I'm just wondering about the cost to refret a vintage guitar. (the one I just got)

I'm hoping some people could tell me the most durable frets to get as well.

To start:

It has a rosewood fretboard.

It has binding on the fretboard.

It's 21 frets.

It's a short scale, I believe similar to that of a Gibson.

The neck is similar to that of a baseball bat.

With all of this info, could someone give me an estimate?

_________________
1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

I am assuming you live in the Washington DC area.

Might want to check with either one of these shops:

http://www.jadeguitars.org/default.html

http://www.woodenwizardguitars.com/index.html

I can highly reccommend both of them.

_________________
Bill

I live fairly close to Wooden Wizard. If they offer a better price or a better timeframe for completion of the work than Alexandria Music Co, I'll go there.

Also, what kind of frets should I get. I've worn my Telecaster to hell over the past year, I need something that will last.

_________________
1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

I am not familar with the Alexandria shop.

I have used Jade Guitars and I have been working part time for Wooden Wizards since being laid off. But I am not recommending them because of that. I am recommending them because Larry, the owner of WW, does excellent work. You would have to talk with him about price, but things are slow for all the shops in the area, so turnaround should be pretty quick. Don't worry. I would not be working on your guitar. I do mostly electronics, basic setups and have been learning how to cut nuts and dress frets. I have not seen Jade Guitars shop, but Larry will gladly show you around his. They both work out of their homes.

_________________
Bill

Well, so far they've given the best estimate out of the few I've called. Alexandria is the closest to me, but I have to bring it in and allow the manager to assess it before he feels comfortable giving me an estimate.

Anyways, if I remember correctly, he said about $350-$450 for it. One guy said $700 when I mentioned stainless steel. not taking my business there. (Crossroad Guitars)

But I trust you with it enough to possibly leave it with you for a few weeks, again, it all depends on prices. The people at Alexandria know me, so maybe they'll show some love. If not, I'll probably come your way.

_________________
1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Phone calls are cheap. Give Larry a call. He would not recommend anything that you don't really need. Its worth the trip there just to see his shop. Maybe I'll be there that day too, slaving over a hot soldering iron. Unless I find a real job first.

_________________
Bill

I hope you guys pot pickups too.

Anyways, if I bring this thing in, I'm sure it'l be a real treat.

_________________
1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Potting pickups is probably preferable to picking up pot.

In the short time I have been there, I have seen some mighty interesting guitars.

_________________
Bill

Stainless steel is the most durable. I have stainless steel frets on my Forum Caster Strat and I'm extremely happy with them. It's been my main axe for 6 months now, and the frets are in as good of shape as they were new. With regular frets I'd probably be looking at a fret level several months down the road. I think they give the guitar a slightly brighter attack, but it's not bad sounding and you still have your tone knobs and amp EQ to tone things down if you want.

Refretting costs upwards of $300 on average. And for stainless steel some guys will add about $100 to the price to replace their tools, which get eaten up by it. That is why I went with ordering a new neck rather than replacing the frets on my $100 Squier. You can get a new neck, designed to your specs, with stainless steel frets for the same (if not less) as it costs to refret your existing neck. I got my neck through these guys. http://www.usacustomguitars.com/

I'm not saying you have to, but it's just another option to take into consideration in that price range.

_________________
Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalairdmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckslaird
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckslaird

Am I missing something here, 350-400 for a fret job? The guy I use charges 10 bucks a fret 9 frets=90 bucks and 50 to dress the entire neck. Why would you put 350 dollars into a 100 dollar guitar?

Thanks guys, I'm really actually considering the new neck option. I really love the quality and feel of the current one, though. And yes, I was told that my extra $100 would go towards his new tools.

But the reason I want to put money into it is because I love the way it sounds. It's very strange, to say the least. Nothing like a Telecaster or Stratocaster at all. It's just odd and I love it.

_________________
1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Do I get to pick the wax

_________________
1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Only if its from your ears.

_________________
Bill

Then I'd have to eat it.

_________________
1984 Squier Contemporary Stratocaster
1986 Peavey Envoy 110
1967 Kingston Acoustic

Ok. I think we should stop now.

_________________
Bill