What's up guy. I have a 79 strat who's frets are pretty low. I was wondering if you guys thought it would be wise to refret it or buy a replacment neck so the orignal remails untouched? Thanks for your thoughs.

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Otto

Definately re-fret. Even vintage instruments.

The few vintage afficiando's that I know all agree that a vintage instrument must be in a decent playable condition. Thats why no one worries about replaced nuts or frets. They know these parts wear out with use. If its not playable its only good for the bin whether it be a 54 or a 2004, is the general opinion among collectors.

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No no and no

under that train of thought I would need to replace it with the same fret type/ size as what it has don't I. The guitar heen seriouly played. it has all the dings and scuffs of a 30 year old guitar (none of which came from me and I have had almost 10 years) The frets are not unplayable but I think it may be time.

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Otto

under that train of thought I would need to replace it with the same fret type/ size as what it has don't I. The guitar heen seriouly played. it has all the dings and scuffs of a 30 year old guitar (none of which came from me and I have had almost 10 years) The frets are not unplayable but I think it may be time.

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Otto

Forget about replacing the neck.

Take your guitar to a luthier (not a tech) and get his opinion. The frets may be low, but may only need a level and polish, and a fresh setup. Otherwise, if a refret is in order, specify exact size replacement frets and let him do it.

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-- Joe --
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Man, that is hard to answer since it is really up to you. I mean if you really like that neck, you may want to refret it so you can continue to play on it. If you want to keep the guitar original for future investment/collection purposes but still want to play it now, a new neck may be a good idea, as you can swap the original back on when necessary.

I wonder how much a refret affects the value of a vintage guitar though?

I sure someone will chime in

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Guitars:
1. mid 70's Ventura MIJ Gibson l6-s clone (Pre-lawsuit) in Black with Rosewood FB and EMG 81 BR/ 85 Neck
2. ESP KH2 Neck Thru
3. 2008 Am Std Strat in 3 tone sunburst

Personally I would get a fret job on the original neck.

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I didn't Lose my mind, I traded it for this guitar.

Re-fret

$15 a fret is a common price in the USA.

21 frets $315.

If that's all that is required.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

It doesnt collectors expect certain things to be done to keep a guitar playable. Refrets are something they expect on played guitars of a certain age.

I'd look to vintage guitar dealers to find out fretsize.

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No no and no

I tried to see if there are any Plek guys in my area and there are non. The guitar is not 100% orginal (I am sure most 30 strats have had some mods) the thought of having reftreted is a little scary. I would hate for the neck to get ruined. Choices choices choices...

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Otto

That is why you go to someone who is known for good fret work.
A Plek machine won't replace the frets for you that is only for precision leveling the frets. Totally unnecessary on an old instrument. A good luthier is all you need.

Here's the latest rates (averaged) :

http://www.guitarrepairshop.com/blu.html

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Get it refretted,replacing the neck would be as unnecessary as replacing the rims and all when you need new tires.You're used to that neck and a 79 neck is a keeper.You can specify any type fret you like you don't have to stick to the original size and type.There's a chance that you can get away with just getting the frets dressed which would be much cheaper but make sure you get someone who knows what he's doing.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Thanks a lot guys. The guitar does not need new frets they are low but have always been that way as long as I have had it. You have given me a lot of food for thought. If i decide to freshen her up

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Otto

I would charge probably $380. to refret that neck because of its being a 70's neck and the frets are not press in they are put in from the side. To remove you have to tap them out sideways or else you will tear the fingerboard up.

That's the reason you never had loose frets in the old days!!!!

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