Fender Stratocaster Refret

This well gigged Strat was in the workshop for a refret, it's owner is a regular customer and we've been looking after this guitar for years. We reliced the neck at one point to match the reliced body the customer purchased as an upgrade.
It already had had several fret dressings before the frets had finally worn down to needing a refret! 

With all our work we take the up most care and attention, especially with any refret or fretwork, we always mask everything to protect it. However with this guitar, from previously working on it,  we already knew that the  customer doesn't want any protect for his guitar, as he likes any marks and dirt to add to the worn look of the guitar. 

With the refret, it had been decided after discussion, to have a played in feel to the frets, with the fret ends polished with a rounded end. This feels more comfortable in the hand, than a straight, flat fret end commonly found on new guitars.

​First the old worn frets are carefully removed before the new frets can be cut, profiled and hammered into place. The over bend on the end helps the frets to stay in position while the glue sets. 

Next the overhang of the frets is trimmed back before the frets can be leveled. If the frets have been installed well then there will be very little leveling needed.

Once the frets are 100% level, they are recrowned to ensure correct intonation of the fretted notes and allow smooth bending of the strings.
The tops of the frets are marked to ensure the level tops are not affected while the curve of the frets is filed into each fret.​
Once the frets have been crowned, they are hand polished to a shine. This is not only pleasing to the eye but gives a comfortable feel when playing and bending fretted notes.
All the work done, a new bone nut was cut and fitted and the guitar was setup ready for the customer to gig with the guitar once more!