a fret recrown the curve is put back into the frets, reducing the surface area and allowing fretted notes to ring clear once more. The frets are then polished at the same time along with a clean and treatment of the fingerboard.
Sharp/unfinished fret ends can also be a problem, catching the players hand as its moved along the neck, this is solved with a detail file and polish, which is the same price as a fret recrown.
Fret Leveling
If a guitar has uneven frets it leads to dead notes and notes choking, even with a high action. The solution is filing the frets until they are completely level, allowing a lower action and every note to be played easier. The frets are then recrowned and hand polished to a smooth finish. The action of the guitar is often adjusted after a fret level as normally a lower string height can be achieved.
If a guitar has uneven frets it leads to dead notes and notes choking, even with a high action. The solution is filing the frets until they are completely level, allowing a lower action and every note to be played easier. The frets are then recrowned and hand polished to a smooth finish. The action of the guitar is often adjusted after a fret level as normally a lower string height can be achieved.
Refretting
During the life of a guitar, it can often need its frets to be removed and new ones fitted due to wear and tear. Based on standard playing, normally frets can be recrowned and leveled several times before needing a refret.
If a guitar does need a refret, we discuss with the customer the options of fret size and height along with the choice of standard nickel or stainless steel frets, please note there is a small additional charge for stainless steel frets and maple fingerboards due to the extra time involved.
After the old frets are removed and the fingerboard is prepared, the new frets are installed in the traditional technique taught at Totnes School Of Guitar Making, this hand method allows greater control of accuracy even with varying fingerboard radius's. After the new frets have been installed, the frets are then leveled, recrowned and the hand polished. The guitar is then set up to accommodate the new frets and the customers playing style!
During the life of a guitar, it can often need its frets to be removed and new ones fitted due to wear and tear. Based on standard playing, normally frets can be recrowned and leveled several times before needing a refret.
If a guitar does need a refret, we discuss with the customer the options of fret size and height along with the choice of standard nickel or stainless steel frets, please note there is a small additional charge for stainless steel frets and maple fingerboards due to the extra time involved.
After the old frets are removed and the fingerboard is prepared, the new frets are installed in the traditional technique taught at Totnes School Of Guitar Making, this hand method allows greater control of accuracy even with varying fingerboard radius's. After the new frets have been installed, the frets are then leveled, recrowned and the hand polished. The guitar is then set up to accommodate the new frets and the customers playing style!
We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and like to ensure that all fret work done in the workshop is to the highest possible standard. Please feel free to contact us if you wish to book your guitar/bass in for any fret work and we'll be more than happy to help!