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Post subject: Refret or replacment neck
Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 10:43 am
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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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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:11 am
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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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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:27 am
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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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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:29 am
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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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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:39 am
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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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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:41 am
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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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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:45 am
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Personally I would get a fret job on the original neck.

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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 12:23 pm
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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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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 12:46 pm
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firstrat wrote:

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

I sure someone will chime in


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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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 1:45 pm
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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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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 1:56 pm
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brokenvail wrote:
I tried to see if there are any Plek guys in my area...I would hate for the neck to get ruined. Choices choices choices...


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.


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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 2:20 pm
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Here's the latest rates (averaged) :

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

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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 5:06 pm
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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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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 7:47 pm
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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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Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2010 9:53 pm
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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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