Hello everyone. I'm a first time poster, but long time reader and Fender player. I've gotten a lot of good information from this site from time to time. I currently have a 2007 American Standard Strat, a Korean Fender Gemini Flatop (1994) and the one I want to ask advice on is my 1983-84 (haven't determined exact year) American made Telecaster.
The frets have become worn fairly flat and it has become unplayable at lower actions due to the buzz near the higher numbered frets.

I would like to have it refretted, but I have to admit I am a little squeamish. It has a maple neck that has aged beautifully, and I am scared that a technician will not be able to do the work without hurting it's appearance some. The intrument otherwise is in excellent shape. I am 34 and have owned and played this guitar since I was 13, so it has a lot of sentimental value.
My question is to anyone who has had this done before. What can I expect? Will it damage the finish, or scratch the neck? Should I do it in the first place, or just leave it alone and live with a higher action?

Thanks for any replies.

Sorry, I just realized I put this under the strat forum. I usually read this one since my new Fender is a strat. ( which buy the way is an awesome guitar)

If its unplayable then I would say you have no choice. What good is a guitar that you can not play so find a good tech it should be no problem then you can continue to add to the used look of the neck the old fashion way.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

There are really skilled people out there, If you take it to a professional dude that has a lot of experience on that .. then there should be no problem adn the guitar should come out really nice refretted

I'd take it to a licensed Fender repair person and see what they can do. It is their job to preserve the guitar when they are working on them. I do suggest before and after pictures just in case something goes wrong.

I agree with the above post, what good is the guitar if you cannot play it. I'd repair/refret it just to get it back into service.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

Yeah, gotta agree with everyone else. If you can't play it, what good is it?
I had an old Strat refetted and it came back in perfect shape.
But find a really good tech in your area.

I agree with those above. Just do your due diligence. Find someone with a strong reputation.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm likely going to have the work done. It's not doing much good for me put away in it's case.

let us know how it goes. i can't stress enough, if you don't already know someone you trust with this, research. Don't turn over your axe to anyone who won't or can't supply references for you to check out.